You’ve probably seen viral posts claiming an ordinary penny is worth $88,990. Sounds amazing, right? Well… 99% of those claims are pure clickbait. 
While most pennies are worth just one cent, a few rare dates, mint errors, and historical issues can actually sell for thousands — even millions.
This guide reveals 5 real pennies that command big money, how to identify them, and how to avoid coin-collecting scams.
The Viral Hype vs. Reality
Fake posts often show photoshopped pennies, exaggerated prices, and no real authentication.
Real high-value coins are always:
A specific date and mint mark
A verified mint error or rare variety
Certified by PCGS or NGC
Top 5 Rare Pennies That Actually Sell for Big Money
1943 Bronze Penny (Copper)
- Value: $100,000 – $1.7 million (certified)
- Why Rare: Struck on leftover copper planchets during WWII’s steel penny era.
- How to Check:
- Weight: 3.11g (steel pennies weigh 2.7g)
- Magnet Test: Copper won’t stick.
1955 Double Die Obverse
- Value: $1,000 – $25,000+
- Key Feature: Strong doubled lettering in “LIBERTY” and the date.
- Recent Sale: $24,150 (MS-65, 2023).
1909-S VDB Penny
- Value: $600 – $3,500
- Why Rare: First Lincoln cent, low mintage, with designer initials “VDB” on reverse.
1969-S Doubled Die Penny
- Value: $25,000 – $50,000 (proof examples)
- Why Rare: Most were destroyed; only a handful survived.
1992 Close AM Penny
- Value: $500 – $20,000+
- Key Feature: The “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” are almost touching.
Why the $88,990 Penny Claim is Fake
Photoshopped Images – Fake errors created digitally.- Urgent Sell Tactics – Scammers push you to act fast.
- No Certification – Real six-figure coins are always graded.
- Missing Details – No date, mint mark, or error type specified.
How to Sell Legit Rare Pennies
- Get It Certified – PCGS or NGC grading adds 50–300% value (fees $30–$100).
- Choose the Right Auction House:
- Heritage Auctions – for coins worth $1,000+
- GreatCollections – for errors and varieties
- Avoid Scams:
- Never pay upfront “listing fees.”
- Ignore unsolicited “instant cash” offers.
Historical Gems vs. Modern Hype
- Pre-1982 Pennies: Worth 2¢–3¢ in copper melt value.
- Key Dates: Low mintage years like 1909-S, 1931-S.
- Valuable Errors: Double dies, off-center strikes, repunched mint marks.
FAQ – Your Coin Questions Answered
Q: Can a 2020 penny be worth thousands?
A: No — modern pennies lack rare metals or historical mint errors.
Q: How do I spot a real doubled die?
A: Use a 10x loupe. Genuine errors show split lines, not fuzzy blurring.
Q: Where can I learn more?
A: Join r/coins on Reddit or grab the Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties.
Start Your Penny Hunt Today!
Check pennies dated 1909–1974.
Use a magnifier to look for doubling and mint mark errors.
Join collector communities like Lincoln Cent Collectors on Facebook for free advice.
Found something interesting? Post photos in the PennyVerse Forum for expert feedback!
Bottom Line:
The “$88,990 penny” is fiction. The real money is in certified rare dates and errors — and now you know exactly which ones to look for.
