Top 7 Most Valuable Rare Pennies in Circulation! They’re Worth Big Money!

Some of the most valuable and rare pennies that collectors look for in circulation are those with key dates or notable mint errors. While it’s difficult to compile a definitive “Top 7” list as values constantly change, here are some of the most famous and high-value Lincoln Cents that could potentially be found in your change:

1. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent (Error): This is one of the most valuable pennies, as cents in 1943 were mistakenly struck on leftover bronze planchets instead of the intended zinc-coated steel to conserve copper for World War II. A 1943-D Bronze coin, for example, has an auction record of up to $\$2$ million. If a 1943 penny is bronze (does not stick to a magnet), it may be worth over $\$100,000$.
2. 1944 Steel Lincoln Cent (Error): A few pennies in 1944 were accidentally struck on leftover zinc-coated steel planchets from 1943 instead of the newly reintroduced bronze. With fewer than 30 examples known, a high-grade 1944 steel cent can be worth upwards of $\$75,000$.
3. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent (Error): This rare error coin shows strong doubling on the date, the word “LIBERTY,” and the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST”. Current price records are around $\$126,500$ for a high-grade example, with even a lightly circulated piece worth $\$10,000$ or more.
4. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent (Error): A popular variety with dramatic doubling visible in “LIBERTY” and the date on the obverse. Even a circulated example is valued around $\$1,000$ to $\$2,000$.
5. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent (Key Date): One of the most famous 20th-century rarities, this coin features the initials of designer Victor David Brenner (VDB) on the reverse and was struck at the San Francisco Mint. With a low mintage, its value can start around $\$400$ in good condition.
6. 1914-D Lincoln Cent (Key Date): This is a key date because it had one of the lowest mintages in its year. Values in very good (VG) condition start around $\$200-\$250$, with high-grade examples reaching up to $\$16,100$.
7. 1982 Small Date Bronze Lincoln Cent (Error): As the US Mint transitioned from bronze to zinc composition in 1982, a few of the “small date” pennies were mistakenly struck on the older, heavier bronze (or copper) planchets. Top-graded specimens of the 1982-P Small Date bronze cents have sold for thousands of dollars. The 1982-D Small Date copper penny has an approximate value of up to $\$18,800$ in AU-58 condition.

Other valuable pennies and errors to look for include:

• 1922 “Plain” Lincoln Cent (No “D” Mint Mark Error)
• 1992-D Close “AM” Lincoln Cent (Error)
• 1999 Wide “AM” Lincoln Cent (Error)
• 1972 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent (Error)