5 Rare Pennies Worth $18 Million, That Could Make You Rich in 2025
Pennies are often overlooked, but some hold incredible value. As we approach 2025, certain rare pennies have become highly sought after by collectors and investors. These small coins, sometimes hiding in plain sight, can be worth thousands or even millions of dollars.
Here’s a closer look at five of the rarest and most valuable pennies in U.S. history.
1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny is one of the most famous mint errors in American numismatics.
Historical Background
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc-coated steel for pennies to conserve copper for wartime supplies. However, a few leftover bronze planchets from 1942 accidentally entered the production line, creating an extremely rare copper penny.
Key Features
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
- Mint Marks: Philadelphia (no mint mark), San Francisco (S), Denver (D)
- Estimated Number in Existence: Fewer than 20
Value
- In 2018, one of these pennies sold for $1.7 million.
- Even in circulated condition, they can fetch hundreds of thousands.
- Experts predict well-preserved specimens could reach $1.5 million or more by 2025.
How to Identify
- Check the date: Must be 1943.
- Use a magnet: If it sticks, it’s a common steel penny. A real 1943 Bronze Penny won’t stick.
- Verify the weight: Should weigh 3.11 grams (compared to 2.7 grams for steel cents).
1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny
The 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny is one of the most well-known error coins in U.S. history, famous for its distinct doubling effect.
Historical Background
This error occurred when the die used to stamp the coin’s design was misaligned, causing a noticeable doubling of the lettering and date.
Key Features
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- Total Mintage: 20,000–24,000
- Obvious doubling on lettering and date
Value
- Circulated: $1,000 to $2,000
- Uncirculated: $3,000 to $25,000
- High-grade specimens: Over $100,000
How to Identify
- Look for clear doubling on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”.
- The date 1955 should have a noticeable double image.
- Use a magnifying glass for confirmation.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny is one of the most iconic collectible pennies due to its historical significance and limited mintage.
Historical Background
This penny was the first in the Lincoln series and featured the designer’s initials, “VDB” (Victor David Brenner). However, controversy over the prominently displayed initials led to their quick removal, making these coins extremely rare.
Key Features
- Mint Mark: San Francisco (S)
- Designer’s Initials: “VDB” on the reverse
- Total Mintage: 484,000
Value
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good | $600 – $800 |
| Fine to Extremely Fine | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Uncirculated | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Pristine Specimens | $20,000 – $60,000 |
How to Identify
- Look for the “S” mint mark on the obverse.
- Check for “VDB” initials at the bottom of the reverse side.
- Ensure the date is 1909.
1922 No D Lincoln Penny
The 1922 No D Lincoln Penny is a unique error coin created due to excessive die polishing at the Denver Mint.
Historical Background
In 1922, all pennies were minted in Denver. However, due to over-polishing of the die, some coins were struck without the “D” mint mark, making them a valuable collector’s item.
Key Features
- Mint: Denver (but missing the “D” mint mark)
- Estimated Number in Existence: 10,000 to 15,000
- Strong reverse die makes these more valuable
Value
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good to Very Good | $500 – $1,000 |
| Fine to Extremely Fine | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Uncirculated | $10,000 – $30,000 |
| High-Grade Specimens | $50,000+ |
How to Identify
- Confirm the date is 1922.
- Look for the absence of a mint mark where the “D” should be.
- Ensure the reverse die is strong (weaker reverse varieties are less valuable).
1914-D Lincoln Penny
The 1914-D Lincoln Penny is not an error coin but is highly valuable due to its scarcity and strong demand among collectors.
Historical Background
This penny had a low mintage, making it one of the most sought-after Lincoln cents. Counterfeiters often try to alter 1944 pennies to appear as 1914-D, so authenticity is crucial.
Key Features
- Mint Mark: Denver (D)
- Total Mintage: 1,193,000
Value
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good to Very Good | $200 – $400 |
| Fine to Extremely Fine | $500 – $2,000 |
| Uncirculated | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Pristine Specimens | $20,000 – $50,000 |
How to Identify
- Ensure the date is 1914.
- Look for the “D” mint mark on the obverse.
- Beware of altered 1944 pennies (check for tampering).
Could You Have One of These Valuable Pennies?
These rare pennies could be hiding in old collections, coin jars, or even in pocket change. Checking your pennies carefully might lead to an incredible discovery. Whether it’s the million-dollar 1943 Bronze Penny or the historic 1909-S VDB, these small copper coins prove that sometimes, a penny truly is worth a fortune.
FAQs
Depending on its condition, it can be worth over $1.5 million.
It features noticeable doubling on the date and lettering due to a die misalignment.
It was the first Lincoln penny with a low mintage before the initials were removed.
Check for the missing “D” mint mark and ensure the reverse die is strong.
Yes, it’s a key date penny with high demand, worth up to $50,000.
