You may have seen viral posts or YouTube videos claiming a penny sold for $19.8 million. 
Spoiler: that’s 100% false. No penny has ever sold for anywhere near that amount.
But here’s the good news: some genuine U.S. pennies ARE worth serious money—up to $1.7 million—and you might even find one in a collection or old coin jar. 
Let’s separate myths from reality.
The $19.8 Million Penny Claim – Truth or Scam?
That flashy “$19.8M Penny” headline you saw online is:
A typo or fake listing designed for clickbait- A scam tactic to trick new collectors
- Impossible based on real auction records
The highest verified sale price for any penny is $1.7 million—for a rare 1943 bronze Lincoln cent.
Top 5 Most Valuable Pennies (Real Auction Records)
| Penny Variety | Key Identifier | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1943 Bronze Penny | Copper-red color, non-magnetic, 3.11g weight | $100,000 – $1.7M |
| 1955 Double Die Obverse | Strong doubling on “LIBERTY” & date | $1,000 – $25,000+ |
| 1969-S Doubled Die | Dramatic doubling on obverse | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| 1909-S VDB | “S” mint mark + “VDB” initials on reverse | $600 – $3,500 |
| 1992 Close AM | “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” nearly touching | $500 – $20,000+ |
Why the $19.8 Million Penny Claim Is Fake
No Certification – PCGS and NGC have zero record of such a coin.
Photoshopped Images – Fake auction screenshots are common.
Exaggerated Hype – Even the rarest pennies top out at $1.7M.
How to Spot & Sell Real Rare Pennies
Authenticate Your Coin
- Submit to PCGS or NGC ($30–$100 grading fee).
Sell Smart
- $1,000+ coins → Use Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers
- Lower-value coins → Sell on eBay with detailed keywords (e.g., “1943 Copper Penny PCGS MS-64”)
Avoid Scams
- Don’t pay upfront “listing fees”
Always verify with PCGS CoinFacts
Red Flags in Viral Penny Posts
- “ONLY ONE KNOWN” → False. Example: 1943 Bronze has 20+ confirmed.
- Typos like “STATESOF” → Not always valuable. Most are minor mint errors.
Historical Gems vs. Modern Myths
- 1943 Bronze Penny – Struck in copper instead of steel during WWII.
- 1999 Wide AM – Gap between “A” and “M,” worth $3,000–$4,000.
- 1974 Aluminum Penny – Experimental coin, illegal to own, only 10–12 exist.
FAQ
Q: Can a modern penny really be worth millions?
No. Modern pennies don’t have the metal content or minting history to reach that level.
Q: Where can I verify my penny’s value?
Use PCGS CoinFacts or post clear photos on trusted collector forums like PennyVerse.
Take Action Now
Check your collection – Focus on 1909–1974 coins
Join our community – Free expert reviews at PennyVerse.info
Stay informed – Sign up for real-time coin market alerts
