The story of the 1974 Aluminum Penny is one of the most fascinating mysteries in U.S. coinage history. Could a penny in your change jar really be worth up to $12 million? Believe it or not, this legendary rarity exists — and new examples could still be hiding in collections today.
Why the 1974 Aluminum Penny Is So Special
In 1974, the U.S. Mint experimented with making pennies out of aluminum to cut costs as copper prices soared. Around 1.5 million aluminum cents were struck, but almost all were destroyed before release.
A few, however, slipped through the cracks — and those survivors are now considered national treasures of modern numismatics.
How to Identify a 1974 Aluminum Penny
Use this checklist to see if your penny could be one of these rarities:
Material: Aluminum, not copper
- Weight: ~0.93 grams (vs. 3.11g for normal cents)
- Feels much lighter in the hand
Color: Bright silvery-white, not red, brown, or copper
Mint Mark:
- Most known examples are from Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- Rumors exist of a Denver “D” version — possibly unique!
Magnet Test:
- Genuine aluminum cents are non-magnetic
- If it sticks to a magnet, it’s a fake
Pro Tip: A simple digital scale is your best friend for spotting this rarity.
How Much Is a 1974 Aluminum Penny Worth?
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Extremely Fine (XF) | $250,000 – $500,000 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60+) | $1,000,000+ |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS-65) | Up to $12,000,000 |
Only authenticated coins sell for these prices. Certification by PCGS or NGC is essential.
What To Do If You Think You Have One
- Don’t Clean It! – Cleaning destroys value.
- Get It Certified – Send to PCGS or NGC for authentication.
- Sell It Right – Best venues for million-dollar rarities include:
- Heritage Auctions
- Stack’s Bowers
- Legend Rare Coin Auctions
- GreatCollections / eBay (for common 1974s)
Where These Pennies Might Be Hiding
- Inherited coin collections
- Estate sales & antique shops
- Flea markets & coin shows
- Old unopened bank rolls
Watch Out for Fakes
Scammers often try to pass off:
Steel pennies coated with aluminum
Altered dates or restrikes
Wrong weight or magnetic fakes
Always verify weight & authenticity before making claims.
