Pennies might seem like they’re worth just one cent, but some are actually worth a lot more! These rare pennies can fetch astonishing prices at auctions due to their unique histories, mistakes, or exceptional condition. In this article, we’ll explore the top 13 most expensive pennies ever sold and the fascinating stories behind their incredible values.
1. 1943-D Lincoln Bronze Cent – $1.7 Million
The 1943-D Lincoln Bronze Cent is famous for being a major error coin. During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to zinc-coated steel for pennies to save copper for the war effort. However, a few bronze blanks were mistakenly used in 1943. The 1943-D, minted in Denver, is extremely rare with only one known example. In 2010, it sold for a record-breaking $1.7 million at auction.
2. 1943-S Lincoln Bronze Cent – $1 Million
Similar to its Denver counterpart, the 1943-S Lincoln Bronze Cent is another rare error coin. Minted in San Francisco, this penny is one of the few bronze pennies from 1943. In 2012, it sold for $1 million, highlighting its high demand and value among collectors.
3. 1792 Birch Cent – $2.58 Million
The 1792 Birch Cent is a historic coin from the early days of U.S. minting. Designed by Robert Birch, it’s one of the first prototypes of the U.S. cent. Only a few were made, making them incredibly rare. In 2015, one sold for $2.58 million at auction, reflecting its historical importance and rarity.
4. 1944-S Steel Lincoln Penny – $373,750
The 1944-S Steel Lincoln Penny is another rare error coin. After switching back to copper in 1944, some steel blanks from the previous year were accidentally used. The 1944-S, minted in San Francisco, is one of the rarest steel pennies. It sold for $373,750 at auction in 2008.
5. 1909 VDB Matte Proof Lincoln Penny – $258,500
The 1909 VDB Matte Proof Lincoln Penny was the first year for the Lincoln Cent and features the initials “VDB” of its designer, Victor David Brenner. Due to its low mintage and historical significance, it’s highly sought after. In 2014, one sold for $258,500 at auction.
6. 1958 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny – $336,000
The 1958 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny is known for its unique error: the date and lettering on the front are doubled. Only three examples are known. In 2018, one of these pennies sold for $336,000 at auction.
7. 1943 Lincoln Cent Struck on Bronze Planchet – $840,000
Another rare 1943 bronze penny, this one without a mint mark, sold for $840,000 in 2013. The rarity of these error coins makes them highly valuable.
8. 1793 Chain Cent – $2.35 Million
The 1793 Chain Cent was the first penny issued by the U.S. Mint. It features a chain design on the back, which was soon replaced. This rarity makes it highly valuable. In 2011, a 1793 Chain Cent sold for $2.35 million at auction.
9. 1914-D Lincoln Penny – $152,750
The 1914-D Lincoln Penny is a key date for collectors because it has one of the lowest mintages in the Lincoln Cent series. A 1914-D penny in excellent condition sold for $152,750 at auction in 2017.
10. 1856 Flying Eagle Cent – $172,500
The 1856 Flying Eagle Cent is a transitional coin, marking the shift from large cents to the smaller size used today. Only about 2,000 were minted, and one sold for $172,500 in 2004.
11. 1922 No D Plain Lincoln Penny – $74,750
The 1922 No D Plain Lincoln Penny is another notable error coin. Some 1922 pennies were struck without the “D” mint mark due to die wear. In 2008, one of these rare coins sold for $74,750.
12. 1877 Indian Head Penny – $149,500
The 1877 Indian Head Penny is one of the rarest in its series, with a low mintage of only 852,500. In 2007, an 1877 Indian Head Penny in excellent condition sold for $149,500.
13. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny – $117,500
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny is famous among collectors for its low mintage and the designer’s initials, “VDB.” With a mintage of 484,000, it is relatively rare. In 2014, one sold for $117,500.
Rare pennies are not just small pieces of metal; they are valuable treasures with fascinating histories. From the accidental 1943 bronze pennies to early American prototypes like the 1792 Birch Cent, these coins tell unique stories and can be worth millions of dollars. As interest in coin collecting grows, these extraordinary pennies will likely remain highly prized by collectors, showcasing their historical and numismatic significance.
1. Why are 1943-D and 1943-S Lincoln Bronze Cents so valuable?
These coins are valuable due to their rarity as they were mistakenly minted in bronze instead of the intended zinc-coated steel. Their error status makes them highly sought after.
2. What makes the 1792 Birch Cent so expensive?
The 1792 Birch Cent is valuable because it is one of the first prototypes of the U.S. cent, and only a few were made. Its historical importance adds to its high price.
3. How did the 1944-S Steel Lincoln Penny come about?
The 1944-S Steel Lincoln Penny is rare because some steel blanks from 1943 were accidentally used after the mint switched back to copper. This mistake makes it a valuable error coin.
4. What is special about the 1958 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny?
The 1958 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny is unique because of its error with doubled date and lettering on the front. Only a few exist, making it very valuable.
5. Why is the 1909 VDB Matte Proof Lincoln Penny highly sought after?
The 1909 VDB Matte Proof Lincoln Penny is sought after due to its rarity, as it was the first year of the Lincoln Cent and features the designer’s initials.