Why These 5 US Pennies Could Be Worth More Than Gold
You might be carrying a small fortune without knowing it. Certain US pennies are rare error coins or low-mintage issues that collectors pay high prices for.
This guide explains five specific US pennies that often trade for thousands or more, how to spot them, and what steps to take if you find one in your wallet.
What Makes a US Penny Valuable
Penny value depends on rarity, demand, condition, and error type. Some varieties were produced in small numbers or resulted from mint mistakes.
Collectors pay premiums for well-documented varieties and coins in good condition. Even circulated examples of some types can be worth many times their weight in metal.
How to Check Your US Pennies
Checking coins requires patience and a few simple tools. You don’t need expert equipment to spot likely candidates.
Use a magnifying glass, good light, and a checklist of key features to compare against known varieties.
- Look for unusual dates and mintmarks (S, D, or no mark where expected).
- Check for doubling on the date or lettering (doubled die).
- Examine composition — is it steel or bronze for 1943?
- Note any unusual wear patterns, planchet flaws, or off-center strikes.
These 5 US Pennies to Watch For
Below are five US pennies that collectors prize. Each heading includes the coin and what to look for.
1909-S VDB US Penny
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent was struck in San Francisco and carries designer Victor D. Brenner’s initials on the reverse.
Look for the letters VDB on the lower reverse rim. Low survival numbers make this one sought after, especially in higher grades.
1914-D US Penny
The 1914-D Lincoln cent from the Denver Mint had a very low mintage. Mint records show limited production, so even worn examples fetch strong prices.
Check the date and the small D mintmark below the wreath. Any decent grade is worth close inspection by a dealer or grader.
1922 Plain (No D) US Penny
The 1922-D Lincoln cent commonly shows a D mintmark, but some were over-polished and lost their mintmark, producing the rare 1922 “Plain” variety.
If the coin appears to have no mintmark where you expect one, examine under a magnifier; this variety can be valuable even when worn.
1955 Doubled Die US Penny
The 1955 doubled die obverse is one of the most famous modern penny errors. The doubling is most visible on the date and the words UNITED STATES.
Hold the coin under an angle and look for doubled lettering or numbers. Even circulated examples can be worth hundreds to thousands depending on severity.
1943 Copper (Bronze) US Penny
During World War II, most 1943 pennies were struck in zinc-coated steel. A few were struck on leftover copper planchets, producing extremely rare copper 1943 cents.
These are visually distinct: a copper color rather than silver-gray. They are among the rarest and most valuable modern error pennies.
Simple Steps If You Find One of These US Pennies
Handling and documenting your find correctly preserves value. Follow a few straightforward steps to protect your potential discovery.
- Do not clean the coin. Cleaning can drastically reduce value.
- Handle by the edges to avoid fingerprints and oils.
- Photograph the coin clearly from both sides under good light.
- Compare with images from respected numismatic resources and price guides.
- Consult a dealer or consider third-party grading (PCGS, NGC) if the coin appears valid and valuable.
How Dealers Authenticate US Pennies
Experienced dealers look for die markers, weight, and composition. For some varieties, machines and X-ray fluorescence can confirm metal composition.
Third-party grading services authenticate and grade coins for a fee, which often helps secure a higher market price when selling.
Real-World Example: A Small Jar, Big Surprise
A collector cleaned out a jar of change and spotted a slightly off-color 1943 cent. The unusual copper tone led them to seek verification from a local coin dealer.
After authentication and grading, the coin drew significant interest. While every sale varies, rare 1943 copper cents have historically attracted high bids at auction.
Practical Tips for Everyday Searches
Make checking your change a habit for a few minutes each week. Focus on coins with clear dates and unusual appearances.
Keep a reference list on your phone with the five types above and a photo for quick comparison. Pennies that look unusual are worth a closer look.
Where to Learn More and Sell Safely
Use trusted coin books, reputable dealer websites, and numismatic forums for research. Avoid quick online sales without documentation for high-value finds.
If you plan to sell, get multiple opinions and consider auction houses or established coin dealers. Grading by a trusted service can increase buyer confidence and final price.
Checking your wallet can be rewarding. With a magnifier and a bit of knowledge, you could find one of these five US pennies — and one coin could be worth far more than its face value.