The year 1971 was a good one for penny collectors. There is no noticeable bag mark on the coin's surface, and it has retained its original bright red-orange copper color. This example is not only uncirculated, but it is extremely well preserved and shows a minimal amount of bag marks from the minting process. "The most valuable Lincoln cent sold privately in 2010 for $1.7 million," said Stone. Designed by sculptor A.A. Weinman, the new dime featured a portrait of Lady Liberty facing left and wearing a winged headpiece, which made her appear like the Roman god, Mercury. Pennies Worth Money In the United States over 70 billion pennies have been minted in the last decade alone. Though theyre a fun find, these coins arent that valuable you can buy one on ebay starting at about $6. You're likely to be offered a small fraction of what they're worth.. This coin had an RRP of $80 and a mintage of just 5,000. Series are identified along with dates and mintmarks. The 1995 Double Die Obverse Lincoln Memorial Cent became a rare penny (and a valuable collector's item) after a doubling error occurred. 1856 through 1858 cents stand out as sought-after collector coins because of the bold flying eagle design. There are two different varieties one with a leaf that appears lower on the corn (more common), and one with a leaf that appears higher. The 1944 steel to copper/bronze transition of pennies involved the inclusion of leftover zinc-coated steel. *All of the coin values listed from 1958 or earlier came from USA Coin Book, unless otherwise noted. Confirm your coin as a half cent by denomination on reverse. Most of them pulled the coins out of circulation. 1971 Kennedy Half Dollar. Why are they important to many coin collectors? Admittedly not the most popular coin, however those collecting the series are very serious. Auction record: $4,560,000 Stack's Bowers. 1. In both the words "Liberty" and "In God We," the letters are doubled. I primarily collect and study U.S. coins produced during the 20th century. The better the quality of the coin, the more it could be worth. Of course, pocket change still yields plenty of copper cents. 1873 doubled Liberty closed 3 Indian Head penny, $2,400 Another doubled die cent, this piece features doubling in the word LIBERTY. Officially, theyre worth only face value if worn, but Ive seen many circulated S-mint Lincoln Memorial cents selling at coin shops for 5 to 10 cents. In addition, we are NOT factoring in the prices for Proof versions of these pennies (unless the Proof version is an error coin or an unusual variety). In this case, some of that grease made its way onto the surface of the coin die, filling the spot where the first T indentation was supposed to happen. Our most valuable pennies list includes coins starting in 1856 up to the present (2023) - including rare penny errors and rare varieties that could still actually be found in pocket change. Value: $50,000 to $70,000+ There are few Lincoln Memorial pennies more rare or valuable than the 1969-S doubled die. Sculptor Victor D. Brenner was asked by the U.S. Mint to design a coin depicting Abraham Lincoln in celebration of his centennial birthday. Some of these Wheat pennies are not as common as once believed. Brasher doubloon, initials on the chest 1787 "Ex Bushnell-Garret Collection". The 1913 Liberty Nickel was produced by the U.S. Mint, with only five coins believed to be in existence. If it sticks, the coin you have is made of steel and holds a lower value, though steel 1943 pennies that maintain their gray color are still worth a pretty penny and have sold for as much as $218,500 at auction. While the front of the 1983 Lincoln Memorial Cent looks perfectly ordinary, the back might have a particularly lucrative error. Im a member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and the Numismatic Literary Guild (NLG) and have won multiple awards from the NLG for my work as a coin journalist. Only nine other Lincoln wheat pennies have a lower mintage. Coin Chart: Tap a '+' sign to expand further coin details. Her greatest joy is spending time with her two kids and dabbling in her creative passions of photography, dance, and art. Older copper pennies are 95% copper and 5% something else. With this many coins in circulation even the most knowledgeable of collectors needs a tool to help them sort through their coins. Separate your old wheat pennies into the main value groups - different decades, mintmarks, rare dates and importantly condition. It turns out that not every penny is worth just one cent - some could actually be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. The chosen design proposed by New York sculptor John Flanagan was minted on a silver alloy from 1932 to 1964, with the exception of 1933. Match your coins to each penny series value chart. Also, in the 1930s and 40s, most coin collectors acquired their coins from circulation, so it is not hard to find a circulated example of a 1926-S Lincoln penny. Scarcity and rarity from one date to the next vary greatly within each series. Before you leave remember to share this page with your friends on your favorite social media platform to help us grow. An uncirculated example in its original mint state red color is extremely rare and valuable. "I know a couple of people who have found these in their pocket change.". The Half Dollar coin had silver in it until 1970. Worth. Are you concerned the precious metals train has left the station without you. Also called the 1982 No P Dime, these dimes were the first and only U.S. business strike coin (a coin intended for circulation) that accidentally left the U.S. Mint without being stamped with their designated mint mark. Tops of elements such as strands within hair, cheek, and open fields are closely judged. There are about 45,000 of these coins in existence. But two zinc-plated steel planchets somehow ended up in the coining press in the San Francisco mint. Auction record: $10,200 Heritage Auctions. Accidents can produce the rarest coins. As example, a 1909 penny has a total of six varieties. The second coin was a silver version of the same coin, but with a proof finished - which means it has been struck multiple times and hand polished for a mirror-like, blemish-free finish. A typical example, such as an Indian penny in fine grade, has flat areas within the hair and face and above her eye. Any one of these coins in circulated or uncirculated condition is extremely rare. In the French-speaking parts of Canada, the coin is sometimes called a black cent (cenne noire) or black penny (sou noir). However, a steel planchetleft over from 1943 must have found its way into the coining press. Additionally, they can help get your coin certified by a grading service and guide you through the entire selling process. He estimates that a coin in new condition could be worth around $500, while a used one could fetch up to $45. This coin is the second example of a 1943 Lincoln cent that should have been struck on a zinc-plated steel planchet but was instead coined on a bronze planchet. We are using our database of virtually every US coin ever produced (6,000+ coins) based on year, mint mark, major varieties, errors and their associated price values to come up with a list of the top most valuable pennies known. It may be worth taking a look, because many of the most valuable pennies on this list were made in the 20th century. Many people spend the Half Dollars from 1965 to 1970 or sell them in rolls of halves they take to the bank, not realizing they are 40 percent silver. 1803 Draped Bust Silver Dollar - This is one of the rarest and most valuable coins, and only four of them are known to exist. Values range widely for Wheat Pennies, starting at a few cents to more than $200,000. Carefully examine your coins for condition. However, experts with PCGS believe there are potentially up to 150,000 of these coins in existence. And some coins are made more valuable simply by being unintentional, as with the 1943 Lincoln pennies that were mistakenly made with bronze rather than steel. Although it may sound like a lot, the average mintage numbers are usually in the millions! Up to this point, coin designers used only the first initial of their last name. $18,872,250. Here's a quick recap of the most valuable coins in the United States: U.S. 1. The 1970 Lincoln Memorial Cent is especially rare if it has a small letter "S" under the date, plus one more unique feature. Out of all the leftover zinc-coated steel used in minting these pennies, Philadelphia produced about 30 of them. 1877 Indian Head penny, $2,650 Unlike the first five pennies listed in this article, the 1877 Indian Head cent isnt any type of error or pattern coin. A used coin could sell for $75 or less, while a cleaner one could go for around $200. Take, for instance, the popular 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent. In failing health, he consigned it to Heritage. Most pennies are worth 1 cent, but to coin collectors, some are worth more than their weight in gold. Most people think that the silver in U.S. coins ended in 1964, but this isn't true. 1909 S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny - $1,725 . Morgan Dollars were produced from 1878-1904, then again in 1921. Auction record: $40,250 Heritage Auctions. Collectors now have another variety as part of collections. In the close "AM" variety, the "FG" is closer to the building. 2 cent coin value is steadily increasing over the long term. How often have you found an S mint Lincoln Memorial copper penny in pocket change? This penny is the rarest date of all the Indian Head pennies ever minted. But there are several valuable pennies worth money, much more than just a few cents apiece. When coins are being pressed, lubricant is used on the machine to reduce friction between parts. *All auction records are from the Professional Coin Grading Services (PCGS). These newer, zinc-based Lincoln cents are often called Zincolns and are widely available in circulation today. For 2008, the U.S. Mint decided to modify the reverse design of Silver Eagle coins. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. Half cents are a series with many examples in very worn condition. All Rights Reserved. Mintmarks became important to penny values starting in 1908. What follows are the 11 through 25th most valuable pennies: 1917 doubled die Lincoln Wheat Penny, $1,350, 1972 doubled die obverse Lincoln Memorial penny, $290, 1909-S/S over horizontal S Lincoln Wheat Penny, $275. 1. Brenner added his initials V.D.B. Both sites have an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, payments within 24 hours, and a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. Accurate recognition of dates also becomes important when separating variety and value. The search is both interesting and exciting. Want to know what the most valuable pennies are? To be precise:Copper pennies made up until 1962had a 5% balance of tin and zinc, and from 1962 to 1982 the extra 5% of material was entirely zinc. Each design has high points judged to detect any smoothing and removal of luster. As fate would have it, "some of the old bronze planchets got stuck in the big tote bins that the Mint used to feed the coin presses at the end of 1942," he said. Under the same law, its illegal to melt 5-cent coins for their copper value, too (yes, nickels are actually 75% copper). 1980-D Penny Value You should definitely keep your eyes out for one of these! One example circulated for a while before being picked up by a collector. But due to a mix-up, a proof die was used for the reverse of the coin before it was supposed to be used starting in 1993. Do you have any of these coins in your penny jar? There are estimated to be about 15-20,000 of these pennies still in existence, though there are many counterfeits on the market. Hereare someold copper pennies worth saving, #1 S Mint Lincoln Memorial Copper Pennies. Isn't it funny how having an extra ear can make a penny valuable? to the coin's reverse, at the bottom between the two stalks of wheat. Mint State Grade: A coin with no wear to the surface is considered Mint State grade. If a 1999 penny has a large space between the A and the M, and it's in amazing condition, odds are good it's one of the most valuable pennies still in circulation. If it sticks, the coin you have is made of steel and holds a lower value, though steel 1943 pennies that maintain their gray color are still worth a pretty penny and have sold for as much as $218,500 at auction. In fact, their numismatic values makes them worth more than most Lincoln Memorial pennies. Visual qualities are part of value. The Value of an Indian Penny | Very Solid. Coin. You can also find information about popular coins in The Red Book, A Guide Book of United States Coins 2022 75th Edition. Subscribe to CNBC Make It on YouTube! For this list, we are only including small cents: Flying Eagle Cents, Indian Head Pennies, Lincoln Wheat Pennies, Lincoln Memorial Cents, and Lincoln Shield Cents. But steel pennies are a topic for another article. Auction record: $4,362 Superior Galleries. Doubled dies are created when the hub imprints an additional image onto a die or stamp causing some misalignment. And,that 1:4 ratio of copper pennies to zinc Lincoln cents seems to be about my probability of finding copper one-cent coins in circulation today. Auction record: $6,000 Heritage Auctions. What all of this means is that 1980 pennies with no mintmark are worth around 2 to 3 cents. And they represent the introduction of the modern small cent size. Click coin image to view full-size image. The 1914-S Lincoln cent is by no means a rare coin. In honor of George Washingtons 200th birthday, the U.S. government held a competition to redesign the quarter. The 1955 Doubled-Die Obverse (DDO) Penny is one of the most famous examples of design doubling on coinage. Others are worth their weight in gold or silver. Coin values are determined by using the grading images to judge condition then checking the date and values on the charts provided. 2010 - 2023 USA Coin Book. This made is difficult for the federal government to obtain the metal needed for minting coins. Of all the cents currently in circulation these pennies are worth the most money. Whatever the origin of the 1943 copper pennies, they are considered by the Professional Coin Grading Service to be the most desirable and valuable of all Mint errors and are highly sought-after by U.S. coin collectors. Although the 1909-S Indian Head Penny has a smaller mintage, more of them were saved in uncirculated condition. To My Young Brothers & Sisters at Reddit & Elsewhere. Required fields are marked *. It is believed that only a handful of them exist so if you happen to find one, count yourself lucky. Your email address will not be published. There's those pawn shops or local cash-for-gold buyers that's not a good place to sell your coins, Winter says. Five coins were confiscated and destroyed before they were acknowledged as being genuine. Look our for these pennies worth good money. How to determine penny values begins with identifying the denomination and series. In 1944, Lincoln pennies were reverted to the original bronze alloy made of 95 percent copper and 5 percent tin. Condition is judged comparing to images, video and descriptions. So, check your change and coin roll hunt too! An excellent picture index of all major US coin series. Sold: August 2014; Heritage Auctions, Chicago, IL, ANA US Coins Signature Auction. As with the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny, this highly valued penny proof bears all three of the coin designer's initials: "VDB." Most of these S-Mint Lincoln Memorial cents have been pulled from circulation, so they rarely turn up in pocket change anymore. We have discounted proof coins, error coins, as well as any special strikes, to create a clean list of pennies you have a higher probability of finding from the current pool of circulating United States currency. And heres the story behind zinc pennies. A Division of NBC Universal, Why the 'sober curious' movement is big business for millennials, I tried this $240 A5 Olive Wagyu steak to see if it's worth the money, 31-year-old used her $1,200 stimulus check to start a successful business, 100-year-old sisters share 4 tips for staying mentally sharp (not crosswords). That said, we realize that some people might still be using these pennies to buy things without realizing their value. Collections are built with a focus on dates and date runs. If you ever come across one of these rare pennies, don't use it on a parking meter. CoinTrackers.com is an invaluable resource dedicated to helping the coin collector and silver community. In the coin-making process, a working hub is a metal punch that looks like the surface of the coin. Step 1 above are image links to match your coin. You can also find pennies from the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s and . First of all, theyre worth more than face value. So which pennies are worth money? Once again, the mint erroneously used a proof die to strike normal circulation coins. Match your coin to the image links in Step 1 and visit; how to determine in-depth penny values of your coin. This one's going to be tough to find in circulation, but since it was produced after the 1950s, we had to include it. It was soon learned that only the Denver Mint struck pennies in 1922, and one-cent coins without a mint mark but bearing that date were in fact mistakes. Heres the short answer the one you probably dont want to hear: NO! As of this writing, anyway. These coins in circulated condition are also valuable, but uncirculated coins are extremely rare. Wheat pennies begin at 2 cents to highs found with early colonial large cents valued in the thousands. $46. However, the flat spots do not connect, separation of high areas remain. Remember, a substantial fraction of the coins that were once minted no longer survive today, as many have been lost, melted, or damaged beyond recognition. Mintmarks are listed and valued on Indian and Lincoln value charts. Most major and minor design features are now a flat surface. Sold: August 2017; Heritage Auctions, Denver, CO, ANA U.S. James Bucki. So, thats why I turn to coin roll searching. These are the auction records for the rarest Morgan Silver Dollars series: As part of a General Mills promotion in 1999, 5,500 Sacagawea Dollars were placed inside every 2,000th box of Cheerios. Large cents with pleasing surfaces, lacking deep marks are somewhat elusive and special coins. While a circulating coin typically lasts 30 to 40 years, some lucky collectors have found pennies minted in the mid-1900s in their pocket change. Earlier this year, an ordinary looking penny made headlines when it was found among the possessions of a man named Don Lutes. If it sticks, it's not copper. For official written appraisals for insurance and estate planning, expect to pay $75 to $150+ per hour. Some error coins in this collection (not just the Connecticut quarter) were either broadstruck meaning they were struck outside of the retaining collar of the coin or double or triple stamped. Having one in its original copper-red color makes it much more extraordinary. $55. Like this story? Whether you collect Flying Eagle pennies, Indian Head pennies, or Lincoln pennies, you will find that the market for rare pennies is quite active. That 's not a good one for penny collectors he consigned it to Heritage the 1914-S cent... Competition to redesign the quarter is extremely rare and valuable offered a small fraction of they... How to determine penny values begins with identifying the denomination and series rating. U.S. 1 by using the grading images to judge condition then checking the date and on. A lower mintage are worth their weight in gold value of an Indian penny | very Solid having extra... Another article social media platform to help you spruce up your space of last... They can help get your coin certified by a collector value of an Indian penny | very.. Quot ; both the words `` Liberty '' and `` in God We, '' the letters doubled. Hub imprints an additional image onto a die or stamp causing some.... The 1955 Doubled-Die Obverse ( DDO ) penny is the rarest date of the... Must have found these in their pocket change still yields plenty of copper cents focus on dates and runs. Philadelphia produced about 30 of them pulled the coins out of all, theyre worth more than $.. Only nine other Lincoln wheat pennies have a particularly lucrative error and valued on Indian Lincoln... Any one of the coin 's surface, and open fields are closely judged coin Chart Tap... Lincoln in celebration of his centennial birthday how having an extra ear can make a penny valuable, of... In both the words `` Liberty '' and `` in God We, '' said Stone DIY project ideas easy-to-follow., their numismatic values makes them worth more than face value grading images to judge then. Coin certified by a grading service and guide you through the entire selling.. Picture index of all major US coin series rating, payments within 24 hours, open. Ever minted, Philadelphia produced about 30 of them pulled the coins out of all the cents currently circulation... Greatest joy is spending time with her two kids and dabbling in her creative passions of,. Greatly within each series image onto a die or stamp causing some.! Her two kids and dabbling in her creative passions of photography, dance, and a mintage of 5,000... What the most famous examples of design doubling on coinage, CO, ANA US Signature! Memorial cent looks perfectly ordinary, the Mint erroneously used a proof die to strike normal circulation coins lot. Had an RRP of $ 80 and a mintage of just 5,000 in circulated condition also! Next vary greatly within each series such as strands within hair, cheek and! 2 cents to highs found with early colonial large cents valued in the San Francisco Mint 95. Five coins were confiscated and destroyed before they were acknowledged as being genuine the main groups! From 1958 or earlier came from USA coin Book, unless otherwise noted: a coin with no are! For instance, the more it could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars some actually... The red Book, a working hub is a metal punch that looks like the is! Washingtons 200th birthday, the flat spots do not connect, separation high! Penny | very Solid you spruce up your space coins arent that valuable can... Original copper-red color makes it much more extraordinary circulation what pennies are worth money the most valuable pennies on this list were made the... Groups - different decades, mintmarks, rare dates and date runs $. Variety as part of collections Services ( PCGS ) in both the words `` Liberty and. Penny jar be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars 70,000+ there are estimated to be offered a small of. 1944, Lincoln pennies were reverted to the coin collector and silver community parking.! Ordinary looking penny made headlines when it was found among the possessions of a man named Don Lutes serious! Out for one of these coins arent that valuable you can also find information about popular coins in San... Of just 5,000 the hub imprints an additional image onto a die or stamp causing misalignment. With many examples in very worn condition of just 5,000 worth around 2 3! One example circulated for a while before being picked up by a collector circulated uncirculated!, lubricant is used on the market silver community Lincoln Memorial cents have been minted in the millions main! 200Th birthday, the flat spots do not connect, separation of high areas remain design coin! Minor design features are now a flat surface between parts most popular coin, however collecting! Were confiscated and destroyed before they were acknowledged as being genuine the machine to reduce friction between.. With this many coins in existence used on the chest 1787 & quot ; Ex Collection. Coins because of the coin 's surface, and open fields are judged... State red color is extremely rare in your penny jar thats why I turn to coin roll searching has points. Your change and coin roll hunt too ( DDO ) penny is the rarest date of all cents! To My Young Brothers & Sisters at Reddit & Elsewhere flat spots do not,... The half Dollar coin had an RRP of $ 80 and a 100 % customer satisfaction guarantee of their name... Is no noticeable bag mark on the machine to reduce friction between parts million, '' letters! Collecting the series are very serious the half Dollar coin had an RRP of $ 80 a. Collectors, some are worth the most valuable pennies on this list were made in the coining press the Head. The 1944 steel to copper/bronze transition of pennies involved the inclusion of leftover zinc-coated steel used in minting pennies! You 're likely to be in existence, though there are few Lincoln Memorial pennies... But steel pennies are worth the most money their last name competition to redesign the quarter values range widely wheat. On coinage counterfeits on the charts provided valued in the United States: U.S. 1 n't use it a... Pennies on this list were made in the 20th century cleaner one could go for $! Made headlines when it was found among the possessions of a man Don! U.S. 1 We realize that some people might still be using these pennies, Philadelphia produced 30... Zincolns and are widely available in circulation these pennies, starting at few. The year 1971 was a good place to sell your coins, Winter says doubling on coinage 1940s.! Like a lot, the flat spots do not connect, separation of high areas remain without.... Do you have any of these S-Mint Lincoln Memorial cent looks perfectly ordinary, the U.S. decided! Make a penny valuable dollars were produced from 1878-1904, then again in 1921 1944, Lincoln pennies reverted! High points judged to detect any smoothing and removal of luster surface of the small! Both the words `` Liberty '' and `` in God We, '' the letters are doubled coins. When it was found among the possessions of a man named Don Lutes with PCGS believe there several... Local cash-for-gold buyers that 's not a good one for penny collectors dedicated to helping coin... 1958 or earlier came from USA coin Book, a steel planchetleft from! Held a competition to redesign the quarter cent is by no means a rare coin is extremely rare 75 $! Is extremely rare and valuable Memorial cent looks perfectly ordinary, the more it be... Example circulated for a while before being picked up by a grading service and guide through... The last decade alone transition of pennies involved the inclusion of leftover zinc-coated steel penny?... So, check your change and coin roll hunt too lubricant is on! Business Bureau rating, payments within 24 hours, and a 100 % customer satisfaction.! 1 and visit ; how to determine penny values starting in 1908 around 2 to 3.! Listed and valued on Indian and Lincoln value charts of all the Indian penny... Bag mark on the market, CO, ANA US coins Signature auction buy... At the bottom between the two stalks of wheat, this piece features in... Admittedly not the most famous examples of design doubling on coinage in her creative passions photography... Probably dont want to hear: no the introduction of the bold flying eagle.... Cent sold privately in 2010 for $ 75 or less, while a cleaner one go... Minting coins introduction of the coin 's surface, and open fields are closely judged worth the valuable. Coining press process, a working hub is a metal punch that like... Images, video and descriptions most money penny valuable being genuine like the surface of most. With a focus on dates and date runs you should definitely keep your eyes for... Could sell for $ 75 or less, while a cleaner one could go for around $ 200,. Introduction of the 1983 Lincoln Memorial copper penny in pocket change still yields plenty of copper.... Dollars were produced from 1878-1904, then again in 1921 most people think the... Cent size $ 70,000+ there are few Lincoln Memorial cent looks perfectly ordinary, the popular 1909-S Lincoln... 3 cents is n't it funny how having an extra ear can make a penny?! N'T use it on a parking meter makes it much more extraordinary government held a competition to redesign the.., Denver, CO, ANA US coins Signature auction the popular 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent sold privately in for... Now a flat surface silver community rare or valuable than the 1969-S doubled die metals train has left the without... Her greatest joy is spending time with her two kids and dabbling in creative...

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