10 Rare Pennies : In the world of numismatics, few things capture the imagination quite like the possibility of finding an incredibly valuable coin in your pocket change.
While it might seem like a far-fetched dream, the truth is that there are still extremely rare and valuable pennies circulating in the United States today.
In this article, we’ll explore ten of the rarest pennies, each purportedly worth a staggering $112 million.
These elusive coins represent the pinnacle of numismatic treasure hunting, combining historical significance, minting errors, and extreme rarity to create astronomical values.
10 Rare Pennies The Allure of Rare Pennies
Before we dive into our list of ten $112 million pennies, it’s worth considering why these small copper coins can command such incredible prices. Several factors contribute to their value:
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Rarity: The fewer examples of a coin that exist, the more valuable it becomes.
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Historical Significance: Coins that mark important events or eras in history often carry premium values.
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Minting Errors: Mistakes made during the minting process can create unique coins that collectors covet.
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Condition: Well-preserved coins, especially those in “mint state,” are worth more than worn examples.
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Demand: The more collectors and investors desire a particular coin, the higher its price climbs.
With these factors in mind, let’s explore ten of the rarest and most valuable pennies that could still be found in circulation today.
1. The 1943 Copper Wheat Penny
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel for penny production to conserve copper for the war effort.
However, a few copper planchets (coin blanks) left over from 1942 made their way into the minting process, resulting in a small number of 1943 pennies struck in copper instead of steel.
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Year: 1943
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Estimated Number in Existence: 40
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Key Identifying Features: Copper color (unlike the silver-colored steel cents of 1943), wheat reverse design
The extreme rarity and historical significance of these pennies make them highly sought after by collectors and investors alike.
2. The 1944 Steel Wheat Penny
In a reverse of the previous year’s error, a few 1944 pennies were mistakenly struck on steel planchets left over from 1943.
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Year: 1944
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Estimated Number in Existence: 30
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Key Identifying Features: Silver color (due to steel composition), wheat reverse design
These coins are even rarer than their 1943 copper counterparts, contributing to their astronomical value.
3. The 1856 Flying Eagle Cent
The Flying Eagle Cent was a short-lived design, produced for only three years. The 1856 issue was essentially a pattern coin, with very few released into circulation.
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Year: 1856
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Estimated Number in Circulation: Less than 100
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Key Identifying Features: Flying eagle on obverse, wreath on reverse
While most known examples are in the hands of collectors, there’s always the slim chance that one could turn up in circulation.
4. The 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
Doubled die errors occur when the die used to stamp the coin is misaligned during the hubbing process, resulting in a doubled image.
The 1969-S Doubled Die is one of the most dramatic and valuable of these errors.
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Year: 1969
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Mint Mark: S (San Francisco)
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Estimated Number in Existence: 40-50
- Key Identifying Features: Visible doubling on obverse, especially noticeable in the date and lettering
This coin’s rarity and the prominence of its error contribute to its incredible value.
5. The 1992 Close AM Reverse Lincoln Cent
In 1993, the U.S. Mint modified the reverse die of the Lincoln Cent, moving the letters “AM” in “AMERICA” closer together. However, a few 1992 pennies were mistakenly struck with this new reverse die.
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Year: 1992
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Estimated Number in Existence: Less than 20 known
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Key Identifying Features: The letters “AM” in “AMERICA” are closer together than on standard 1992 pennies
The extreme rarity of this transitional error makes it one of the most valuable modern pennies.
6. The 1958 Doubled Die Obverse Wheat Penny
Another dramatic doubled die error, this time on the last year of the wheat reverse design.
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Year: 1958
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Estimated Number in Existence: 30-40
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Key Identifying Features: Visible doubling on obverse, particularly in the date and “LIBERTY”
The combination of it being the last year of the wheat reverse and the prominent doubling error makes this penny highly desirable.
7. The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
While not as rare as some others on this list, the 1909-S VDB holds a special place in numismatic history as the first Lincoln Cent and one of the lowest mintage issues in the series.
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Year: 1909
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Mint Mark: S (San Francisco)
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Estimated Number in Existence: 484,000 (but far fewer in circulation)
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Key Identifying Features: “VDB” initials on the reverse, S mint mark
Despite its higher mintage, finding one of these in circulation would be an incredible stroke of luck, especially in a condition that would warrant the $112 million valuation.
8. The 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
Perhaps the most famous doubled die error, the 1955 DDO is a holy grail for many coin collectors.
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Year: 1955
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Estimated Number in Existence: 20,000-24,000
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Key Identifying Features: Dramatic doubling on all obverse lettering and the date
While more examples exist compared to some others on this list, its fame and the dramatic nature of the error contribute to its high value.
9. The 1922 No D Lincoln Cent
In 1922, pennies were only minted in Denver. However, due to a worn die, some coins were struck without the “D” mint mark.
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Year: 1922
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Estimated Number in Existence: 10,000-15,000
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Key Identifying Features: Absence of “D” mint mark, weak strike on obverse
The unusual circumstances of its creation and its status as the only “plain” (no mint mark) cent issued between 1909 and 1968 make this a highly sought-after coin.
10. The 1943-D Copper Wheat Penny
Similar to the 1943 copper cent, but even rarer, is the 1943-D struck in copper at the Denver mint.
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Year: 1943
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Mint Mark: D (Denver)
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Estimated Number in Existence: 1 (possibly)
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Key Identifying Features: Copper color, D mint mark, 1943 date
With only one known example, this coin represents the pinnacle of rarity in the Lincoln Cent series.
10 Rare Pennies How to Identify These Rare Pennies
While the chances of finding one of these $112 million pennies are incredibly slim, it’s not impossible. Here are some tips for checking your change:
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Use a strong magnifying glass to examine dates, mint marks, and details.
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Familiarize yourself with the specific characteristics of each rare penny.
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Pay attention to the weight and color of the coins.
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Look for any signs of doubling or other errors.
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If you suspect you’ve found a valuable coin, have it authenticated by a professional numismatist.
10 Rare Pennies The Reality of the $112 Million Valuation
It’s important to note that while these pennies are incredibly valuable, the $112 million figure is likely an exaggeration or a speculative value.
In reality, even the rarest pennies typically sell for a few million dollars at most. The most expensive penny ever sold was a 1943-D copper wheat cent, which fetched $1.7 million in 2010.
The $112 million valuation might be based on potential future value, extreme market speculation, or simply hyperbole. However, the core message remains true: these pennies are extremely valuable and worth many times their face value.
10 Rare Pennies Conclusion: The Thrill of the Hunt
While the likelihood of finding a $112 million penny in your pocket change is vanishingly small, the possibility, however remote, adds an element of excitement to the mundane act of handling coins.
These rare pennies serve as a reminder of the rich history of American coinage and the fascinating quirks that can occur in the minting process.
For coin collectors and enthusiasts, the hunt for these elusive pennies is about more than just potential financial gain. It’s about connecting with history, appreciating craftsmanship, and participating in the age-old tradition of numismatics.
Whether you’re a serious collector or just someone who enjoys checking their change, keep your eyes open.
You never know when you might stumble upon a numismatic treasure worth far more than a single cent. And even if you never find that million-dollar penny, the search itself can be a rewarding and educational experience.
Remember, every penny has a story to tell. Some just happen to be worth $112 million.
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