🪙 The “10 Million Dollar Penny” Myth vs. Reality
While headlines often scream about a $10 million penny, it is vital to separate viral speculation from actual auction records.
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The Viral Myth: There is currently no verified sale or official estimate that supports a $10 million price tag for a single penny.
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The Speculative Logic: The $10 million figure is likely a mix of online exaggeration and wishful thinking regarding what a “perfect” version of the 1943 Bronze Penny might fetch if it ever surfaced.
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Actual Records: In May 2025, the U.S. Mint auctioned the final sets of pennies ever minted for over $16.7 million total. While this was for 232 sets, the final set (#232) sold for $800,000, setting a record for the most valuable modern U.S. numismatic item.
🏆 Top 10 Super Rare USA Pennies in History
1. 1943-D Bronze (Copper) Lincoln Penny
This is widely considered the “Holy Grail” of error coins. During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to zinc-coated steel to save copper for ammunition. However, a few leftover bronze blanks from 1942 were accidentally struck at the Denver Mint.
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Value: Only one is known to exist; it sold for $1.7 million in 2010.
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Pro Tip: If you find a coppery 1943 penny, use a magnet—steel pennies will stick, but authentic bronze ones will not.
2. 1792 Birch Cent
This is a pattern coin struck a year before the U.S. Mint officially opened. It was discussed by founding fathers like Thomas Jefferson and George Washington.
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Value: One variety has been valued at approximately $4.2 million.
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Unique Detail: It features the inscription “LIBERTY PARENT OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY”.
3. 1944 Steel Lincoln Penny
The reverse error of the 1943 bronze cent, these were struck on leftover steel blanks when the Mint had already returned to copper production.
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Value: High-grade uncirculated examples can reach $1 million.
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Rarity: There are only an estimated 25 to 35 known examples from the Philadelphia Mint.
4. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
This is the most famous “key date” in the Lincoln cent series. It was the first year of the Lincoln penny, and the public objected to the designer Victor David Brenner’s initials (VDB) being so prominent.
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Value: An MS67RD (Red) example sold for $168,000 in 2022.
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Key Feature: Look for the small “S” under the date and the “V.D.B.” at the bottom of the reverse side.
5. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse
This coin features dramatic, easily visible doubling on the date and the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”.
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Value: Auction records for this error have reached $1.7 million.
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History: Initially thought to be counterfeit, early discoveries were actually seized by the government before being authenticated as genuine mint errors.
6. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny
Perhaps the most visually striking error, the doubling on the date and lettering is so bold it can be seen without a magnifying glass.
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Value: Exceptional grades have reached estimated values as high as $288,000.
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Quantity: It is estimated that 20,000 to 24,000 were released into circulation.
7. 1793 Strawberry Leaf Cent
This is one of the rarest of all early American large cents, named for the distinct strawberry-like leaves appearing over the date.
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Value: One specimen sold for $862,500 in 2009.
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Rarity: Only four examples of this specific variety are known to exist.
8. 1877 Indian Head Penny
The second lowest mintage in the entire Indian Head series, making it a cornerstone for serious collectors.
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Value: Well-preserved examples routinely fetch over $100,000 at auction.
9. 1914-D Lincoln Penny
While not an error, its extremely low mintage and the fact that very few survived in uncirculated condition make it highly valuable.
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Value: Top-tier examples have sold for as much as $420,000.
10. 1864 Indian Head Penny (“L” on Ribbon)
During the middle of 1864, the designer’s initial “L” for James Longacre was added to the ribbon on Lady Liberty’s headdress.
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Value: Authentic, high-grade versions of this variety have sold for approximately $92,000.
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