Sometimes, treasure isn’t buried deep underground—it’s hidden in plain sight. That’s exactly what happened when a man sorting through his grandmother’s old photo albums discovered a penny taped inside a page. Thinking it was just a sentimental memento, he nearly tossed it away. But after a quick online search and a visit to a coin shop, he learned the truth: that little coin was worth $135,000. Rare pennies like this one are out there, quietly waiting to be found in forgotten places. Here are three rare Lincoln pennies that could turn your casual spring cleaning into a jackpot.
1944 Steel Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1944 Steel Wheat Penny is one of the most elusive and valuable Lincoln cents ever made. In 1944, the U.S. Mint returned to making pennies from copper, but a few leftover steel blanks from 1943 accidentally made it into the presses. These steel pennies are magnetic and lighter than copper coins. Only a handful have ever been discovered, and some have fetched upwards of $100,000 at auction. If you find one in great condition, you could be holding a six-figure coin in your hand.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
Any seasoned collector knows the name 1909-S VDB—the holy grail of Lincoln cents. It was the first year the Lincoln penny was introduced, and only 484,000 of these were minted in San Francisco with designer Victor David Brenner’s initials “V.D.B.” on the reverse. This combination of limited production and historical significance makes it incredibly valuable. Even in worn condition, it can bring in over $1,000, while pristine versions have sold for over $60,000. If your family kept old coins as keepsakes, this one could be sitting in a drawer or album.
1958 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny
The 1958 Doubled Die Penny is a lesser-known but highly prized mint error. Due to a rare die misalignment, the word “LIBERTY” and other inscriptions on the coin appear doubled. Only about 3 known examples of the 1958 version have ever surfaced, making it one of the rarest doubling errors in U.S. history. If you happen to stumble upon one, experts estimate its value at over $100,000 depending on its condition.
A dusty photo album turned out to be the hiding place of a six-figure treasure—and stories like this are becoming more common. Rare coins have a way of slipping through generations, waiting for someone with a curious eye to uncover their true value. So, the next time you’re flipping through old keepsakes or clearing out storage, pay attention to those odd little coins. You never know which one could change your life.
FAQ’s:
1. How do I know if my penny is valuable?
Check the date, mint mark, and any unusual features. Compare with trusted online sources or consult a professional appraiser.
2. Where should I take a coin for appraisal?
Reputable coin shops, shows, or third-party grading services like PCGS or NGC are best.
3. Can coins taped into photo albums still hold value?
Yes—while tape can reduce value slightly, the rarity of the coin often outweighs the cosmetic flaws.
4. Are steel pennies always valuable?
Only the rare 1944 steel and 1943 copper versions carry high values. Most steel pennies are common and worth less.
5. Should I clean my old penny before selling it?
Never. Cleaning can ruin a coin’s surface and dramatically reduce its value. Always sell coins in their original condition.
