5 Rare U.S. Pennies Still in Circulation That Could Be Worth $278 Million

The coin in your pocket is really worth thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars? Throughout the U.S. A surprising number of unusual penny coins still remain in circulation, quietly moving through hands and cash registers, awaiting discovery by a fortunate collector or unaware owner.

All together, five extremely rare penny coins in circulation in the U.S. are valued at a total of $278 million. Let’s learn about these numismatic gems that might make your loose change into a fortune.

1. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny – Worth Up to $1 Million Each

During World War II, the U.S. Mint was attempting to save copper for the war effort, so pennies in 1943 were minted in steel and plated with zinc. But a few bronze planchets from 1942 were accidentally left in the presses. The outcome? The mythical 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny.

It is estimated that only around 10-20 of these bronze pennies exist. If you find one that adheres to a magnet, it’s the steel version. If not, it may be the scarce bronze error. Authenticated samples have sold for up to $1 million at auction.

Tip: Perform a magnet test first, then have it authenticated by a coin expert.

2. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny – Worth Up to $100,000

The 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent is probably the most legendary and desirable of all American coin collecting’s coin legends. The first year of the Lincoln cent, coins from San Francisco had “VDB” (the initials for Victor David Brenner, designer) at the bottom of the back side.

The initials were later eliminated due to public outcry, so the initial San Francisco mint coins are now extremely rare only 484,000 of them were ever made. If you own one in good shape, it can sell for as much as $100,000 or more.

Tip: Look on the reverse side of the coin, towards the rim. If you can see the minute “VDB” letters and an “S” mint mark, you could be holding a goldmine.

3. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny – Worth Up to $50,000

The doubled die Lincoln cent of 1955 is perhaps the most striking and costly mint error coin. Because of a slight misalignment in the minting process, the lettering and date of these coins seem doubled to the naked eye, particularly “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”

These are favored by collectors since the doubling is apparent and does not require magnification. The value of the coin, depending on its condition, can range from $1,000 to $50,000.

Tip: Take a close look at the lettering. If it appears shadowy or hazy, consider having the coin professionally graded.

4. 1944 Steel Lincoln Penny – Worth Up to $150,000

While the 1943 bronze penny was an error, the 1944 steel penny is also a product of a minting error. In 1944, the Mint had gone back to making pennies out of copper, but a small number of remaining steel planchets from 1943 were accidentally used.

Fewer than a few dozen of these coins are in existence. Their scarcity has driven their price up astronomically, with high-grade coins selling for up to $150,000.

Tip: If your 1944 penny adheres to a magnet, don’t waste it have it appraised straight away!

5. 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny – Worth Up to $18,000

1982 was a transition year for the Lincoln penny. The U.S. Mint changed over from copper to copper-plated zinc in order to save money. Both large-date and small-date coins were struck with both metals during the changeover.

The 1982-D Small Date penny that was struck in copper is the rarest of the combination and only one confirmed example is known to exist. Experts estimate there may be others out there circulating, unknown to their owners. If confirmed, the coins might be worth $18,000 or higher.

Tip: The copper penny is 3.11 grams, but the zinc penny is only 2.5 grams. Compare on a precision scale to aid in the identification of the copper version.

How to Check If Your Pennies Are Valuable

With these amazing values for what appear to be run-of-the-mill coins, you may be asking yourself how to know whether you have one of these treasures in your own collection. Here are a few simple steps to help you begin:

• Use a magnifying glass: Several valuable pennies contain subtle features such as mint marks or doubling that are difficult to detect with the naked eye.
• Test for magnetism: Steel pennies are magnetic. If a 1943 or 1944 penny adheres to a magnet (or doesn’t when it should), it might be scarce.
• Measure your coin: An accurate coin scale can assist you in distinguishing among copper and zinc alloys.
• Inspect the mint mark: Coins carrying an “S” (San Francisco) or “D” (Denver) mint mark are generally less common than Philadelphia coins.

Get graded and authenticated by a coin dealer or grading service: High-value coins should always be professionally graded and authenticated.

Read More :- 3 Rare Bicentennial Quarters Worth Up to $275,000 – Do You Have One?

Final Thoughts

The notion that millions of dollars worth of rare pennies are still circulating in the pockets of individuals or sitting in coin jars is exciting news for collectors and the common person alike. These 5 rare pennies have again and again demonstrated that treasure could be right under our noses.

If you have a collection of old coins or come across a peculiar-looking penny in your pocket change, don’t dismiss it. You might be sitting on a piece of American history that is a little more valuable than what most people earn in a lifetime.

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