Your spare change could be hiding a 10,000to10,000to2 million penny—if you know what to look for. Below, we reveal the top 10 most valuable Lincoln cents, how to authenticate them, and where to sell them for maximum profit.
1. 1909-S VDB (Value: 600–600–2.5 Million)
Why It’s Legendary
- Low Mintage: Only 484,000 struck (vs. billions of modern pennies).
- “VDB” Scandal: Designer Victor D. Brenner’s initials were removed mid-year.
Key Features
✔️ “S” mintmark (San Francisco)
✔️ “V.D.B.” at the base of the reverse
✔️ Sharp details (weak strikes are worth less)
Top Sale: $2.5 million (MS-67 Red, 2018)
2. 1943 Copper Penny (Value: 100,000–100,000–1.7 Million)
The WWII Rarity
- Mint Mistake: Only 10-15 confirmed (supposed to be steel).
- Last Auction: $1.7 million (2010, Heritage Auctions).
How to Verify
🔹 Magnet Test: Real copper = non-magnetic
🔹 Weight: 3.11g (steel weighs 2.7g)
🔹 Color: Reddish-brown (steel is gray)
3. 1944 Steel Penny (Value: 75,000–75,000–375,000)
The Reverse Error
- Why Rare: Accidental leftover steel planchets from 1943.
- Known Examples: Only 2 fully authenticated.
Critical Authentication
🔎 PCGS/NCG certification required
🔎 XRF metal test (must be steel, not plated)
4. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse (Value: 1,200–1,200–25,000)
The Most Famous Error
- Visible doubling: “LIBERTY,” date, Lincoln’s profile.
- Grades & Value:
- G-4 (Circulated): $1,200
- MS-65 (Mint State): $25,000
Spotting Fakes
⚠️ Genuine: Sharp, mechanical doubling
⚠️ Fake: Blurry or “split” engraving
5. 1969-S Doubled Die (Value: 24,000–24,000–125,000)
The “Recalled” Rarity
- Mint Tried to Destroy Them: ~50 survived.
- Doubling on: “LIBERTY,” date, and Lincoln’s ear.
Authentication Musts
✔️ Weighs 3.11g (no zinc core)
✔️ PCGS “FS-101” designation
6. 1992 Close AM (Value: 5,000–5,000–20,000)
The Hidden AMERICA Error
- “AM” Letters Nearly Touch (normal pennies have wide spacing).
- Only Found in 1992-D Cents.
Grading Premiums
💰 MS-63: 5,000💰∗∗MS−67:∗∗5,000💰∗∗MS−67:∗∗20,000
7. 1974 Aluminum Penny (Value: $250,000+)
The Illegal Prototype
- Never Circulated: Only 10 known.
- Legal Warning: Owning one requires Treasury approval.
How to Identify
⚖️ Weighs 0.94g (vs. 3.11g for copper)
⚖️ Non-magnetic, silver-colored
8. 1983 Doubled Die Reverse (Value: 300–300–15,000)
The Overlooked Error
- Doubling on: “ONE CENT” and wheat ears.
- Best Grades: MS-65+ (worth $10K+)
Where to Find
🏦 Check 1983-D rolls (Denver mint).
9. 2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf (Value: 300–300–3,000)
The “Cheese Leaf” Error
- Extra Leaf on cornstalk (high or low variety).
- Top Sale: $3,000 (MS-67, 2019).
Identification Guide
🌽 Magnification required (10x+)
10. 2019-W Lincoln Cent (Value: 250–250–2,500)
The Modern Rarity
- First W Mintmark on a penny (West Point).
- Only 2 Million Made.
Best Place to Find
💵 Uncirculated mint sets (not pocket change).
Where to Sell for Life-Changing Money
💰 Heritage Auctions (for 10K+coins)💰∗∗eBay∗∗(bestfor10K+coins)💰∗∗eBay∗∗(bestfor500–$5K errors)
💰 Local Coin Shows (negotiate in person)
3 Deadly Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Cleaning Coins (destroys value)
❌ Selling Raw (uncertified = 50% less)
❌ Ignoring Coin Rolls (banks hide treasures)
Free Penny Check
Think you found one? Email:
📧 verify@pennyverse.info
Subject: “RARE PENNY CHECK”
We’ll respond with:
✔️ Authenticity report
✔️ Current market value
✔️ Best place to sell
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