Collectors and new hobbyists often ask which twentieth-century pennies are most valuable and why. This guide lists ten of the rarest U.S. pennies from 1900–1999, explains key identification points, and gives practical steps for grading and selling.
Top 10 Rare Pennies of the Twentieth Century: The List
Below are ten widely recognized rare pennies from the twentieth century. Each entry includes what makes it rare, how to spot it, and general rarity notes.
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
Why rare: Short production run with designer Victor D. Brenner’s initials (VDB) on the reverse.
Identification tips: Look for VDB below the wreath on the reverse and a clear S mint mark on the obverse. Condition matters sharply for value.
2. 1914-D Lincoln Cent
Why rare: Limited mintage at the Denver Mint produced very few high-grade survivors.
Identification tips: Check for the small D mint mark under the date and inspect for strike weakness typical of that issue.
3. 1922 No D Lincoln Cent (Plain)
Why rare: Many 1922 cents have a faint or repunched D; fully plain (no D) varieties are scarce.
Identification tips: Use magnification to check for any trace of a D; lighting at an angle helps reveal repunching.
4. 1931-S Lincoln Cent
Why rare: Low mintage and limited examples in mint state make the 1931-S a sought-after date.
Identification tips: Verify the S mint mark and examine wear patterns; uncirculated examples are uncommon.
5. 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent
Why rare: In 1943 the U.S. struck pennies on steel planchets due to wartime copper needs; a few copper planchets were mistakenly used, creating extremely rare errors.
Identification tips: Copper coins are brown/red and heavier; authentic examples should be authenticated since counterfeits exist.
6. 1944 Steel Lincoln Cent
Why rare: The reverse error of a steel planchet during the return to copper in 1944 produced a handful of steel cents. These are unusual and collectible.
Identification tips: Steel cents are magnetic and show a silver-gray color; provenance and grading help confirm authenticity.
7. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
Why rare: A dramatic doubling of the date and inscriptions on the obverse created one of the best-known and visually obvious errors.
Identification tips: Inspect the date and the words LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST for strong doubling. Even worn examples are identifiable.
8. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse
Why rare: A significant doubled die on the proof coinage from San Francisco makes high-grade examples rare.
Identification tips: Check sharp doubling on lettering and date; expert attribution is often needed for top-value grading.
9. 1972 Doubled Die Obverse
Why rare: Another strong doubled die variety on the obverse that collectors actively pursue.
Identification tips: Look for doubling on Liberty’s profile and the date; compare with reference photos from major grading services.
10. 1974 Aluminum Pattern Cent
Why rare: Aluminum pattern cents were tested but never adopted for circulation. Surviving pattern strikes are scarce and highly collectible.
Identification tips: Aluminum has a light weight and dull silver color. These are pattern coins and require specialist knowledge to verify.
How to Identify and Authenticate Rare Pennies of the Twentieth Century
Identification starts with careful observation and basic tools. Many rare pennies are errors, mint-mark varieties, or low-mintage dates that need magnification and reference comparison.
- Tools: Magnifying loupe (10x), digital scale, magnet (for steel), and a good reference book or online variety database.
- Authentication: Use third-party grading services (PCGS, NGC) for expensive or controversial pieces.
- Provenance: Written auction records or prior grading reports increase buyer confidence and price.
Value Factors for Top 10 Rare Pennies of the Twentieth Century
Values depend on rarity, condition (grade), strike quality, and market demand. A circulated 1955 DDO can be worth hundreds to thousands, while flawless certified examples reach five or six figures.
Practical steps to estimate value:
- Compare with recent auction results for the same date and variety.
- Consider grading: coins graded MS65 or higher command premiums.
- Get a professional opinion before large transactions.
Some 1943 copper pennies were likely saved by mint employees or found in circulation. Authentic 1943 copper cents are among the most closely examined and highly graded pennies in numismatics.
Small Case Study: Finding Value in a Junk Drawer
A novice collector discovered a 1955 doubled die obverse in a box of inherited coins. After photographing the coin and comparing it to online references, they submitted it to a grading service. The certified coin sold at auction for a five-figure sum.
Lesson: Even small finds deserve careful inspection. High-visibility errors like the 1955 DDO are identifiable without professional equipment, but grading increases value and market trust.
Quick Checklist Before Selling or Buying
- Confirm date and mint mark under magnification.
- Check weight and color for planchet errors (copper vs. steel vs. aluminum).
- Compare doubling or repunching against trusted variety guides.
- Consider third-party grading for items likely to sell above a few hundred dollars.
Building a reference library (books, reputable websites, and auction archives) and networking with local coin clubs will improve identification skills and reduce the risk of paying too much or underselling rare twentieth-century pennies.
Use the list above as a starting point. Always verify a coin’s authenticity and condition before making financial decisions.