A handful of old pennies might seem like pocket change, but history has left us a few that are anything but ordinary. Some copper coins have quietly climbed in value thanks to rarity and unique tales. Discoveries like these remind us that everyday objects can sometimes hold remarkable surprises. Curious about the coins that became legends? Read on to find out more.
1943 Lincoln Bronze Cent (USA)
Just imagine finding a genuine 1943 Lincoln Bronze Cent—only a few dozen exist since most were steel due to wartime rationing. One lucky owner scored over $1 million at auction. Some have even turned up in pocket change, making this error coin a legendary treasure for collectors.
1936 Dot Cent (Canada)
Fewer than ten 1936 Dot Cents are confirmed, each marked by a tiny dot under the date. These Canadian rarities can fetch up to $400,000, which makes them a dream find. Minted briefly, they’re so elusive that most collectors have never held one, let alone seen it up close.
1793 Flowing Hair Large Cent (USA)
The 1793 Flowing Hair Large Cent is the first U.S. cent, recognized by Lady Liberty’s wild hair. Around 1,000 of these coins remain, with top-condition coins fetching $300,000 or more. Early American coin collectors prize it as the ultimate “holy grail” for its rarity and historical importance.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent (USA)
Only 484,000 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cents were minted, and controversy over the designer’s initials led to a swift redesign. Today, even well-worn examples sell for over $2,000, and this first-year Lincoln cent still pops up in old collections by delighting lucky finders.
1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent (USA)
The 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent stands out with its dramatic doubling of the date and text. Less than 100 are believed to exist, and sharp-eyed collectors have found them in circulation. Initially dismissed as fakes, they now fetch over $30,000 at auction.
1923 Half Penny (Australia)
Australia’s 1923 Half Penny is among its rarest copper coins, with only about 15,000 known. Minted during tough economic times, top-grade examples can bring up to $40,000. Rumors say some were struck at night using leftover blanks, adding to their mystique.
1944 Steel Cent (USA)
The 1944 Steel Cent is the “reverse error” of the 1943 Bronze Cent—fewer than 30 exist. One sold for $373,750 decades after its accidental minting. These coins, struck in steel instead of copper, continue to fascinate collectors with their rarity and backstory.
1856 Flying Eagle Cent (USA)
Though technically a pattern coin, the 1856 Flying Eagle Cent is highly sought after and can sell for significant sums. It introduced the first small-sized cent to the U.S., but its design lasted only a few years. High value also means it’s a frequent target for counterfeiters.
1877 Indian Head Cent (USA)
With a mintage under 900,000, the 1877 Indian Head Cent is a key date and a collector favorite. High-grade examples sell for $3,000–$5,000 or more. Heavily hoarded and often faked, this coin remains a cornerstone in any serious collection.
1914-D Lincoln Cent (USA)
The 1914-D Lincoln Cent is prized for its low mintage—under 1.2 million. Even in good condition, it’s worth over $2,000 and is heavily counterfeited due to demand. Often found in family coin jars, it’s a must-have for any Lincoln cent collection.
