Penny collecting is a fun hobby that many people have enjoyed for a long time. Most pennies are worth just one cent, but some rare pennies can be worth a lot of money—sometimes even hundreds or thousands of dollars! In this article, we’ll talk about 10 special types of pennies that coin collectors want to find.
1. 1943 Bronze Penny
In 1943, during World War II, most pennies were made from steel because copper was needed for the war. But a few pennies were accidentally made from bronze instead. These bronze pennies are extremely rare and can be worth a lot of money, sometimes over $100,000!
2. 1955 Double Die Penny
The 1955 double die penny has a special mistake where the design was stamped twice, creating a blurry effect. This error is easy to see with your eyes, and collectors love finding these pennies. One of these could be worth more than $1,000.
3. 1909-S VDB Penny
This penny was made in San Francisco in 1909 and has the initials “VDB” on the back. These letters stand for Victor David Brenner, the person who designed the penny. Because not many of these pennies were made, they are very valuable to collectors and can sell for over $1,500.
4. 1943 Copper Penny
Like the 1943 bronze penny, this penny was also made by mistake during World War II. Instead of being made from steel, a few were made from copper. These pennies are extremely rare and can sell for up to $200,000 at auctions!
5. 1992 Close AM Penny
This penny from 1992 has a small error where the letters “A” and “M” in the word “AMERICA” on the back are very close together. Most pennies from that year don’t look like this, so collectors really want to find these. They can be worth around $500.
6. 1972 Double Die Penny
Just like the 1955 double die penny, the 1972 version has a similar mistake where the design was stamped twice. This makes the coin look blurry, which collectors find very interesting. A penny like this can be worth about $300.
7. 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Penny
This penny from 2004 has an unusual extra leaf on the corn design on the back. This mistake was made by the machine that stamped the coin, and it makes the penny worth more than usual—up to $250.
8. 1983 Double Die Penny
Another penny with a double die error, the 1983 double die penny has a design that was stamped twice, creating a blurry effect. Collectors are always on the lookout for these pennies, which can be worth about $200.
9. 1958 Double Die Penny
This penny from 1958 also has a double die error, making it look a bit blurry. It’s a very rare mistake, and collectors are willing to pay over $1,500 to get one of these pennies.
10. 1914-D Lincoln Penny
The 1914-D Lincoln penny was made in Denver, and not many were produced. Because there are so few of them, collectors really want to add this penny to their collections. One of these pennies can sell for over $150.
| Penny | Year | Unique Feature | Auction Record Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Bronze Penny | 1943 | Made from bronze during WWII instead of steel | $100,000+ |
| 1955 Double Die Penny | 1955 | Design was stamped twice, creating a blurry effect | $1,000+ |
| 1909-S VDB Penny | 1909 | Initials “VDB” on the back, very rare | $1,500+ |
| 1943 Copper Penny | 1943 | Made from copper during WWII instead of steel | $200,000+ |
| 1992 Close AM Penny | 1992 | The letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” are very close together | $500+ |
| 1972 Double Die Penny | 1972 | Design was stamped twice, creating a blurry effect | $300+ |
| 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Penny | 2004 | An extra leaf appears on the corn design on the back | $250+ |
| 1983 Double Die Penny | 1983 | Design was stamped twice, creating a blurry effect | $200+ |
| 1958 Double Die Penny | 1958 | Design was stamped twice, creating a blurry effect | $1,500+ |
| 1914-D Lincoln Penny | 1914 | Very few were made, making it rare | $150+ |
Why are some pennies worth so much money?
Some pennies are worth a lot because they are very rare or have special errors that make them unique. Collectors are willing to pay more to add these special pennies to their collections.
How can I tell if I have a rare penny?
You can tell if you have a rare penny by looking for unusual features like double stamping, rare dates, or mistakes in the design. You can also ask a coin expert to help you.
Where can I sell a rare penny?
You can sell a rare penny at a coin shop, through online auctions, or to other collectors. It’s important to know the value of your penny before selling it.
What should I do if I find a rare penny?
If you find a rare penny, you should keep it safe and have it checked by a coin expert to find out how much it’s worth. You might have something very valuable!