Have you ever checked your pocket change and wondered if a simple penny could be worth thousands—or even millions? Most pennies are just one cent, but a few rare pennies from the twentieth century have become treasures for collectors. These tiny coins can fetch huge prices at auctions because of mistakes at the mint, limited production, or historical importance.
In this guide, we’ll explore 9 rare pennies that top the list for value. We’ll explain why they’re special, their current worth, and tips to spot them. Whether you’re a beginner coin hunter or just curious, you’ll learn everything in simple words. Let’s dive in!
Why Are Some Rare Pennies Worth a Fortune?
Pennies are made of copper (or copper-coated zinc today), but rarity drives the price. Factors include:
- Minting errors: Mistakes like double stamps or wrong metal.
- Low mintage: Very few coins produced in a year.
- Condition: Coins in “mint state” (never used) sell for more.
- Historical events: Coins tied to wars or design changes.
A single rare penny in perfect shape can sell for six or seven figures. Ready to hunt?
Top 9 Rare Pennies of the Twentieth Century
Here’s a clear table of the 9 rare pennies every collector dreams about. Values are averages from recent auctions (as of 2025) for coins in excellent condition.
| # | Year & Name | Why It’s Rare | Estimated Value (Excellent Condition) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny | First Lincoln cent; only 484,000 made at San Francisco mint | $100,000 – $1,700,000 |
| 2 | 1914-D Lincoln Penny | Low production (1.2 million) at Denver mint | $50,000 – $300,000 |
| 3 | 1922 No D Lincoln Penny | Mint mark missing due to die error | $20,000 – $500,000 |
| 4 | 1931-S Lincoln Penny | Just 866,000 minted during Great Depression | $10,000 – $75,000 |
| 5 | 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny | Wartime error; should be steel but struck in bronze | $200,000 – $1,000,000+ |
| 6 | 1944 Steel Lincoln Penny | Opposite error; steel planchet used by mistake | $50,000 – $375,000 |
| 7 | 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny | Obvious doubling on date and letters | $1,000 – $25,000 |
| 8 | 1969-S Double Die Lincoln Penny | Extreme doubling; only a few confirmed | $35,000 – $125,000 |
| 9 | 1972 Double Die Lincoln Penny | Clear doubling on “LIBERTY” and date | $500 – $5,000 |
1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny – The Holy Grail
The very first Lincoln penny honored President Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. The “VDB” stands for designer Victor David Brenner’s initials on the back. San Francisco made fewer than half a million, and controversy over the initials made them scarce. A top-grade example sold for $1.7 million in 2019!
1914-D Lincoln Penny – Denver’s Hidden Gem
Denver minted just over a million pennies in 1914. Many were lost or worn out. Collectors love the tiny “D” under the date. Prices skyrocket for coins with original red color.
1922 No D Lincoln Penny – The Missing Mark Mystery
All 1922 pennies should have a “D” for Denver, but worn dies erased the mark on some. Only a handful survive in high grade. It’s a classic error coin.
1931-S Lincoln Penny – Depression-Era Rarity
The Great Depression cut coin demand. San Francisco struck under 900,000 pennies—tiny compared to billions today. Even circulated ones sell for hundreds.
1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny – WWII Metal Mix-Up
In 1943, pennies were steel to save copper for the war. A few bronze blanks slipped through—maybe 20 exist. One fetched $1 million+ recently.
1944 Steel Lincoln Penny – The Flip-Side Error
Now steel was out, but leftover steel blanks created rare 1944 steel pennies. Fewer than 30 known. Magnet test proves it!
1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny – Easy to Spot
A machine error doubled the date and words. You can see it with the naked eye. Thousands exist, so it’s the “affordable” rare penny.
1969-S Double Die Lincoln Penny – Super Sharp Doubling
San Francisco’s mistake created dramatic doubling. Only a dozen graded high. Prices keep climbing.
1972 Double Die Lincoln Penny – Modern Error Star
Philadelphia’s doubling is bold on “LIBERTY.” Over 100,000 exist, but gem examples still command thousands.
How to Hunt for Rare Pennies in Your Change
- Grab a magnifier – Look for tiny mint marks (D, S) under the date.
- Check 1943 & 1944 pennies – Steel sticks to magnets; bronze doesn’t.
- Search wheat pennies (1909–1958) – Flip reverse for wheat stalks.
- Buy coin rolls from banks – Costs face value, fun treasure hunt.
- Get coins graded – Services like PCGS or NGC confirm authenticity and boost value.
Pro tip: Never clean coins! Polish removes value. Store in plastic flips.
What’s Your Rare Penny Worth? Get It Appraised!
Found a match? Take clear photos and contact a professional appraiser or auction house like Heritage Auctions. Even common dates in perfect shape can surprise you.
Final Thoughts: Start Your Rare Pennies Collection Today
These 9 rare pennies prove that pocket change can hide a jackpot. From the million-dollar 1909-S VDB to the “budget” 1972 double die, every coin has a story. Begin checking jars, drawers, and bank rolls—you never know when luck strikes.