Most people pass by pennies without a second glance, but a few have amazed collectors with their unexpected value. Shaped by minting quirks or historical context, these coins became significant long after leaving circulation. Here’s a look at ten pennies that started small but steadily grew in worth, showing how even the lowest denomination can surprise you.
1943-D Bronze Lincoln Cent Valued At $1.70 Million
Amid World War II, the U.S. Mint adopted steel planchets to reduce copper usage for military needs. But a few bronze blanks mistakenly made it into production, which resulted in one of the most sought-after error coins in history. One of these pieces later sold at auction for a staggering $1.70 million in 2010.
1793 Strawberry Leaf Cent Valued At $862,500
This rare cent, featuring a leaf design above the date, likely resulted from a brief die-engraving experiment. Only four examples are known, and one such specimen with vivid detail and rich color was sold for $862,500, continuing to intrigue collectors with its mysterious origin.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent Valued at $105,000
In 2020, a pristine example of this iconic penny sold for $105,000. Minted in the debut year of the Lincoln Cent series, it features the “VDB” initials of designer Victor David Brenner. With only a limited run from the San Francisco Mint, well-preserved specimens have become exceptionally valuable to collectors.
1944 Steel Wheat Penny Valued At $408,000
Despite the U.S. resuming copper penny production in 1944, leftover steel blanks from 1943 led to a few off-metal errors. In 2021, a well-preserved San Francisco minted example fetched $408,000 at an auction, whereas the Philadelphia minted 1944 Steel Wheat Pennies sold at lower auction values at around $108,000.
1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued At $372,000
Mistakenly minted on a copper planchet during the war years when pennies were meant to be struck in steel, the 1943 copper penny remains one of the rarest U.S. coins. In 2021, a near-flawless example sold for $372,000 and cemented its reputation as a top-tier collector’s treasure.
1864 L On Ribbon Bronze Indian Head Penny Valued At $161,000
This coin introduced a subtle but important design change with the addition of the letter “L” on Liberty’s ribbon, denoting the engraver James B. Longacre. Only part of that year’s production included the initial, making these pennies especially desirable. Later, a bronze specimen fetched $161,000 during a public auction.
1796 Liberty Cap Cent With Pole Valued At $192,000
This cent features Liberty holding a pole topped by a cap, which symbolizes freedom and independence. The 1796 version marked the final year of the Liberty Cap series, and surviving examples are scarce. A sharp strike with strong detail along the cap and legend later sold for $192,000 to a collector.
1877 Indian Head Penny Valued At $149,500
With one of the scarcest mintages in the Indian Head penny series, the 1877 cent is a top prize for collectors. Its rarity and historical importance helped a high-grade specimen fetch $149,500 at a 2019 auction, which adds to its rising value in the numismatic world.
1793 Wreath Cent With Vine And Bars Edge Valued At $155,250
Unlike the more common Lettered Edge version, this early Wreath Cent showcases a rare Vine and Bars pattern around its edge. A well-struck example of this variation fetched $155,250, praised for its precision and unique production detail. Produced for only a short time before the Mint revised the design, this coin remains a sought-after rarity.
1793 Chain Cent With Periods Valued At $235,000
The 1793 Chain Cent, America’s first official one-cent coin, carries both symbolic and technical significance. Rare variants with periods in the inscriptions were quickly discontinued, making them highly collectible. One such example, valued for its political meaning and unique design, sold for $235,000 and continues to intrigue historians and numismatists alike.
