14 Most Rare and Valuable Pennies You Should Know About

Pennies may seem common, but a few of them are quite special. Certain years or minting errors have made some of these coins valuable to collectors. You might even have one without realizing it. These pennies tell stories through their age and markings. They are fun to explore, whether you are new to coins or have been collecting for years.

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1856 Flying Eagle Cent

The 1856 Flying Eagle Cent was originally a pattern coin, made in limited numbers as a test design. Only around 2,000 were struck, making it very hard to find today. The small eagle design was different from earlier coins and marked a shift in style. Most examples were handed out to officials and collectors at the time.

Its value comes from both its age and low mintage. Collectors pay thousands of dollars for one in good shape. Some versions may be worn, but even those hold strong value. The current market value for a well-preserved Flying Eagle Cent can reach over $100,000, making it one of the most coveted small cents.

1864 Indian Head Penny – L on Ribbon

This version of the Indian Head penny has a tiny L on the ribbon of Liberty’s headdress. It stands for designer James B. Longacre and was added late in 1864. These coins were made from bronze and are different from earlier copper-nickel versions. The L marking makes it more special to collectors.

The mintage was low for this variation, which makes it harder to find. Many people overlook the small detail, so it often goes unnoticed. Clean examples can sell for hundreds of dollars or more. A good-condition 1864 Indian Head penny with the L marking can be valued at around $10,000 or higher.

1872 Indian Head Penny

The 1872 Indian Head penny had a limited mintage, and many of the coins saw heavy circulation. It is hard to find one today in good condition without wear. The bronze surface tends to show marks, which lowers the number of high-quality examples. Because of this, demand remains strong among collectors.

It is considered one of the tougher dates in the Indian Head series. Prices can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand for nicer coins. Many collectors search for this coin to complete their collections. An uncirculated 1872 Indian Head penny can reach values of over $2,000.

1877 Indian Head Penny

The 1877 Indian Head penny is one of the rarest dates in the series. Only about 850,000 were made, which is much lower than most other years. This coin is widely known among collectors for its scarcity. Even well-worn examples can sell for a high price.

It is the key date for the Indian Head set, and many collectors try to track it down. Demand stays high, which keeps values strong year after year. Coins in better condition can sell for several thousand dollars. The current value of an 1877 Indian Head penny in fine condition can exceed $10,000.

1909 Lincoln Penny (VDB Matte Proof)

The 1909 Lincoln VDB Matte Proof penny was part of the early proof issues from the Philadelphia Mint. The VDB refers to the initials of designer Victor David Brenner, found on the reverse. Fewer than 1,200 of these were made, which adds to the rarity. The matte finish gives the coin a distinct texture.

Many of these coins were not handled well and show spots or wear. A clean example is difficult to find and can sell for thousands of dollars. Collectors love the design, the history, and the limited number made. The value of a 1909 Lincoln VDB Matte Proof penny in good condition can reach $100,000 or more.

1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny

This penny is famous for being the first year of the Lincoln cent and for the VDB initials on the reverse. The San Francisco Mint produced only 484,000 of them before removing the initials. That low mintage makes it very hard to find today. It is one of the most collected pennies in American history.

Even circulated examples can sell for hundreds of dollars. In higher grades, the value can go into the thousands. Collectors often view this coin as a must-have. The current market value for a 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny in high condition can exceed $50,000.

1914-D Lincoln Penny

The 1914-D Lincoln penny has always been popular because of its low mintage. Only about 1.2 million were made, and many were used heavily in circulation. It is rare to find one in good condition today. Most examples are worn, and those with sharp details are worth much more.

It is considered a key date in the Lincoln cent series. Coin collectors often hunt for one to fill an empty space in their set. Prices range widely depending on condition. A 1914-D Lincoln Penny in good condition can fetch up to $10,000 at auction.

1914-S Lincoln Penny

The 1914-S Lincoln penny is less rare than the Denver version, but still hard to find in higher grades. Many were used in daily transactions, so they show heavy wear. While not as valuable as the 1914-D, it is still sought after. Nice examples can be worth hundreds.

Collectors often add this coin when completing early Lincoln sets. The San Francisco Mint made just over four million that year. Finding one with full details and even color adds value. A 1914-S Lincoln Penny in uncirculated condition can sell for over $5,000.

1926-S Lincoln Penny

This penny was made in small numbers, with a mintage of around 4.5 million. Most of them were poorly struck and show weak details. Because of that, finding a well-made coin from this year is difficult. It is one of the tougher dates in the 1920s.

Collectors often seek this coin for full Lincoln sets. Nice examples can bring in several hundred dollars or more. It may not be as famous as earlier pennies, but it is still rare. A 1926-S Lincoln Penny in excellent condition can fetch $1,500 or more.

1943 Lincoln Penny (Bronze Alloy)

In 1943, most pennies were made of steel to save copper for the war. A few bronze blanks were left in the presses by accident, creating these rare coins. They look like regular pennies but are not magnetic like the steel ones. Only a few dozen are known to exist.

These pennies are some of the most valuable ever sold. One sold for over $300,000 at auction. Their rarity and war-time story make them highly prized. A 1943 bronze Lincoln Penny in excellent condition can be worth millions today.

1944-D Lincoln Penny (Zinc-coated steel)

By 1944, pennies returned to copper, but some steel blanks from 1943 were still in use. A few of these slipped through at the Denver Mint. These rare coins are magnetic and stand out from the regular 1944 copper cents. Only a few examples are known.

Collectors look for the telltale color and metal test. The value depends on condition and authenticity. Sales have reached well over $100,000. A 1944-D Zinc-coated Steel Lincoln Penny in good condition can sell for upwards of $500,000.

1944-S Lincoln Penny (Steel)

This coin has a similar story to the 1944-D steel penny. A few leftover steel blanks were struck at the San Francisco Mint. They were not meant for use, which makes them very rare. They are easy to spot with a magnet test.

Only a few certified examples exist today. They are highly valued in coin auctions. Condition plays a major role in price. A well-preserved 1944-S Steel Lincoln Penny can be worth over $200,000.

1958 Lincoln Penny (Double Die Obverse)

This penny shows strong doubling on the date and lettering. It was made in error, and very few escaped into circulation. The doubling is visible without a magnifying glass. It is one of the boldest doubled dies ever seen on a U.S. coin.

Only a small number are known, which keeps the price high. Some have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars. It is a top pick for error collectors. A 1958 Double Die Obverse Lincoln Penny in top condition can reach a value of over $200,000.

1969-S Lincoln Penny – Doubled Die Obverse

This coin shows strong doubling on the date and the word LIBERTY. It came from a misaligned die and is very clear to the eye. It was once thought to be fake, but is now confirmed and rare. Only a few dozen have been found.

Values for this coin have reached well over $30,000. Most known examples were found in circulation. The doubling makes it easy to spot and very desirable. A 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Penny can be valued at over $50,000 in excellent condition.

Some pennies are worth far more than their face value due to age, condition, or rare features. Keeping an eye out for unusual dates or markings can lead to surprising finds. Even coins that look common may carry a valuable story behind them.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.