Top 5 Rare Pennies in Your Home That Could Be Worth $700,000

Many households keep old coins in jars, drawers, or boxes. A few U.S. pennies, if they match one of the known rare varieties, can be worth far more than their face value. This guide lists five rare pennies that occasionally turn up in homes and explains how to spot, authenticate, and sell them.

Top 5 rare pennies you might find

Below are five rare U.S. pennies that collectors actively seek. Each entry includes the identifying features and why the coin is valuable.

1. 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent (Bronze)

Most 1943 cents were struck on steel because copper was needed for wartime efforts. A 1943 Lincoln cent struck in bronze or copper is an error and extremely rare. High-grade examples are highly desirable to collectors.

• How to spot it: Look for the date 1943 and a typical brown or reddish copper color rather than the silver-gray steel look.
• Why it’s valuable: A genuine bronze 1943 cent is a striking mint error and commands premium prices.

2. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent

The 1955 doubled die obverse (DDO) is one of the most famous modern errors. The doubling is clear on the date and lettering on the obverse (front) of the coin.

• How to spot it: Use a magnifier to check for doubled numbers in the date and doubled letters in IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, and the date digits.
• Why it’s valuable: Authentic, high-grade examples are scarce and sought after by collectors.

3. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent

This is one of the key early Lincoln cent varieties. The initials VDB (for designer Victor David Brenner) appear on the reverse, and the 1909-S in high grades is rare.

• How to spot it: Check the reverse near the bottom; you should see the initials VDB. Confirm the obverse date 1909 and an S mintmark on the obverse under the date.
• Why it’s valuable: Low mintages and early appeal to collectors make this coin a top-value Lincoln cent.

4. 1914-D Lincoln Cent

The 1914-D is a key date for Lincoln cents because relatively few were minted. It’s often found in circulated condition, but high-grade pieces are valuable.

• How to spot it: Look for the date 1914 and a small D mintmark below the date.
• Why it’s valuable: Low survival in high grade increases demand among collectors completing date-and-mint sets.

5. 1877 Indian Head Cent

This Indian Head cent is a classic key date. It’s rare in any grade and consistently attracts attention from serious collectors.

• How to spot it: The obverse shows Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, and the date 1877 appears below. Degree of wear affects value heavily.
• Why it’s valuable: Low mintage and collector demand for Indian Head series place the 1877 coin high on value lists.

How to inspect coins safely at home

Handling and inspecting coins carefully preserves value. Follow these practical steps before you consider selling or sending coins for grading.

• Handle coins by the edges to avoid oils from your fingers.
• Use a 5–10x magnifier to check dates, mintmarks, and doubling.
• Compare with verified reference photos from reliable sources or grading services.
• Weigh the coin if you can; pre-1982 pennies are typically heavier due to copper content.

Quick checklist to identify key features

• Date visibility and clarity
• Mintmark location and presence (S, D, etc.)
• Color and metal appearance (steel vs. bronze/copper)
• Evident doubling on letters or date
• Reverse initials (e.g., VDB)

Authentication and grading

If you believe you have a rare penny, do not attempt to clean it. Cleaning can reduce or destroy value. Instead, follow these steps to authenticate the coin.

1. Document the coin with clear photos (obverse, reverse, and close-ups of date/mintmark).
2. Compare against images from PCGS, NGC, or the American Numismatic Association.
3. Consider sending the coin to a professional grading service such as PCGS, NGC, or ANACS for authentication and grading.

Professional grading provides third-party verification and typically increases trust when selling at auction or to collectors.

Where to sell a rare penny

Choose the sales channel based on the coin’s grade and expected value. For very valuable coins, auctions and reputable dealers are best.

• Auction houses and specialist coin auctions are ideal for very rare or high-value coins.
• Reputable local coin dealers work for mid-range finds, but get multiple offers.
• Online platforms and numismatic marketplaces can work well if you have graded certification.

Fees and timing

Expect grading fees, seller commissions, and shipping/insurance costs. Factor these into your decision and get written estimates before committing to a sale.

Small real-world example

A homeowner cleaned out a desk drawer and found an old coin envelope with Lincoln cents. After spotting a 1909-S VDB on close inspection, they photographed the coin and contacted a local dealer. The coin was authenticated by a grading service and sold at auction to a collector. The payout covered several months of household expenses and illustrated how a careful inspection and authentication process can turn a simple discovery into real value.

Final practical tips

• Keep old coin rolls and envelopes aside instead of spending or discarding them.
• If you’re unsure, take photos and ask a reputable dealer or local coin club for a preliminary opinion.
• Protect valuable finds in coin flips or holders and avoid cleaning or polishing.

Rare pennies can appear in the most ordinary places. With attention to detail and the right authentication steps, a small coin in your home could be worth a surprisingly large amount.