Pennies That Could Change Your Life
You might think a penny is just a penny, but some Lincoln Pennies are worth millions. First minted in 1909, these coins are still found in change, piggy banks, or old jars. Most are worth one cent, but a few rare ones can make you rich. Knowing which ones to look for could turn your spare change into a fortune.
The 1943 Copper Penny
The 1943 Copper Penny is a legend among collectors. During World War II, pennies were made from steel to save copper. By mistake, a few copper pennies were minted in 1943. Only about 15 are known to exist, and one sold for $4.2 million in 2022. If you find a 1943 penny that’s copper colored, not silver, it could be worth a massive payout.
The 1969-S Doubled Die
Another treasure is the 1969-S Doubled Die Penny. This coin has a minting error where the date and words like “LIBERTY” look doubled. Fewer than 50 are known, and one in great condition sold for $2.7 million. Look for an “S” mint mark under the date, showing it’s from San Francisco. Check closely for doubling with a magnifying glass.
| Coin Type | Key Feature | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1943 Copper | Copper, not steel | Up to $4.2M |
| 1969-S Doubled Die | Doubled date and words | Up to $2.7M |
Early and Error Pennies
Some older Lincoln Pennies are also valuable. The 1909-S VDB Penny, from the first year of the series, has the designer’s initials “VDB” on the back. Only 484,000 were made, and a perfect one can sell for over $150,000. The 1955 Doubled Die Penny is another, with blurry doubling on the front. These can go for $30,000 or more. Errors like off-center strikes, where the design is shifted, can also fetch thousands.
| Coin Type | Key Feature | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | VDB initials on back | Over $150,000 |
| 1955 Doubled Die | Blurry doubling on front | $30,000+ |
The 1914-D Penny
The 1914-D Lincoln Penny is another rare find. Minted in Denver, marked with a “D” under the date, only 1.2 million were made. In top condition, one sold for $350,000. These coins are hard to find in circulation, but they’re out there. A worn 1914-D penny can still be worth hundreds, making it a great discovery in your change.
How to Spot a Valuable Penny
Finding a million-dollar penny takes a little effort. Check the date and mint mark under Lincoln’s head. Look for “S” for San Francisco, “D” for Denver, or no mark for Philadelphia. Use a magnifying glass to spot errors like doubling or a copper 1943 penny. If you think you have a rare one, take it to a coin shop or send it to grading services like PCGS or NGC. They’ll tell you its true value.
Look Closely at Your Change
Lincoln Pennies are still in circulation, showing up in cash registers, vending machines, or family collections. Stories of people finding valuable pennies in pocket change or at flea markets keep collectors searching. Most pennies are worth just one cent, but a rare one could make you a millionaire. Next time you see a Lincoln Penny, take a second look. It might be worth millions.