Everyone has jars of pennies lying around—but most people don’t realize they could be sitting on thousands of dollars in rare coins. Below is a detailed, organized checklist of the top 10 most valuable pennies you should be searching for right now.
🔍 Save this guide—it could make you rich!
The Ultimate Penny Hunting Guide: 10 Rare & Valuable Pennies to Look For
Everyone has jars of pennies lying around—but most people don’t realize they could be sitting on thousands of dollars in rare coins. Below is a detailed, organized checklist of the top 10 most valuable pennies you should be searching for right now.
🔍 Save this guide—it could make you rich!
#10: 1999, 1998, & 2000 “Wide AM” Pennies
What to Look For:
✅ “AM” in “AMERICA” has a clear gap
✅ Must be from 1999, 1998, or 2000 only
💰 Value:
- 1999 Wide AM: $100+ (ungraded)
- 1998 Wide AM: $20+
- 2000 Wide AM: $30+
📌 Why Valuable?
Most pennies have a Close AM—these rare Wide AM varieties were accidental.
![Wide AM vs. Close AM comparison]
#9: 1992 “Close AM” Penny
What to Look For:
✅ “AM” in “AMERICA” is touching
✅ Must be 1992 only
💰 Value:
- Philadelphia (no mint mark): $250-$300
- Denver (“D” mint mark): $600-$700
📌 Key Fact:
The 1992-D Close AM is one of the rarest modern Lincoln cents.
#8: 1982-D “Small Date” Copper Penny
What to Look For:
✅ Weighs 3.1 grams (must be copper)
✅ Skinny numbers in the date
✅ Thin letters in “We” & “In God We Trust”
💰 Value: $15,000-$18,000
📌 Why So Rare?
Most 1982 pennies switched to zinc—this is a copper transitional error.
#7: 1983 Copper Penny
What to Look For:
✅ Weighs 3.1 grams (use a scale!)
✅ Must be 1983 only
💰 Value: $4,000+
📌 Pro Tip:
Most 1983 pennies weigh 2.5g (zinc). A 3.1g one is pure copper and extremely rare.
#6: 1984 Doubled Earlobe Penny
What to Look For:
✅ Two earlobes on Lincoln (instead of one)
💰 Value: $150-$200 (ungraded)
💰 Graded MS65+: $500+
📌 Error Cause: A doubled die during minting.
![Doubled earlobe close-up]
#5: 1972 Doubled Die Penny
What to Look For:
✅ Strong doubling in “IN GOD WE TRUST” & date
💰 Value:
- Ungraded: $650+
- Graded MS65+: $4,000+
📌 Most Famous Example: Sold for $66,000 in high grade.
#4: 1969-S Doubled Die Penny
What to Look For:
✅ Clear doubling on obverse (front)
💰 Value: $20,000-$66,000
📌 Why So Expensive?
Only a handful of these exist—most were caught by the Mint.
#3: 2023 Extra “V” Penny
What to Look For:
✅ Extra “V” near “VDB” initials
💰 Value:
- Ungraded: $50-$75
- Graded MS67+: $500-$600
📌 New Discovery: Still being found in circulation!
#2: 2021 Die Crack Penny
What to Look For:
✅ Large die crack across Lincoln’s face
💰 Value: $150-$200
📌 Why Valuable?
A major mint error that slipped through quality control.
#1: 2001-D “Dime Reverse” Mule Penny
What to Look For:
✅ Denver (“D”) mint mark
✅ Reverse shows dime design (torch & wreath)
💰 Value: $66,000-$114,000
📌 Ultimate Rarity: Only a few confirmed—one sold for $114,000.
Where to Search for These Pennies
✅ Old Coin Jars
✅ Bank Penny Rolls
✅ Estate Sales & Flea Markets
How to Sell for Maximum Profit
💰 Graded Coins: Submit to PCGS/NGC (pcgs.com/submission-guide)
💰 Raw Errors: Sell on eBay or Heritage Auctions
💰 Common Dates: Bulk sell to dealers
Final Checklist Before Selling
✔ Weigh copper pennies (3.1g vs. 2.5g)
✔ Use a 10x loupe to spot doubling
✔ Compare to reference images (PCGS CoinFacts)
💡 Want More? Download our FREE Rare Penny Cheat Sheet at [CoinHuntingTools.com]
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PS: Check every penny—you might be sitting on a $114,000 jackpot! 🚀💰
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