Most everyday cents are worth face value, but a few American pennies can be worth thousands or even millions. This guide lists the top 7 most valuable pennies in America, explains key identifying features, and gives practical tips for verifying and selling rare finds.
How pennies become valuable
Pennies gain value for reasons like rarity, mint errors, low mintage, or historic significance. Condition (grade) and provenance also strongly affect price.
Always inspect a candidate penny carefully for signs of corrosion, cleaning, or alteration that can drastically reduce value.
Top 7 Most Valuable Pennies in America
The list below covers high-value one-cent coins that collectors actively seek. Values are ranges and depend on grade and authenticity.
1. 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent
Most 1943 cents were struck in zinc-coated steel due to wartime copper needs. A few copper-struck 1943 cents exist from accidental use of old planchets.
- Why valuable: Extreme rarity and collector demand.
- How to ID: Look for copper color, no rust, and confirm weight—copper cents are heavier than 1943 steel cents.
- Typical value: Genuine examples have sold for over $1 million; many fakes exist.
2. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
This coin shows dramatic doubling of the date and lettering on the obverse. The doubling is obvious to the naked eye and highly collectible.
- Why valuable: Distinctive error and popular among collectors.
- How to ID: Look for doubled date and doubled letters such as LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST.
- Typical value: From a few thousand dollars in lower grades to tens of thousands or more in choice mint state.
3. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
Released the first year of the Lincoln cent, the 1909-S VDB is scarce because the VDB initials of designer Victor David Brenner were removed shortly after release.
- Why valuable: Low mintage and historical significance.
- How to ID: Look for the VDB initials on the reverse near the wreath and S mintmark on the obverse under the date.
- Typical value: A few thousand dollars in circulated conditions; higher in mint state.
4. 1914-D Lincoln Cent
The 1914-D is a low-mintage Denver issue and is recognized as one of the scarcer regular-issue Lincoln cents.
- Why valuable: Low mintage and collector demand.
- How to ID: D mintmark beneath the date; grading matters significantly.
- Typical value: Several thousand dollars in lower grades; collectors pay premiums for high-grade examples.
5. 1877 Indian Head Cent
This Indian Head cent from 1877 has low surviving numbers, making it one of the key dates in the Indian Head series.
- Why valuable: Scarcity in circulated and especially uncirculated condition.
- How to ID: Classic Indian Head obverse and no mintmark; condition and wear are important.
- Typical value: Thousands of dollars for nicer pieces.
6. 1856 Flying Eagle Cent (pattern/early issue)
The 1856 Flying Eagle cent was a small-run issue and patterns from that year are rare. Authentic 1856 Flying Eagles are highly desirable.
- Why valuable: Extremely low mintage for 1856 and desirability as an early small cent.
- How to ID: Distinctive flying eagle design; consult references to distinguish genuine pieces from restrikes or altered coins.
- Typical value: Tens of thousands of dollars depending on grade and authenticity.
7. Early Large Cents (1793 Chain, 1793 Liberty Cap)
Large cents minted in the late 18th and early 19th centuries are historically important and can command very high prices.
- Why valuable: Rarity, age, and historical interest.
- How to ID: Larger diameter than modern pennies and distinctive early designs; expert authentication recommended.
- Typical value: Ranges from thousands to several hundred thousand dollars for rare dates and high grades.
Some of the rarest pennies started as simple minting mistakes, like using the wrong metal or double-die stamping. A genuine mint error can be worth far more than a scarce regular issue.
How to verify and protect a valuable penny
If you suspect a valuable penny, avoid cleaning or polishing it; cleaning can destroy collector value. Handle coins by the edges and store them in coin flips or holders.
Key verification steps:
- Weigh the coin—some error coins have a different metal composition and weight.
- Use a low-power loupe to check for doubling or die markers.
- Compare to images and references from trusted numismatic sources.
- Get professional authentication from PCGS, NGC, or a reputable dealer for high-value pieces.
Where to sell a valuable penny
Choose an auction house or dealer experienced with rare cents. Auctions can reach more collectors, but dealer sales may be faster.
Get multiple opinions and authentication before agreeing to any sale. Fees and seller commissions vary widely.
Short case study
A local collector found a worn Lincoln cent in a jar of change and thought it was just old. After a dealer inspection, the coin proved to be a 1909-S VDB in good condition. The owner had the coin graded and sold it at auction, receiving several thousand dollars—far more than the coin jar’s face value.
Final practical tips
- Always verify suspected finds before cleaning or altering them.
- Use trusted grading and authentication services if a coin appears valuable.
- Keep documentation and provenance when possible to maximize value.
Finding a valuable penny is rare, but knowing what to look for and how to handle a possible discovery will help you make the most of it. Rarity, condition, and verified authenticity are the keys that separate a collectible from a treasure.