6 Most Valuable Pennies in Circulation: Could You Have One?
1943-D Lincoln Bronze Wheat Penny
This Victor D. Brenner-designed penny is one of the most valuable. The 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc alloy coin sold for $1.7 million in 2010 but is worth $2.3 million in uncirculated mint condition.
1793 Strawberry Leaf Cent
Strawberry Leaf cent sold for $862,000 at auction in 2009, breaking records. The Strawberry Leaf cent is unique because its tail has a four-leaf strawberry plant instead of a three-leaf trefoil.
1944-S Steel Wheat Penny
Due to missing the 1944 switch from steel-coated zinc to copper, this penny is worth a lot. Only two San Francisco-minted copies remain. Average-condition circulating coins are worth $408,000–$39,000.
1943-S Lincoln Cent Struck on Bronze
The US stopped making bronze pennies in 1943. A few bronze planchets, a blank coin without a design, may have been left behind, creating rare and expensive 1943-S bronze pennies.
1909 VDB Matte Proof Lincoln Penny
Older coins are worth more over time. Matte-proof coins are popular, and this 1909 VDB is the most desirable. The square, sharp-edged rims and features indicate authenticity.
1958 Doubled Die Obverse Cent
Doubled Because few were produced, Die Obverse pennies sell for a lot at auction. An example is the “doubled” lettering of “In God We Trust” and “Liberty.” The date is also slightly doubled in 1958.
See Also
6 Most Controversial Coins in History and Why They Matter