This video explores the top 10 most valuable pennies that could still be found in pocket change, highlighting their history, distinguishing features, and potential market value. It also explains the importance of color grading (red, red-brown, and brown) and uncirculated condition for maximizing a coin’s worth. The countdown starts from the least to the most valuable penny, providing insight into their significance in numismatic history.
Top 10 Most Valuable Pennies
10. 1931 S Lincoln Cent ($65–$1,000)
- Struck at the San Francisco Mint during the Great Depression.
- A semi-key date with a low mintage of 866,000 coins.
- To identify: Look for the small “S” mint mark under the date 1931.
- Value: $65 in poor condition, $100–$1,000 in high mint state (MS) grades.
9. 1972 DDO Lincoln Cent ($200–$300+)
- Features a Double Die Obverse (DDO) variety.
- The doubling is visible in the date and “Liberty” inscription.
- The rarest and most valuable classification is Class I.
- Value: $200 in circulated condition, up to $300+ in uncirculated grades.
8. 1909 S VDB Lincoln Cent ($600–$10,000)
- One of the most famous 20th-century coins.
- Features the VDB initials of designer Victor David Brenner.
- Extremely low mintage of 484,000 makes it highly desirable.
- To identify: Flip to the reverse to find VDB initials at the bottom.
- Value: $600 in worn condition, up to $10,000+ in mint state.
7. 1909 S Indian Cent ($300–$1,000+)
- The last year of the Indian cent series.
- The lowest mintage circulation strike of the series, with only 309,000 made.
- To identify: Look for the “S” mint mark under the bow/wreath on the reverse.
- Value: $300 in worn condition, $1,000+ in uncirculated grades.
6. 1955 DDO Lincoln Cent ($1,000–$2,500)
- One of the most famous error coins in U.S. history.
- Features strong doubling in the date and “Liberty” inscription.
- A true double die, not machine doubling.
- Value: $1,000 in worn condition, up to $2,500+ in high mint state.
5. 1914 D Lincoln Cent ($150–$5,000)
- A key date alongside the 1909 S VDB penny.
- Extremely low mintage of 1,193,000.
- To identify: Look for the “D” mint mark under the 1914 date.
- Value: $150 in poor condition, $2,000–$5,000+ in high grades.
4. 1922 Plain Lincoln Cent ($500–$10,500)
- Minted in Denver but missing the “D” mint mark due to over-polishing of the dies.
- To identify: Flip to the obverse and confirm there is no mint mark under the date.
- Value: $500+ in low grades, up to $10,500 in high mint state.
3. 1969 S DDO Lincoln Cent ($30,000+)
- One of the rarest and most valuable double die varieties.
- Features strong doubling in “Liberty” and the date.
- Unlike machine doubling, the mint mark is not doubled (added separately).
- Only ~30 specimens are known to exist.
- Value: $30,000+, making it one of the most sought-after pennies.
2. 1944 Steel Lincoln Cent ($75,000–$125,000)
- A wartime minting error—struck on leftover steel planchets from 1943.
- One of the most counterfeited pennies.
- To identify: Use a magnet—steel cents are magnetic.
- Value: $75,000–$125,000, even in low-grade condition.
1. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent ($25,000–$125,000)
- The rarest U.S. penny, accidentally struck on leftover bronze planchets from 1942.
- Only about two dozen genuine examples exist.
- To identify: 1943 pennies should be steel—if it sticks to a magnet, it’s not bronze.
- Value: $25,000–$50,000 in low grades, up to $125,000 in pristine condition.
Final Thoughts
The video concludes by encouraging viewers to:
- Check pocket change carefully for these valuable pennies.
- Be aware of counterfeits, especially for high-value coins.
- Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more numismatic content.
- Comment if they own or have found any of these rare pennies.
This video serves as a guide for collectors and hobbyists to identify valuable coins that might still be in circulation.
