Hidden treasures in your pocket change? Discover the pennies that could make you a millionaire.
When people are given change, most of the time they just put it back in the tip jar or toss it in a drawer. However, next time you receive change, you shouldn’t be so quick to give it up-because there could be a coin worth thousands, or even millions of dollars hiding in plain sight.

Before we discuss the coins that can put the most cash in your pocket, it is important that you understand how the value of a coin is determined. Experts determine a coin’s worth by a variety of factors, including mintage, number of errors, demand, age, design, and condition. Pennies can also be especially valuable because of their rich history.

Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70, with 70 being flawless. The grading considers strike, surface preservation, luster, coloration, and eye appeal. Yet, grading can be subjective-even experts sometimes disagree.

Now that you know how coins are valued, here are the 10 most valuable pennies that could turn your loose change into a fortune.

The 10 Most Valuable Pennies Ever Sold

1. 1792 Birch Cent
$2.6 Million

Considered a prototype penny, the United States didn’t officially start minting pennies until 1793. In 1792, however, a small number of prototype cents were struck, and only 10 to 12 are known to exist today.

The Birch cent is a “large cent,” about the size of a quarter, and features a flowing-haired Liberty design attributed to British artist William “Bob” Russell Birch.

One sold at auction in 2015 for $2.6 million. When asked why he paid so much, the owner said: “The history is important. This is our earliest depiction of what we thought of ourselves as a nation.

2. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny
$1.7 Million

An error coin from WWII. In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel to save copper for the war effort. A few copper planchets were accidentally left in the presses, resulting in a handful of bronze pennies.
Only about 40 are known to exist. The only known 1943-D bronze Lincoln cent sold for a record $1.7 million in 2010.

3. 1793 Strawberry Leaf Cent
$863,000

One of the first coins minted when the U.S. Mint officially opened in 1793. Only four are known to exist, making it extremely rare.

The name is misleading-there’s no evidence the leaves are strawberry leaves-but the coin’s historical significance drives its value. One sold in 2019 for nearly $863,000.

4. 1793 Liberty Cap Wreath Cent
$391,000

Another early U.S. penny issued in the Mint’s first year. About 11,065 were made, but its age and historical importance keep its value high.
The Liberty Cap Wreath design was used multiple years, so it’s less rare than other 1793 issues. One sold in 2004 for about $391,000.

5. 1944 Steel Lincoln Penny
$375,000

A reverse error from WWII’s end. As the mint switched back to copper in 1944, about 30 steel planchets from 1943 were accidentally used in San Francisco.
These coins look like dimes in color but are penny-sized. In excellent condition, they can fetch up to $375,000.

6. 1958 Double Die Lincoln Penny
$336,000

Caused by a double stamping error that blurred the lettering on the obverse. Only three examples are confirmed to exist.
One in great condition sold at auction in 2018 for about $336,000.

7. 1909 VDB Proof Lincoln Penny
$269,000

A matte proof not intended for circulation, featuring designer Victor David Brenner’s initials (VDB) on the reverse. Only about 200 survive
Most were stored carefully, so they remain in pristine condition. One sold in 2014 for nearly $269,000.

8. 1856 Flying Eagle Cent
$173,000

A limited edition of just 4,000 pieces, distributed to Congress and dignitaries. Different in design, composition, and weight from later pennies.
One in excellent condition sold in 2004 for almost $173,000.

9. 1864 Indian Head Penny With “L”
$161,000

During the Civil War, the mint modified Lady Liberty’s design to include a small “L” on the ribbon of her war bonnet. Very few of the 1864 pennies have this mark and survive uncirculated.
One sold at auction for almost $161,000.

10. 1914-D Lincoln Penny
$159,000

Cherished for its low mintage from the Denver Mint-only 1,193,000 were made. By comparison, in 2021 alone, over 2.8 billion dimes were produced.

An uncirculated example sold for nearly $159,000 in 2018.

Where Can You Find Rare Coins?

You might be surprised, but rare coins can be found in common everyday places-even in your home. Check couches, pockets of old clothes, and drawers. Beyond the home, visit:

Auction houses & coin shows
Antique stores & pawnshops
Coin collecting clubs
Online marketplaces like USA Coin Book or eBay (verify seller credibility!)

Always do your research before purchasing, and consider having a coin authenticated by a professional grading service.
Disclaimer: Values listed are based on public auction records and can fluctuate. Coin grading is subjective, and condition dramatically affects worth.
Sources: PCGS, Coin Trackers, USA Coin Book, auction archives. Educational use only.