9 Rare 20th Century Pennies That Are Very Valuable
Pennies are frequently taken for granted. They are just cash that jingle in jars or lie in drawers. But what if we instructed you that some of these commonplace copper cash could be really worth heaps or even millions of bucks?
The 20th century turned into a golden generation for American cash, generating well-known designs and unusual types which can be now extremely treasured among collectors. In this text, we will permit you to know approximately 9 such rare 20th century pennies that may be really worth millions.
1. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny is one of the maximum famous mistakes coins in American statistics. During World War II, copper was used to make war materials, so Penny was extracted on zinc covered steel. However, some old bronze plates from 1942 went to mint using the risk and 1943 were used to mint penis, which made these coins extraordinarily unusual.
Why it’s special: Its rarity and unexpected composition make it a valuable coin.
Value: A high-quality example sold for $282,000 in 2023.
2. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny changed into the first coin in the Lincoln Cent series to function dressmaker Victor David Brenner’s initials (V.D.B.) prominently forged at the opposite. With a mintage of 484,000 coins, it’s miles an exceptionally uncommon coin inside the collection.
Why it’s special: Its historical significance and rarity make it an important coin for collectors.
Value: A high grade example sold for $144,000 in 2022.
3. 1914-D Lincoln Penny

1914-D Lincoln Penny are some other important coins, with just more than 1.1 million coins. Most of these coins were transferred exceptionally, leaving a very small amount of coins in high pleasant.
Why it is special: its rarity and good situation make it a big coin.
Price: An MS-65 example purchased for $ 120,000 in 2023.
4. 1922 No D Lincoln Penny
The 1922 No D Lincoln Penny is an thrilling blunders coin. This coin turned into minted at the Denver Mint but did not have the “D” mintmark, caused by immoderate die sprucing. Only a few of these cash are to be had in excessive grade.
Why it’s special: Its lack of a “D” mintmark makes it a very rare error coin.
Value: An MS-63 example sold for $100,000 in 2021.
5. 1931-S Lincoln Penny
1931-S Lincoln Penny had a mint of over 866,000 coins, making it one of the lowest mining coins inside the collection. Coins in excessive characters are very rare and precious.
Why this is special: its rarity and historical significance make it a valued coin for creditors.
Price: An MS-66 example sold for $ 95,000 in 2022.
6. 1955 Double Die Obverse Lincoln Penny
The 1955 Double Die Obverse Lincoln Penny is a famous blunders coin in the international of American cash. This coin functions a doubling of “LIBERTY” and the date at the obverse aspect.
Why it’s special: Its doubling and rarity make it extremely popular among error coin collectors.
Value: An MS-65 example sold for $75,000 in 2023.
7. 1909-S Lincoln Penny (Without VDB)
The 1909-S Lincoln Penny with out the “VDB” is likewise a prominent coin in the series. Its mintage become round 1.8 million coins, but the variety of coins in excessive grades is very low.
Why it’s special: Its historical significance and superb condition make it special.
Value: An MS-66 example sold for $60,000 in 2022.
8. 1926-S Lincoln Penny
The 1926-S Lincoln Penny had a mintage of much less than 950,000 coins, making it an extraordinary coin. Most of those cash were circulated, making fantastic coins very uncommon.
Why it’s far special: Its rarity and excessive first-class make it valuable to creditors.
Value: An MS-66 instance sold for $65,000 in 2021.
9. 1911-S Lincoln Penny

The 1911-S Lincoln Penny had a mintage of around 4 million coins, making it an extraordinary coin of the collection. These coins are very difficult to discover in excessive grades, which increases its fee.
Why it is special: Its rarity and historical significance make it a pretty precious coin among creditors.
Value: An MS-66 example offered for $55,000 in 2023.
What makes these pennies so valuable?
There are several reasons behind these 20th century pennies fetching such high prices:
- Rarity: Low mintings, errors, and limited surviving examples create competition among collectors.
- Condition: High-quality coins with no wear are many times more valuable than circulated coins.
- Historical significance: Many coins play important roles in American history, increasing their value.
- Design appeal: The design of the Lincoln penny appeals to collectors, driving up demand and price.
Could you own one?
While it is tough to discover those uncommon pennies in everyday circulate, it’s now not impossible. Astute creditors regularly find hidden heirlooms in coin rolls, estate income, and online marketplaces. If you word uncommon markings, misalignments within the design, or other oddities on a penny, do not forget having it tested by a professional—it would grow to be a exquisite asset!
Conclusion
These 9 rare 20th century pennies showcase the distinctiveness and diversity of coin amassing. From the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny to the 1909-S VDB, every coin tells its own story and gives a glimpse into American financial background.
FAQs
Why is the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny valuable?
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny is valuable due to a minting error, where leftover bronze plates were used instead of steel. Its rarity and historical context make it worth over $282,000.
What makes the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny so special?
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny is rare due to its low mintage and the inclusion of designer Victor David Brenner’s initials. It’s considered a historical and valuable coin in high grade.
Why is the 1914-D Lincoln Penny valuable?
The 1914-D Lincoln Penny is valuable due to its rarity; only 1.1 million were minted. Coins in excellent condition are rare and can fetch significant prices, such as $120,000.