8 Most Valuable Lincoln Penny Coins – Worth Millions and Crores!
The world of coin collecting is vast and exciting, but there are some coins that make their special place in history. Lincoln Penny is one such coin, which can be priceless despite being just one cent. Billions of Lincoln Penny coins are used in everyday transactions, but there are some extremely rare coins that sell for crores.
These coins are not just money, but a piece of history. These coins hide unique stories of minting errors, historical events and excellent preservation. Some of these Lincoln Penny are so rare that their price has reached millions of dollars in auctions. Let’s know about the 8 most rare and valuable Lincoln Penny coins and what is the reason that collectors are ready to spend millions of rupees to buy them.
1. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny – Worth up to $1.7 million!
This is one of the rarest and most expensive Lincoln Penny coins. During World War II, the US government decided to make all the 1943 pennies from steel to save copper. But by mistake some old copper coins were minted in 1943 as well. The number of these rare 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny coins is believed to be around 20 only.
This coin was sold for $1.7 million (about Rs 14 crore) in 2010! But keep in mind that there are a lot of fake coins circulating in the market too, so it is very important to get it certified from an expert.
2. 1944 Steel Lincoln Penny – Worth $75,000 to $400,000
This coin is the reverse version of the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny. In 1944, the US Mint started making copper pennies again, but by mistake some coins were minted from the steel metal of 1943.
This mistake made the 1944 steel Lincoln Penny very rare. Its total number is believed to be around 30 only. If you have this coin, then it can sell from $75,000 to $400,000 (Rs 60 lakh to 3.5 crores)!
3. 1856 Flying Eagle Cent – Price from $6,500 to $150,000
Although this coin is not technically a Lincoln Penny, it is very important in the history of America’s Small Cent coins. Earlier US coins used to be larger, but in 1856 the Flying Eagle Cent was introduced, which later paved the way for the Lincoln Penny.
Only 2,000 pieces of this coin were made and only around 800 of them are left today. Their price can range from $6,500 to $150,000 (Rs 5 lakh to Rs 1.25 crore).
4. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny – Price up to $100,000
In 1909, Lincoln’s image was engraved on a US penny for the first time. The designer of this coin was Victor David Brenner and he put his initials VDB on the back of the coin. But the public did not like it and there was a lot of controversy.
As a result, this design was soon removed, but not before the San Francisco Mint (S mint mark) made only 484,000 coins. So this coin is very rare today. An extremely good condition 1909-S VDB Penny can sell for more than $100,000 (Rs 83 lakh approximately)!
5. 1958 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny – Worth over $100,000
This coin became very rare due to a minting error. The words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” printed on this coin appear to be printed twice, which is called a doubled die error.
Only around 3,000 specimens of this coin exist. If this coin is in good condition, then its price can be more than $100,000 (83 lakh rupees)!
6. 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Penny – Worth up to $75,000
This coin is also similar to the 1958 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny, but it was first considered fake. Therefore, the US Secret Service seized and destroyed it!
For this reason, only 100 real coins are left today. Due to this rare mistake, this coin can be worth up to $75,000 (approximately Rs 62 lakhs).
7. 1992 Close AM Lincoln Penny – Worth up to $20,000
Normally there is a little space between the A and M in the word “AMERICA”. But in 1992, by mistake, the “A” and “M” on some coins were almost joined together. This is called the Close AM error.
Only 20 original coins have been found so far, and their price can be up to $20,000 (Rs 16.5 lakhs)!
8. 1943-D Bronze Lincoln Penny – Sold for $1.7 million!
This coin is the Denver Mint (D mint mark) version of the rarest 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny. It has been found only once and this unique coin was sold for $1.7 million (Rs 14 crores) in 2010.
Why are these coins so valuable?
- Rarity – The fewer the coins left, the higher their value.
- Historical Significance – Coins that are linked to history are in high demand.
- Good Condition – Uncirculated coins are more expensive.
- Authentication – Certified coins are more reliable, so they are more valuable.
Conclusion
These rare Lincoln pennies are not just a coin, but a part of history. If you have any of these coins, you could be very lucky! The value of these coins can go up to crores, so it is very important to get them certified and keep them safe. Who knows, maybe you have a rare coin hidden in your pocket too!
FAQs
Why is a Lincoln Penny worth something?
Lincoln Pennies are worth money because they are rare, historically important, have minting errors, or are in good condition. Pennies with low mintage, special errors, or good conditions tend to command high prices among collectors.
What is the most valuable Lincoln Penny sold?
The 1943-D Bronze Lincoln Penny takes the top honor, selling in 2010 for $1.7 million. It’s the sole confirmed bronze penny ever minted by the Denver Mint and is thereby extremely rare.
Why are 1943 Bronze Pennies valuable?
During World War II, the U.S. Mint produced steel pennies to save copper. But a few 1942 bronze planchets were accidentally used in 1943. These error coins are very valuable and sell for more than $1 million.
What makes the 1944 Steel Lincoln Penny rare?
By 1944, the U.S. Mint resumed using copper for pennies, but a few 1943 steel planchets were accidentally used. Fewer than 30 steel 1944 pennies exist, making them worth between $75,000 to $400,000.
Why is the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny valuable?
The 1909-S VDB Penny had only 484,000 coins minted before the initials “VDB” (Victor David Brenner) were removed from the design. Due to its low mintage, it is highly collectible, with high-grade examples selling for over $100,000.