Pennies Worth Money: Valuable U.S. Pennies to Look For
Are you checking your pocket change for hidden treasures? Some pennies are worth way more than just one cent! Whether due to rare errors, low mintages, or high demand among collectors, certain pennies can sell for thousands of dollars.
In this guide, we’ll break down pennies worth money, what makes them valuable, and how you can identify these rare finds.
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Most Valuable Pennies Worth Money
Here’s a list of U.S. pennies that have sold for big money:
1. 1943 Copper Penny – Worth Over $100,000
Most 1943 pennies were made of steel due to WWII copper shortages. However, a few were mistakenly struck in copper, making them ultra-valuable!
💰 Value: Up to $250,000+
🔎 How to check: Use a magnet – if it doesn’t stick, you might have a rare copper penny!
2. 1955 Doubled Die Penny – Worth Up to $15,000
This famous error coin features strong doubling on the date and lettering, making it one of the most sought-after Lincoln cents.
💰 Value: $1,000 – $15,000 (depending on condition)
🔎 How to check: Look closely at “1955” and “LIBERTY” for doubled, overlapping numbers and letters.
3. 1969-S Doubled Die Penny – Up to $35,000
Another dramatic doubled die error, this one was so convincing that some were mistakenly destroyed as counterfeits by the Secret Service!
💰 Value: $10,000 – $35,000
🔎 How to check: Look for strong doubling on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
4. 1982-D Small Date Copper Penny – $10,000+
In 1982, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc pennies. But a rare few 1982-D Small Date pennies were struck in copper by mistake!
💰 Value: $5,000 – $10,000+
🔎 How to check: Weigh your coin. Copper pennies weigh 3.11 grams, while zinc ones weigh only 2.5 grams.
5. 1992 Close AM Penny – Up to $25,000
This rare design error occurred when the A and M in “AMERICA” were closer together than normal on the reverse.
💰 Value: $5,000 – $25,000
🔎 How to check: Look at “AMERICA” on the back – the letters should be almost touching.
6. 1995 Doubled Die Penny – Up to $1,500
One of the more recent doubled die errors, this penny shows clear doubling on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
💰 Value: $50 – $1,500
🔎 How to check: Look at the lettering on the obverse for noticeable doubling.
How to Find Valuable Pennies
Looking for pennies worth money? Here’s where to start:
✅ Check Your Pocket Change – Valuable pennies still show up in circulation!
✅ Search Coin Rolls – Buy rolls of pennies from the bank and look for rare dates and errors.
✅ Use a Coin Scale – Some errors can only be confirmed by weight (like the 1982-D Small Date Copper).
✅ Look for Mint Marks & Errors – Small details can make a huge difference in value!
How to Find A Doubled Die Error Coin!
How to Sell Your Valuable Pennies
If you think you have a rare penny, follow these steps:
1️⃣ Authenticate It – Have it graded by PCGS or NGC for maximum value.
2️⃣ Compare Recent Sales – Check auction results on eBay, Heritage Auctions, or GreatCollections.
3️⃣ Sell to Collectors – Use online coin forums, Facebook groups, or local coin shops.
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Final Thoughts
Some pennies are worth far more than just one cent! Keep an eye out for these rare dates and errors—you never know when you might find a fortune in your spare change.
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