$250 million for these six incredible pennies: Imagine finding a penny in your pocket change worth more than a luxury car or even a house. Sounds like a fairy tale, doesn’t it? Well, some pennies are worth a fortune. This article will look at six extraordinary pennies that have caught the attention of collectors all around the world. Are you sitting on one of those treasures?
$250 million for these six incredible pennies
Most of us just toss away pennies, but some are worth cash in the six figures. If you are interested in coins-thoroughly and well within your rights-why not explore the change on you? A little insight will help you spot that penny that could load heavy cash on your lap. So, the next time you cull a few pennies, don’t just throw them away. Check the date; if it’s magnetic, try otherwise; check for errors just in case. Who knows! One of these pennies could be coiling up somewhere in your pocket!!
| Coin | Year | Mint Mark | Notable Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1943-D Lincoln Bronze Wheat Penny | 1943 | D (Denver) | Minted in bronze instead of steel | Up to $2.3 million |
| 1944-S Steel Wheat Penny | 1944 | S (San Francisco) | Minted in steel instead of bronze | Up to $1.1 million |
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent | 1909 | S (San Francisco) | Features designer’s initials “VDB” | Up to $100,000 |
| 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Penny | 1955 | None | Prominent doubling of obverse inscriptions | Up to $1,800 |
| 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Penny | 1969 | S (San Francisco) | Significant doubling of obverse inscriptions | Up to $126,500 |
| 1983-D Bronze Penny | 1983 | D (Denver) | Minted in bronze instead of zinc | Up to $15,000 |
The Interesting Stories Behind $250 Million For These 6 Incredible Pennies
1. 1943-D Lincoln Bronze Wheat Penny
Copper was needed for war supplies during WW2; hence, pennies were made from zinc-coated steel in 1943. Quite a few bronze blanks must have slipped through, making these extremely rare.
- Estimated Value: $2.3 million max.
- Quirk: A magnet will help distinguish between the metals. If it does not stick-it is probably bronze.
2. 1944-S Steel Wheat Penny
This coin was created when a few steel planchets were mistakenly used after pennies reverted back to copper in 1944, producing a rare coin.
- Estimated Value: Up to $1.1 million
- Interesting fact: Only two 1944-S steel cents are confirmed to exist.
3. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
This was the first Lincoln penny, and there was some a stir regarding the designer’s initials (“VDB”), which led to the removal of the initials, resulting in high collectibility for this variation.
- Estimated Value: Up to $100,000
- Collector’s Insight: It commands the attention of any serious collector since there were fewer than 500,000 minted.
4. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Penny
A striking error that resulted in the date and lettering appearing doubled. It’s one of the most popular error coins among collectors.
- Estimated Value: Up to $1,800
- Spotting Tip: Closely inspect “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY.”
5. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Penny
This penny also has strong doubling on the obverse; many were mistakenly thrown out as counterfeits.
- Estimated Value: Up to $126,500
- Caution: Real ones are very rare, get it authenticated.
6. 1983-D Bronze Penny
While all the pennies for 1983 were supposed to be made out of zinc, a few bronze ones were accidentally produced.
- Estimated Value: Up to $15,000
- Quick Test: Weighing it (bronze is heavier than zinc) might help in identifying it.
Identifying What Makes a Penny Valuable
- The Year and Mint Mark Are Your First Clue
- Some years are scarcer than others. Look for mint marks under the date indicating “D” for Denver or “S” for San Francisco.
- Use a Magnet
- Steel pennies will stick to a magnet, but bronze and copper will not. This is a good way to eliminate the common types in the first round.
- Check for Errors
- Doubled letters, off-center strikes, or wrong metal can increase the penny’s value many times over.
- Condition Matters
- A coin in good condition (uncirculated or the mint state) is very much more valued.
- Get Help from a Professional
- Submit your coin to one of the major grading services—PCGS or NGC.
FAQs:
Are all old pennies worth money?
Not necessarily. Age alone doesn’t make a penny valuable. Condition, rarity, and errors matter more.
What’s the easiest way to spot a rare penny?
Start by looking for key dates (like 1943, 1944, or 1909) and unusual features (like doubling or metal differences). A magnet test and coin weight can also help.
Should I clean my old
coins?
No. Cleaning coins can actually lower their value significantly. Always handle coins by the edges and store them safely.
Where can I sell a rare penny?
Try reputable coin dealers, auction houses, or marketplaces like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers. Never sell to an unverified buyer online.