What may look like an ordinary penny to the untrained eye could be worth a fortune, as a recent garage sale find proved. A shopper browsing through a box of old coins discovered a 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny—a rare and valuable coin that shocked coin experts. Originally minted during World War II, the 1943 copper penny was mistakenly produced on copper planchets meant for other coins. This mistake has made the penny one of the most sought-after coins in the U.S. Collectors are now paying astronomical prices for such rare finds, and this particular discovery has been valued at an incredible $124,500. If you’re digging through old coins, you might have a similar treasure waiting to be uncovered. Here’s a look at other rare pennies that could turn your change into a payday.
1943 Copper Lincoln Penny
The 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny is the most famous and valuable of the bunch. During 1943, most pennies were made of steel due to copper shortages from World War II. However, some copper planchets from 1942 accidentally made it into the 1943 presses, resulting in copper pennies. These pennies are worth hundreds of thousands, depending on their condition. If you come across a 1943 penny and it’s made of copper instead of steel, you could be holding a valuable piece of history in your hand.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny is a highly prized coin in the world of numismatics. In 1909, the U.S. Mint introduced the first Lincoln cent, and only 484,000 of these were minted in San Francisco. The “VDB” initials, representing designer Victor David Brenner, appeared on the reverse, and this caused controversy, leading to its removal. This rare penny is highly coveted, and one in mint condition can fetch upwards of $60,000 or more.
1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny
The 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny is another valuable find. Due to a minting error, the inscriptions on some of these pennies were struck twice, making them appear “doubled.” The doubled lettering, especially on the word “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” makes these coins a collector’s dream. While most of these coins aren’t as rare as the 1909-S VDB or 1943 Copper, they still command a high price, with well-preserved specimens selling for over $10,000.
1914-D Lincoln Penny
The 1914-D Lincoln Penny is one of the most valuable pennies from the early 20th century. With only 1.1 million minted, this coin was produced during a time of economic struggle, making it highly sought after. In good condition, this penny can be worth around $2,500, while an uncirculated version could fetch much more—over $50,000.
Coin collectors know that rare pennies can be worth far more than face value, and the discovery of a 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny in a garage sale proves just that. If you’ve been collecting coins or even inherited some old pennies, it’s time to take a closer look. You might have a valuable piece of history hidden in a box or drawer, waiting for the right moment to be discovered.
FAQ’s:
1. How can I tell if a penny is a 1943 copper penny?
It should have a distinct copper color and be noticeably heavier than the steel pennies from 1943. A magnet will not stick to it.
2. What is the value of a 1909-S VDB penny?
It can be worth up to $60,000 or more, depending on the condition of the coin.
3. How do I sell my rare pennies?
You can sell them through coin dealers, auction houses, or online platforms. It’s best to get the coin professionally graded first.
4. Are there other valuable pennies besides these?
Yes, rare errors like the 1955 double die and 1914-D are highly valuable, but always check for rarity and condition.
5. Should I clean my rare pennies before selling them?
Never clean rare coins as this can reduce their value. Leave them in their original state and have them appraised or graded first.
