Coin collectors know that not all pennies are created equal, and some vintage pennies can be worth far more than just one cent. Whether due to rare minting errors, low production numbers, or historical significance, certain pennies have skyrocketed in value over the years. In this blog, we’ll dive into 10 vintage pennies that could earn you a small fortune if you happen to find one in your collection or pocket change.
From the infamous 1943 copper penny to the 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent, these coins represent a goldmine for collectors and investors alike. Keep reading to discover which pennies could be hiding in your piggy bank, worth far more than their face value.
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent is one of the most sought-after pennies in the world of coin collecting. It is famous not only for its rarity but also because it was the first year the Lincoln cent was minted. The coin features the initials “VDB” (for designer Victor David Brenner) on the reverse side of the coin, making it a unique piece in numismatic history.
At the time of its release, the VDB initials were removed due to public outcry, which only added to the mystique of this particular penny. The 1909-S VDB is especially valuable in higher grades, with specimens in mint condition fetching thousands of dollars at auction. Coins with a grade of MS-65 or higher can command a price close to $100,000 or more, making it a top contender for any serious penny collector.
2. 1914-D Lincoln Cent
The 1914-D Lincoln cent is another highly desirable penny, known for its low mintage and strong demand among collectors. Minted in Denver, this coin was struck with a relatively small production number of only 1.2 million pieces. As a result, the 1914-D penny is considered rare and valuable, especially in higher grades.
The coin features the famous Lincoln portrait designed by Victor David Brenner and was the first series of pennies to feature Abraham Lincoln on the obverse. Coins in uncirculated or gem condition, particularly those with a grade of MS-65 or above, can command prices of over $20,000. Even lower-grade coins still retain significant value, typically ranging in the hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on their condition.
3. 1922 Plain Lincoln Cent
The 1922 Plain Lincoln cent is a rare and mysterious coin that has intrigued collectors for years. The story behind this penny begins with a production error where the “D” mintmark was missing from the reverse side of the coin. This caused a stir among numismatists, as the coin was intended to be minted in Denver. As a result, the 1922 Plain Lincoln cent is one of the most sought-after coins from the early 20th century.
Although the reason for the missing mintmark is debated, it is believed that some coins were struck without it due to die wear, while others may have been intentionally left blank. Coins in mint condition can sell for tens of thousands of dollars, with higher-grade examples approaching $50,000 or more. The 1922 Plain is a must-have for serious collectors looking to own a piece of American coinage history.
4. 1931-S Lincoln Cent
The 1931-S Lincoln cent is another example of a rare penny that is highly prized by collectors. Produced at the San Francisco mint, this penny was struck in smaller quantities compared to other years in the Lincoln cent series, making it harder to find in circulation today. Due to its low mintage, the 1931-S Lincoln cent has become a popular item among collectors, especially those looking to complete a full set of Lincoln pennies.
Coins in better grades, such as MS-65 or higher, can fetch between $3,000 and $5,000, while even lower-grade coins still hold a significant premium over face value. This coin is especially valuable due to its scarcity and the historical context surrounding its production.
5. 1943 Copper Penny
One of the most famous and valuable pennies is the 1943 copper penny. During World War II, the U.S. government switched from using copper to zinc-coated steel for penny production to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a small number of copper planchets were mistakenly used in the production of 1943 pennies.
As a result, a few rare 1943 copper pennies were struck, making them extremely valuable today. These pennies are worth far more than one cent—often in the range of hundreds of thousands of dollars, with some high-grade examples reaching over $1 million. Finding a 1943 copper penny is an incredibly rare event, and it is considered a prized treasure for any coin collector or investor.
6. 1955 Double Die Lincoln Cent
The 1955 Double Die Lincoln cent is one of the most famous error coins in American numismatic history. The double die error occurs when the coin’s design is struck twice by the die, resulting in a doubling effect on the lettering and details of the coin. In the case of the 1955 Double Die, the doubling is especially noticeable on the word “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
This error coin was produced in large numbers, but the rarity and high demand for the 1955 Double Die make it an important addition to any serious collection. A coin in mint condition can be worth over $10,000, while even those in lower grades can still fetch several hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the degree of the error.
7. 1969-S Double Die Lincoln Cent
The 1969-S Double Die Lincoln cent is another sought-after error coin that has become legendary in the world of numismatics. The double die error in this case is similar to the 1955 version, with doubling visible on the word “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” This error occurred due to a misalignment of the dies during production, and only a small number of these coins were minted.
As a result, the 1969-S Double Die Lincoln cent is rare and highly prized by collectors. Depending on its condition, the coin can fetch anywhere from $1,000 to $30,000, with higher-grade examples commanding much higher prices. This penny is considered one of the top error coins in modern U.S. coinage history.
8. 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent
The 1970-S Small Date Lincoln cent is another coin that stands out in the world of rare pennies. This coin is part of the small date series of 1970 pennies, which were produced at the San Francisco mint. The distinguishing feature of the 1970-S Small Date penny is the size of the digits in the date, which are noticeably smaller than the regular version.
This variation is not widely known, making it a coveted find for coin collectors. Though not as valuable as some other pennies on this list, the 1970-S Small Date penny still holds significant value. Depending on its condition, it can be worth anywhere from $50 to several thousand dollars.
9. 1983 Double Die Reverse Lincoln Cent
The 1983 Double Die Reverse Lincoln cent is another error coin that has caught the attention of collectors. In this case, the double die error is visible on the reverse side of the coin, where the “ONE CENT” lettering is doubled. This error occurred due to the die being misaligned during the minting process, leading to a doubling of the details on the reverse side.
Although the 1983 Double Die Reverse penny is not as well known as other error coins, it is still highly sought after by collectors. Depending on its condition, it can be worth several hundred to a few thousand dollars, with higher-grade coins being the most valuable.
10. 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent
The 1992 Close AM Lincoln cent is a rare variety of penny that was produced with a misaligned reverse die. On this coin, the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” are closer together than on regular 1992 pennies, making it a distinct variety. This error was discovered in the mid-1990s, and since then, it has become a coveted item for collectors.
The 1992 Close AM penny is worth significantly more than its face value, with well-preserved examples selling for several hundred to over a thousand dollars. Coins in mint condition can fetch even higher prices, making it one of the more affordable yet valuable pennies for collectors to seek out.
Bottom Line
If you’re a coin enthusiast or just have an interest in discovering valuable pennies, these 10 vintage pennies are worth keeping an eye out for. Their rarity, historical value, and collectible appeal make them highly sought after by collectors worldwide. Whether you’ve inherited a coin collection or stumble across one of these rare pennies in circulation, their worth is far beyond the 1 cent they were initially minted for.
FAQs
What makes a penny valuable?
A penny’s value increases due to factors like rarity, mint errors, historical significance, and demand from collectors.
How do I know if my penny is rare?
Look for rare dates, mint marks, and error features like double dies or misprints, which increase a penny’s value.
Are 1943 copper pennies worth a lot?
Yes, 1943 copper pennies are incredibly rare and can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars due to minting errors.
Can I find rare pennies in my pocket change?
It’s possible, but rare pennies are hard to find in circulation. However, checking your spare change or collections could uncover hidden gems!
