Most Valuable Penny and Lincoln Coins – One Sold for $11,128

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Have you ever wondered if the pennies lying in your pocket could be worth a fortune? Some rare coins, particularly from the early 1900s and beyond, are fetching impressive prices online—one even sold for a staggering $11,128!

These coveted coins often feature Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. But what makes them so special? It’s the unique features, historical significance, or rarity that drives their value through the roof. Below, we reveal some of the most valuable circulated pennies based on recently completed eBay sales.

1. 1909 S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny – $1,725

This is one of the most famous and controversial coins among collectors.

  • Key Details:
    • Designed by Victor David Brenner, with his initials “VDB” on the reverse side.
    • Only 484,000 coins were minted, making it extremely rare.
    • This coin’s design caused a stir in the early 1900s, leading to the removal of the designer’s initials from future batches.
  • Auction Highlights:
    • 15 bidders fought fiercely for this penny, with the final price reaching $1,725 on eBay.

2. 1877 Copper Indian Head Cent – $2,305

One of the most sought-after coins in the Indian Head cent series.

  • Why It’s Valuable:
    • Second-lowest mintage among Indian Head pennies.
    • Few coins were collected during this time, adding to its rarity.
  • Auction Highlights:
    • 46 bids drove the price to a whopping $2,305.

3. 1922 Lincoln No D Penny – $2,750

This coin stands out because of what it’s missing.

  • Unique Feature:
    • The coin lacks a mint mark, which should’ve been a “D” for Denver.
    • The omission was due to production errors when the Denver Mint faced intense pressure to produce pennies.
  • Auction Highlights:
    • Just three bids were enough to secure this rare penny for $2,750.

4. 1877 Indian Cent – $3,300

Known as the rarest Indian Head penny, this coin holds a special place among collectors.

  • Design:
    • Features an Indian Head portrait designed by James Barton Longacre.
    • Minted in Philadelphia, with only 850,000 coins produced.
  • Auction Highlights:
    • Sold for $3,300 after six bids on eBay.

5. 1799 Draped Bust Cent – $6,653

Coins from the late 1700s are highly sought after due to their age and historical significance.

  • Interesting Facts:
    • This coin comes in two varieties: normal date (Sheldon-189) and overdate (1799/8).
    • Only 42,000 normal date coins were minted, making them extremely rare.
  • Auction Highlights:
    • Sold for $6,653, and according to the listing, it was found by a metal detectorist.

6. 1856 Flying Eagle Cent – $11,128

The crown jewel of this list, this coin fetched an incredible $11,128!

  • Why It’s So Valuable:
    • The first American coin to use nickel, it marked a pivotal moment in U.S. coin history.
    • Originally struck as presentation pieces for Congress and dignitaries, making them highly exclusive.
  • Auction Highlights:
    • Attracted 66 bids on eBay, solidifying its place as a collector’s treasure.

What Determines a Coin’s Value?

  • Condition and Grade: Coins in mint or near-mint condition command higher prices.
  • Rarity: Limited mintage or unique features (like missing mint marks) make coins more desirable.
  • Demand: Ultimately, a coin’s value depends on how much someone is willing to pay for it.

If you have old coins sitting around, it might be time to dig them out! You could unknowingly own a piece of history worth thousands of dollars. Start your treasure hunt today—you never know what you might find!

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