our pocket change could hold a penny worth 10,000to10,000to10 million—if it’s one of these legendary coins. Below, we reveal the top 10 most valuable pennies in U.S. history, how to authenticate them, and where to sell them for life-changing money.
1. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent (Value: Up to $1.7 Million)
The “Holy Grail” of Pennies
- Mint Mistake: Only 10-15 confirmed (supposed to be steel due to WWII copper shortage).
- Key Identifier: Non-magnetic (steel pennies stick to magnets).
- Record Sale: $1.7 million (2010, Heritage Auctions).
How to Verify
🔹 Magnet Test: Fails (real copper = no magnetic pull).
🔹 Weight: 3.11g (steel weighs 2.7g).
🔹 Color: Reddish-brown (steel is gray).
2. 1944 Steel Penny (Value: Up to $375,000)
The Reverse Rarity
- Why Valuable: Struck on leftover 1943 steel planchets.
- Known Examples: Only 2 fully authenticated.
Critical Checks
✔️ PCGS/NCG certification required (look for “FS-401”).
✔️ XRF metal test (must be pure steel).
3. 1909-S VDB (Value: 600–600–2.5 Million)
The Scandalous Cent
- Low Mintage: Only 484,000 struck.
- “VDB” Controversy: Designer’s initials removed mid-year.
Key Features
✅ “S” mintmark (San Francisco).
✅ “V.D.B.” at the base of the reverse.
Top Sale: $2.5 million (MS-67 Red, 2018).
4. 1969-S Doubled Die (Value: 24,000–24,000–125,000)
The “Recalled” Rarity
- Mint Tried to Destroy Them: ~50 survived.
- Doubling on: “LIBERTY,” date, and Lincoln’s ear.
Authentication Musts
✔️ Weighs 3.11g (no zinc core).
✔️ PCGS “FS-101” designation.
5. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse (Value: 1,200–1,200–25,000)
The Most Famous Error
- Visible doubling: “LIBERTY,” date, and profile.
- Grades & Value:
- G-4 (Circulated): $1,200
- MS-65 (Mint State): $25,000
Spotting Fakes
⚠️ Genuine: Sharp, mechanical doubling.
⚠️ Fake: Blurry or engraved lines.
6. 1992 Close AM (Value: 5,000–5,000–20,000)
The Hidden AMERICA Error
- “AM” Letters Nearly Touch (normal pennies have wide spacing).
- Only Found in 1992-D Cents.
Grading Premiums
💰 MS-63: 5,000💰∗∗MS−67:∗∗5,000💰∗∗MS−67:∗∗20,000
7. 1974 Aluminum Penny (Value: $250,000+)
The Illegal Prototype
- Never Circulated: Only 10 known.
- Legal Warning: Requires Treasury approval to own.
How to Identify
⚖️ Weighs 0.94g (vs. 3.11g for copper).
⚖️ Non-magnetic, silver-colored.
8. 1983 Doubled Die Reverse (Value: 300–300–15,000)
The Overlooked Error
- Doubling on: “ONE CENT” and wheat ears.
- Best Grades: MS-65+ (worth $10K+).
Where to Find
🏦 Check 1983-D rolls (Denver mint).
9. 2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf (Value: 300–300–3,000)
The “Cheese Leaf” Error
- Extra Leaf on cornstalk (high or low variety).
- Top Sale: $3,000 (MS-67, 2019).
Identification Guide
🌽 Magnification required (10x+).
10. 2019-W Lincoln Cent (Value: 250–250–2,500)
The Modern Rarity
- First W Mintmark on a penny (West Point).
- Only 2 Million Made.
Best Place to Find
💵 Uncirculated mint sets (not pocket change).
Where to Sell for Maximum Profit
💰 Heritage Auctions (for 10K+coins).💰∗∗eBay∗∗(bestfor10K+coins).💰∗∗eBay∗∗(bestfor500–$5K errors).
💰 Local Coin Shows (negotiate in person).
3 Deadly Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Cleaning Coins (destroys value).
❌ Selling Raw (uncertified = 50% less).
❌ Ignoring Coin Rolls (banks hide treasures).
Free Penny Check
Subject: “$10M PENNY CHECK”
We’ll respond with:
✔️ Authenticity report.
✔️ Current market value.
✔️ Best place to sell.
