Most people see a penny as just one cent, but for coin collectors, certain Lincoln pennies can be worth hundreds, thousands, or even millions of dollars. These small copper coins hold incredible value due to rare minting errors, limited production runs, or historical significance. If you’ve got an old jar of coins lying around, it might be time to check them carefully—you could be sitting on a hidden fortune. Here are the top seven Lincoln pennies that could make you rich.
1. 1943 Copper Wheat Penny
The 1943 Copper Wheat Penny is one of the most famous and valuable coins in U.S. history. During World War II, pennies were made of steel coated with zinc to save copper for the war effort. However, a few copper blanks accidentally made their way into the presses, creating this rare error coin. Only a handful exist, and one sold for over $1.7 million at auction. If you find one that sticks to a magnet, it’s steel—but if it doesn’t, you may have the real deal.
2. 1955 Doubled-Die Penny
The 1955 Doubled-Die Lincoln cent is instantly recognizable because of its dramatic double image, especially on the words “Liberty” and “In God We Trust.” This minting error happened when the die was misaligned during production. Collectors love it for its bold mistake, and depending on condition, it can sell from $1,000 to over $15,000.
3. 1909-S VDB Penny
This penny was the first year the Lincoln cent was minted and includes the designer Victor David Brenner’s initials “VDB” on the reverse. The San Francisco mint produced only about 484,000 of these before removing the initials, making them highly sought after. A well-preserved 1909-S VDB penny can fetch between $700 and $2,500, with uncirculated ones worth even more.
4. 1969-S Doubled-Die Penny
The 1969-S doubled-die penny is extremely rare and valuable due to a strong doubling effect on the obverse lettering and date. Many were destroyed by the Secret Service before collectors realized they were legitimate errors. Surviving examples can sell for $50,000 to more than $100,000, depending on their condition and certification.
5. 1922 No D Penny
In 1922, all Lincoln cents were supposed to be struck at the Denver Mint, marked with a small “D.” However, a worn die caused some coins to be minted without the mark, creating the famous “No D” variety. This mistake made these pennies rare, and collectors are willing to pay between $500 and $10,000 for one in good shape.
6. 1972 Doubled-Die Penny
This coin features noticeable doubling on the date and the word “Liberty.” Though not as dramatic as the 1955 version, it’s still a popular and valuable find. Prices usually range from $200 to $1,000, depending on grade and visibility of the doubling.
7. 1992 Close AM Penny
A subtle but rare design difference makes this modern penny valuable. On most 1992 pennies, the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” on the back are spaced apart, but on this error coin, they are very close together. Only a few have been discovered, and collectors have paid between $2,000 and $20,000 for them.
| Penny Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| 1943 Copper Wheat Penny | $100,000 – $1.7 Million |
| 1955 Doubled-Die Penny | $1,000 – $15,000 |
| 1909-S VDB Penny | $700 – $2,500 |
| 1969-S Doubled-Die Penny | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| 1922 No D Penny | $500 – $10,000 |
| 1972 Doubled-Die Penny | $200 – $1,000 |
| 1992 Close AM Penny | $2,000 – $20,000 |
Final Thoughts
Finding one of these rare Lincoln pennies in your pocket change or old coin jar could change your life. Before selling, make sure your coin is verified by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC, as authentication can greatly increase its value. Whether you’re a collector or just curious, it’s worth checking your coins—you never know when a simple penny might turn into a once-in-a-lifetime treasure.
