10 Most Valuable Pennies and Their Worth – One Worth Nearly $5 Million

Ever wondered if that old penny in your drawer is worth more than a cent? Some rare pennies have fetched thousands at auctions. Let’s explore ten valuable U.S. pennies and their current market values.

10 Most Valuable Pennies and Their Worth

1. 1944 Steel Wheat Penny

In 1944, most pennies were made of copper. However, a few steel pennies from 1943 mistakenly got minted with the 1944 date. These rare coins can be worth up to $408,000. 

2. 1943 Copper Wheat Penny

During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to steel pennies to save copper. Yet, some copper pennies were accidentally produced in 1943. These are highly sought after, with values reaching $250,000. 

3. 1856 Flying Eagle Penny

The 1856 Flying Eagle cent was initially a pattern coin but later circulated due to public demand. Its limited mintage makes it valuable, often selling for around $25,000. 

4. 1924-S Wheat Penny

The 1924-S penny had a relatively low mintage, especially in higher grades. Collectors may pay up to $12,000 for well-preserved examples. 

5. 1873 Indian Head Penny

The 1873 Indian Head cent comes in two varieties: open and closed “3” in the date. The closed “3” is rarer, with some fetching up to $10,000. 

6. 1858 Flying Eagle Penny

The 1858 Flying Eagle cent had a short production run, making it desirable among collectors. Prices can reach $10,000, depending on condition. 

7. 1857 Flying Eagle Penny

As the first small-sized cent, the 1857 Flying Eagle holds historical significance. Well-preserved pieces can command prices up to $7,000. 

8. 1922-D Wheat Penny

The 1922-D penny is notable for its weak or missing mint mark. High-grade specimens can be worth around $6,000. 

9. 1914-D Wheat Penny

With a low mintage of 1,193,000, the 1914-D penny is a key date for collectors. Values can soar to $5,600 for coins in excellent condition. 

10. 1909-S VDB Wheat Penny

The 1909-S VDB penny, featuring designer Victor David Brenner’s initials, had a limited mintage of 484,000. It’s highly coveted, with prices up to $4,150. 

FAQs

What makes a penny valuable?

A penny’s value depends on rarity, demand, condition, and unique features like minting errors.

How can I determine my penny’s value?

Consult a reputable coin dealer or get it graded by a professional service for an accurate assessment.

Where can I sell valuable pennies?

You can sell them through auctions, coin dealers, or online marketplaces specializing in collectibles.

Remember, the condition of the coin significantly impacts its value. Even pennies from the same year can have vastly different prices based on their preservation. So, if you come across an old penny, it might be worth more than just one cent!

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