9 Rare 20th Century Pennies That Could Be Worth Thousands or More!

Think pennies are just pocket change? Think again. Some of the most unassuming pennies from the 20th century have been auctioned for tens of thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars! Yes, that little copper coin rattling around in your drawer could be a rare piece of American history.

In this article, we’ll spotlight 9 rare and valuable pennies from the 1900s that collectors dream of finding. From minting mistakes to ultra-low mintage numbers, here’s why these pennies have become legendary among numismatists.

1. The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny

Let’s kick things off with one of the most iconic error coins: the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny. During World War II, copper was redirected for military use, so pennies were minted in zinc-coated steel. However, a few bronze blanks slipped through the cracks and were used in 1943.

• Why it’s rare: A minting fluke during a critical wartime year.
• Value: One sold for $282,000 at auction in 2023!

2. The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny

The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny marks the debut of Lincoln’s portrait on U.S. currency—and the short-lived initials of designer Victor David Brenner (V.D.B.) on the reverse. Only 484,000 of these coins were minted, making it a key date for collectors.

• Why it’s rare: Low mintage combined with its status as the first-ever Lincoln cent.
• Value: A high-grade example fetched $144,000 in 2022.

3. The 1914-D Lincoln Penny

With only around 1.1 million coins minted at the Denver Mint, the 1914-D Lincoln Penny has always been scarce. But finding one in excellent condition is even harder.

• Why it’s rare: A tough date, especially in high grades.
• Value: One sold for $120,000 in MS-65 condition last year.

4. The 1922 No D Lincoln Penny

One of the most famous mint errors in U.S. history, the 1922 No D Lincoln Penny was accidentally minted without the Denver Mint’s “D” mark due to over-polished dies.

• Why it’s rare: It’s the only Lincoln cent with no mintmark from this year.
• Value: An MS-63 example went for $100,000 in 2021.

5. The 1931-S Lincoln Penny

Minted during the Great Depression, the 1931-S Lincoln Penny saw a low production run of just 866,000 coins. Many were hoarded at the time, but high-grade versions remain tough to find.

• Why it’s rare: Historical significance and low mintage.
• Value: A top-notch MS-66 specimen sold for $95,000 in 2022.

6. The 1955 Double Die Obverse Lincoln Penny

This legendary error coin features obvious doubling of the “LIBERTY” text and the date. The 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny is one of the most sought-after mistakes in U.S. coinage.

• Why it’s rare: Visible doubling without the need for magnification.
• Value: One MS-65 example sold for $75,000 in 2023.

7. The 1909-S Lincoln Penny (No VDB)

Overshadowed slightly by its VDB cousin, the 1909-S Lincoln Penny without the initials is still highly desirable. With a mintage of only 1.8 million, high-grade coins are rare.

• Why it’s rare: First-year issue with a relatively low mintage.
• Value: Sold for $60,000 in MS-66 condition in 2022.

8. The 1926-S Lincoln Penny

With fewer than 950,000 minted, the 1926-S Lincoln Penny is another low-mintage rarity from the San Francisco Mint. Coins in mint condition are few and far between.

• Why it’s rare: Small mintage and limited availability in pristine condition.
• Value: An MS-66 example brought in $65,000 in 2021.

9. The 1911-S Lincoln Penny

Finally, the 1911-S Lincoln Penny rounds out our list. While not as rare as some of the others, finding one in top condition is still challenging, as these coins saw heavy circulation.

• Why it’s rare: Scarce in high grades due to extensive use.
• Value: An MS-66 specimen fetched $55,000 in 2023.

Why Are These Pennies Worth So Much?

There are a few key reasons these seemingly ordinary coins fetch such high prices:

• Low Mintages: Many were produced in limited numbers or during economically challenging times (like the Great Depression).
• Minting Errors: Coins with doubling, missing mint marks, or off-center strikes attract big bids from collectors.
• Condition: An MS-65 coin (Mint State) can be worth 10x or more than its worn, circulated counterpart.
• Historical Significance: Some coins mark turning points in American numismatic history—such as the introduction of Lincoln’s portrait in 1909 or the wartime shortages of 1943.

Could You Be Sitting on a Fortune?

It’s possible! Many people discover valuable coins tucked away in family heirlooms, estate sales, or even random pocket change. Keep your eyes peeled for unusual features like missing mint marks, doubling, or older dates from the early 1900s.

Pro Tip: Always Have Rare Finds Authenticated

If you think you’ve found a valuable penny, have it graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC before selling. Grading confirms authenticity and helps you get top dollar.

Final Thoughts

These 9 rare 20th-century pennies remind us that even the smallest coin can hold a big story—and potentially, a big payday. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting started, it’s worth taking a closer look at those old pennies lying around.

FAQs

Q: Why is the 1943 Bronze Penny so valuable?
A: It was mistakenly struck in copper during WWII when pennies were supposed to be steel.

Q: What is a “Double Die” penny?
A: A coin where letters and numbers are accidentally stamped twice, creating a doubling effect.

Q: How can I spot a rare penny?
A: Look for older dates, mint errors, unusual colors, or missing mint marks—and always check condition!

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