9 Rare Pennies That Are Still In Circulation – Worth $345 Million!
Have you ever thought that a simple coin in your pocket could be worth millions or even billions of dollars? Coin collectors (numismatists) and treasure hunters always live in the hope that a seemingly common coin could have extraordinary value hidden in it.
There are many such rare pennies in the US, whose total estimated value could be more than $345 million. The most special thing is that these coins can still be in circulation today and can come into someone’s hands at any time. Let’s know about 9 such priceless pennies that can change your fate.
1. Copper Penny of 1943 – Wartime Mistake
During World War II, copper was considered an important resource and so in 1943 the US Mint issued pennies made of steel instead of copper. But by mistake some copper coins were also minted with the 1943 steel design.
Only 30 such coins have been found so far and their value can be more than $ 1.5 million.
In 2019, a student from San Diego found this rare coin in the change found in the school cafeteria. This coin was quite worn, but it was still sold at auction for $ 2 lakh 4 thousand. It is believed that there are still 15-20 such coins circulating in the market, whose total value can be more than $ 25 million.
2. Steel Penny of 1944 – Reverse Mistake
In 1944, the US Mint started making copper coins again, but some coins were accidentally minted on the leftover steel planket of 1943. Only 35 such coins have been found so far.
If you find a coin that is from 1944 and is made of steel, it can be a rare treasure. To identify it, just use a magnet – this coin will easily stick to the magnet.
One such coin was found in 2008, which was later sold at auction for $1,23,750.
3. 1969-S Doubled Die Penny – Modern Rare Coin
This coin was minted at the San Francisco Mint in 1969 and has a doubled die in the letters on the obverse. This mistake is so obvious that it can be seen even without any special equipment.
Only 100 such coins have been found so far and their price can range from $25,000 to $1,50,000.
In 2018, a plumber from Montana found this coin in a roll of coins. He bought it for just 50 cents, but it was later sold for $42,500!
4. 1958 Doubled Die Penny – Less popular but rare
This rare coin from 1958 also became priceless due to a doubled die error. Only 35 such coins have been found so far and their price can range from $75,000 to $1,50,000.
In 2015, a bank teller in Ohio found this coin in her cash drawer, which was later sold for $31,200.
5. 1909-S VDB Penny – Classic Rare Coin
This coin is not worth millions of dollars, but it is still very rare and valuable. It is easy to identify, as it has “VDB” written in small letters on the back. Its price can range from $700 to $25,000.
In 2020, a laborer from Pennsylvania found this coin in his change and sold it for $950.
6. 1992 Close AM Penny – A Modern Mystery
This coin has the letters “A” and “M” in the word “AMERICA” very close to each other, whereas there is usually a slight gap between them. Only 20 such coins have been found so far, and their value can range from $10,000 to $25,000.
In 2019, a college student from Texas found this coin, which was later sold for $12,500.
7. 1955 Doubled Die Penny – The Most Famous Mistake
This 1955 coin is the most famous doubled die error coin. 20,000 such coins have been found so far, and their value can range from $1,500 to $25,000.
In January 2024, a retired school teacher from Illinois found this coin in a roll of coins, which was later sold for $1,850.
8. 1974 Aluminum Penny – Secret Test
In 1974, the US Mint experimented with making coins from aluminum instead of copper. However, the government rejected this experiment and almost all 1.5 million coins were destroyed. But some coins somehow came out and today they can be worth up to $ 1-2 million.
In 2014, the son of a former Mint employee found this coin in his father’s things, but after a legal battle, it was returned to the government.
9. 1959-D Mule Penny – Mysterious Mistake
This coin is the most unique as it has the design of the Lincoln Penny on the front, but the design of the Dime (10 cent coin) on the back!
So far, only one such coin has been found, which was sold for $2,50,000 in 2019.
Conclusion – Do you have a rare coin in your pocket too?
If unknown versions of all these coins are discovered, their total value could be more than $345 million!
So the next time you get change or an old coin in your hand, look carefully. Maybe, your luck shines and a simple looking penny makes you a millionaire!
FAQs
Are these rare pennies really still in circulation?
A large number of rare pennies continue to appear in modern monetary exchange. Occasionally individuals find them while sorting through their coins in pocket change and coin rolls.
What is the rarest and most valuable penny?
The 1943 copper penny is the rarest and most expensive, worth up to $1.5 million.
How can I check if my penny is rare?
The analysis should include a verification of the coin’s production date along with its composition and design. Professional numismatists or coin certification agencies at NGC and PCGS should authenticate any irregular findings in your coin examination.
Was the 1943 penny really made of copper?
The entire 1943 penny production operated using steel materials though several rapidly produced copper specimens survived to become very difficult to find.
What do I do if I find a rare penny?
First get it certified and then contact a reputed auction house or coin dealer.