Penny coins might seem like just small change, but some are worth a lot of money. Certain rare pennies are highly valuable in the world of coin collecting. In this article, we’ll look at three rare and expensive penny coins that collectors are always searching for.
1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent is one of the most valuable coins in the U.S. During World War II, the U.S. Mint used steel instead of copper to make pennies. However, a mistake led to a few pennies being made with bronze, the metal used before 1943. These bronze pennies are extremely rare, with only 20 to 30 known to exist.
Their value comes from this mistake and their unique appearance compared to the steel pennies made that year. Even a worn-out 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. In 2010, one coin was sold for $1.7 million, making it one of the most expensive pennies ever.
1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
The 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent is famous because of a printing error. The coin’s design, including the date and the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” is doubled, making it easy to spot. This mistake happened due to a misalignment during the minting process. Thousands of these coins were made before the error was discovered and corrected.
Today, this penny is highly collectible. Only a few thousand examples are believed to exist. In 2019, one of these rare coins was sold for $124,875 at an auction, showing how valuable it is to collectors.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is special because it was the first year the U.S. used this design for pennies. The “S” mint mark means it was made at the San Francisco Mint, and “VDB” stands for the initials of the coin’s designer, Victor David Brenner. However, the initials were later removed from the design, making this version of the penny rare.
Because of its historical importance and limited number, the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is highly prized among collectors. Coins in good condition can be worth a lot of money.
Rare penny coins like the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent, 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent, and 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent show us that even the smallest coins can be worth a fortune. Whether it’s due to mistakes during production or historical significance, these pennies are fascinating and valuable pieces of American history.
What is the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent?
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent is a rare penny made by mistake during World War II when most pennies were made from steel.
Why is the 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent valuable?
This penny is valuable because of a minting error that doubled its design, making it highly sought after by collectors.
What makes the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent special?
This coin is the first of its kind in the Lincoln Cent series, with the “S” mint mark and designer initials “VDB,” which were later removed.
How much is a 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent worth?
Depending on its condition, a 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent can be worth hundreds of thousands to over a million dollars.
How can I tell if I have a valuable penny?
Look for rare features like minting errors or specific markings, such as the “S” mint mark or doubling in the design.