It’s easy to overlook a penny, but some of these humble copper coins are worth far more than their face value. Hidden in pocket change, estate sales, or coin jars, the rarest 20th-century pennies can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Here are 11 rare pennies collectors are chasing today.
A Brief History of U.S. Pennies
The penny has been in circulation since 1793, but the 20th century introduced some of the most iconic designs. From the Indian Head cent to the famous Lincoln Wheat cent, these coins became everyday currency — yet certain errors, mintmarks, and small details made some incredibly rare.
Why Some Pennies Became So Valuable
Value often comes from low mintage, minting mistakes, or unique variations. While billions of pennies were struck, a few slipped through with rare errors or designs. Collectors today pay premiums for coins that combine rarity with good condition.
11 Rare Pennies of the Twentieth Century
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
The first year of the Lincoln cent featured designer Victor D. Brenner’s initials “VDB” on the reverse. Only 484,000 were minted in San Francisco, making it a prized rarity.
Value Range: $700 – $15,000.
2. 1914-D Lincoln Cent
Low mintage and high demand make this Denver issue one of the hardest Lincoln cents to find in circulation.
Value Range: $300 – $5,500.
3. 1922 No D Lincoln Cent
A Denver mint error where the “D” mintmark was accidentally omitted. Collectors prize this scarce variety.
Value Range: $500 – $10,000.
4. 1931-S Lincoln Wheat Cent
With only 866,000 minted during the Great Depression, this is among the lowest mintage wheat cents.
Value Range: $100 – $2,500.
5. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent
During WWII, pennies were made of steel to save copper for the war. A few bronze planchets slipped through, creating one of the most famous rarities.
Value Range: $100,000 – $1,000,000+.
6. 1944 Steel Lincoln Cent
The reverse of the 1943 error, some steel planchets were used in 1944 by mistake. Extremely rare and valuable.
Value Range: $25,000 – $200,000.
7. 1955 Double Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
One of the most famous error coins, the date and inscriptions appear doubled, easily visible without magnification.
Value Range: $1,000 – $20,000.
8. 1969-S Double Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
Another doubled-date rarity, but far scarcer than 1955. Known examples are highly sought after.
Value Range: $15,000 – $100,000.
9. 1972 Double Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
While more common than the 1955 version, this doubled die error still commands attention from collectors.
Value Range: $100 – $1,500.
10. 1983 Double Die Reverse Lincoln Cent
Here, the reverse lettering shows doubling, making it a popular modern error coin.
Value Range: $200 – $2,500.
11. 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent
On rare 1992 cents, the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” are nearly touching instead of spaced apart.
Value Range: $500 – $5,000.
Rare 20th Century Pennies and Values
| Year / Type | Key Feature | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent | First Lincoln, VDB initials | $700 – $15,000 |
| 1914-D Lincoln Cent | Low mintage Denver issue | $300 – $5,500 |
| 1922 No D Lincoln Cent | Missing mintmark error | $500 – $10,000 |
| 1931-S Lincoln Cent | Depression-era rarity | $100 – $2,500 |
| 1943 Bronze Cent | Wrong planchet error | $100k – $1M+ |
| 1944 Steel Cent | Wrong planchet error | $25k – $200k |
| 1955 Double Die Obverse | Doubled lettering | $1k – $20k |
| 1969-S Double Die Obverse | Rare doubled date | $15k – $100k |
| 1972 Double Die Obverse | Doubling on date | $100 – $1,500 |
| 1983 Double Die Reverse | Doubling on reverse text | $200 – $2,500 |
| 1992 Close AM | AM nearly touching | $500 – $5,000 |
Notable Facts That Add Intrigue
- Only about 20 examples of the 1943 Bronze Cent are known to exist.
- A single 1943 Bronze Cent sold for $1.7 million in a private sale.
- Doubling errors like the 1955 Double Die were often discovered only after coins entered circulation.
Tips for Collectors
- Always check dates and mintmarks carefully with a magnifier.
- Condition matters: coins in MS65 or higher are far more valuable.
- Consider professional grading for authentication and higher resale value.
FAQs
Q: Can these rare pennies still be found in circulation?
A: Yes, though extremely unlikely. Searching coin rolls and estate collections gives you the best chance.
Q: Which rare penny is the most valuable?
A: The 1943 Bronze Cent tops the list, often fetching over $1 million.
Q: How can I tell if my penny is rare?
A: Look for doubling, unusual mintmarks, or off-metal strikes. Comparing with trusted coin guides helps.
Conclusion: A Penny Worth More Than Gold?
The penny may seem like small change, but the 11 rare 20th-century pennies on this list prove otherwise. From the legendary 1943 Bronze Cent to the elusive 1992 Close AM, these coins carry history, intrigue, and incredible value. Next time you spot a penny, don’t dismiss it — it might just be worth a fortune.