Top 7 Most Valuable Pennies in America
Collectible pennies can be worth far more than face value. This guide lists the top 7 most valuable pennies in America and explains how to identify, verify, and sell them.
Each entry includes key ID features, why collectors value the coin, and realistic price expectations. Follow the practical tips to avoid mistakes when assessing rare pennies.
1. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent
Most 1943 cents were made from zinc-coated steel, but a few were struck on bronze planchets by mistake. These bronze 1943 cents are among the rarest and most valuable Lincoln cents.
Identification tips: weight (heavier than steel cents), color (bronze tone), and professional grading. Because these are extremely scarce, authenticated examples have sold for high six or seven figures at auction.
2. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
The 1955 doubled die obverse shows obvious doubling of the date and lettering. It is one of the most famous minting errors for Lincoln cents.
Identification tips: look for doubling on the words IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, and the date. Grade and eye appeal determine value—high-grade specimens command the biggest prices.
3. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
The 1909-S VDB features designer Victor David Brenner’s initials on the reverse and is scarce from the San Francisco mint. It’s a cornerstone of U.S. Lincoln cent collecting.
Identification tips: confirm the VDB initials on the reverse at the base and the S mint mark. Condition matters: uncirculated examples are far more valuable than worn ones.
4. 1914-D Lincoln Cent
The 1914-D is a low-mintage Denver issue that is highly sought after. Even mid-grade circulated examples are valuable because original mintages were small.
Identification tips: check the D mint mark and sharpness of devices. Professional grading helps establish value for sale or auction.
5. 1922 No D Lincoln Cent
Most 1922 pennies from Denver lack a mint mark due to a weak strike, producing the so-called 1922 No D variety. Certain struck-on-D varieties are extremely rare and can be very valuable.
Identification tips: use magnification to spot remnants of a D or lack thereof. Authentication by a grading service is recommended for higher-value examples.
6. 1793 Chain Cent
The 1793 Chain Cent was among the first US cents ever minted and is historically important. Surviving examples are extremely scarce and highly prized by advanced collectors and museums.
Identification tips: due to high value, do not handle suspected examples—contact a professional numismatist or auction house immediately for secure evaluation.
7. 1864 Indian Head With L on Ribbon
The 1864 Indian Head cent with the designer’s initial L on the ribbon is a recognized variety and commands a premium versus regular strikes. It marks an important designer attribution in coin history.
Identification tips: look for a small L on the ribbon of the Indian’s headdress. Confirm rarity with a reputable grading company before listing for sale.
How to Identify Valuable Pennies in America
Start by inspecting date, mint mark, and any visible errors or unusual colors. Weight and composition can help distinguish error bronze cents from common steel or zinc types.
Use a magnifier and compare to reference photos. When in doubt, get a third-party grading service (PCGS, NGC) to authenticate and grade the coin.
Where to Get Coins Authenticated and Sold
Trusted grading services include PCGS and NGC. For selling, consider established auction houses or specialist coin dealers with experience in rare pennies.
- Local coin shops for quick appraisals
- Major auction houses for top-tier specimens
- Online marketplaces for lower-value or well-documented pieces
Practical Tips Before Selling a Valuable Penny
Document provenance and take clear photos. Avoid handling the coin by the face—use gloves and hold by the edges only.
Get multiple opinions: one dealer appraisal and one third-party grading quote helps establish a realistic market value.
The U.S. cent changed composition several times: pre-1982 cents were mostly copper, while modern cents are zinc with a thin copper plating. The 1943 steel cent was a wartime substitute, which is why a bronze 1943 is so unusual.
Case Study: A Bronze 1943 Lincoln Cent Sale
In a well-publicized auction, a correctly authenticated 1943 bronze Lincoln cent sold for a seven-figure sum. That sale highlighted how a single minting error combined with provenance and grading can create extraordinary value.
Key takeaways from the sale: professional authentication, certification, and auction marketing drove the final price. Sellers should expect fees but also access to serious collectors willing to pay premiums.
Final Checklist for Owners of Potentially Valuable Pennies
- Do not clean the coin—cleaning can reduce value.
- Photograph both sides under good light and magnification.
- Weigh the coin if you have a precise scale; composition errors often show weight differences.
- Get a professional opinion before listing or taking to auction.
Finding a rare penny can be exciting and financially significant. Use careful identification, trusted authentication, and the right selling channels to maximize value. When in doubt, consult a reputable coin dealer or grading service to confirm your coin’s rarity and market potential.
