Shocking Auction Prices Revealed: How Ordinary-Looking Pennies Are Selling for Life-Changing Money
A handful of rare Lincoln pennies have sold for hundreds of thousands—even millions—of dollars at recent auctions. Here’s the ultimate guide to the most valuable pennies in existence—and how to spot them in your collection.
1. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent – $1.7 MILLION
💰 Why It’s Valuable:
- Minted by mistake in copper (should be steel)
- Only 10-15 confirmed specimens exist
- Last MS-62 sold for $1.7 million
🔍 How to Spot It:
- Does NOT stick to a magnet (steel pennies do)
- Weighs 3.11g (copper) vs. 2.7g (steel)
2. 1944 Steel Lincoln Cent – $408,000
💰 Why It’s Valuable:
- Minted in steel (should be copper)
- Only 30-40 known to exist
- Last MS-64 sold for $408,000
🔍 How to Spot It:
- Sticks to a magnet (normal 1944 pennies don’t)
- Silver appearance (no copper tone)
3. 1968 No-S Proof Lincoln Cent – $100,000+
💰 Why It’s Valuable:
- Missing the “S” mint mark (San Francisco Proof)
- Only 3-5 confirmed examples
- Last PR-68 sold for $126,500
🔍 How to Spot It:
- Mirror-like proof surfaces
- No “S” below the date
4. 1999 Wide “AM” Reverse – $50,000+
💰 Why It’s Valuable:
- Wide gap in “AMERICA” (should be close)
- Rare Philadelphia Mint error
- Last MS-67 sold for $54,600
🔍 How to Spot It:
- Clear space between “A” and “M”
Where These Hidden Treasures Are Found
🔎 Old coin collections (inherited or forgotten)
🔎 Bank rolls (especially wheat pennies)
🔎 Estate sales (look for untouched collections)
🔎 Coin dealer “junk bins” (before they’re identified)
What To Do If You Find One
🚨 DO NOT CLEAN IT! (Even wiping reduces value)
📸 Take high-res photos (front & back)
💎 Get it graded by PCGS/NGC (certification = $$$)
💰 Sell at auction (Heritage, Stack’s Bowers)
“These Coins Can Literally Change Your Life”
“Finding just ONE of these rare pennies could mean early retirement.”
— David Hall, Founder of PCGS
