A penny in your pocket could be worth millions. Some Lincoln Pennies, from the early Wheat designs to later Memorial versions, are super rare because of minting mistakes or small production runs. These coins, still out there in change or old collections, could turn you into a multi-millionaire. With unique errors and fascinating stories, here’s a guide to the top 10 rare pennies to hunt for and what makes them so valuable.
The Lincoln Penny’s History
The Lincoln Penny, first minted in 1909, honors Abraham Lincoln with his face on the front. From 1909 to 1958, it had wheat stalks on the back, called the Wheat Penny. In 1959, the back changed to the Lincoln Memorial, and later designs included a shield. Most pennies are common, but errors like doubled text or wrong metals make some worth a fortune. With over 3 billion pennies minted in 2024, rare ones can still hide in everyday change.
Pennies Worth Millions
Certain pennies are prized for their rarity. The 1943-D Bronze Wheat Penny, made in copper by mistake during World War II, is a legend—one sold for $1.7 million in 2010 and could be worth $2.3 million now. The 1969-S Doubled Die, with blurry text on “LIBERTY” and the date, has hit $1.7 million at auction. Here’s a list of 10 rare pennies to look for:
|
Year & Type |
Key Feature |
Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
|
1943-D Bronze |
Copper instead of steel |
Up to $2.3M 
|
|
1969-S Doubled Die |
Doubled text on front |
Up to $1.7M |
|
1909-S VDB |
Designer’s initials on back |
Up to $2M |
|
1914-D |
Low mintage, Denver Mint |
Up to $330K 
|
|
1955 Doubled Die |
Blurry text and date |
Up to $125K |
|
1926-S |
Low mintage, shiny condition |
Up to $149K |
|
1944-S Bronze |
Copper instead of steel |
Up to $409K 
|
|
1872 Indian Head |
Sharp details, high grade |
Up to $126K |
|
1856 Flying Eagle |
Rare pre-Lincoln design |
Up to $100K |
|
1972 Doubled Die |
Doubled text on front |
Up to $14K 
|
Values are highest for uncirculated coins with a bright “red” copper color.
Why These Pennies Are Still Out There
The U.S. Mint made billions of pennies, and rare ones often slip through. Errors like the 1943 Bronze were missed because they looked normal at first glance. Stories like a 1969-S Doubled Die found in change in the 1970s, later sold for $24,000, keep the hunt exciting. Pennies get stashed in jars or overlooked, so checking old coins or bank rolls could reveal a gem.
How to Find a Valuable Penny
Look at the date and mint mark (D for Denver, S for San Francisco, or none for Philadelphia) under Lincoln’s face. Use a magnifying glass to check for doubled text on “LIBERTY” or the date, like on the 1955 or 1969-S coins. For 1943 or 1944 pennies, test if they’re copper (3.1 grams) not steel (2.7 grams). For older coins like the 1856 Flying Eagle, look for clear details. If you find a keeper, have it graded by pros like PCGS or NGC.
Start Hunting Today
Searching for rare pennies is a fun way to strike it rich. Check loose change, coin rolls from banks, or family stashes. Store finds in coin holders to keep them safe—moisture can ruin their value. Finding a $2.3 million penny is rare, but even a 1955 Doubled Die could bring thousands. Next time you see a penny, give it a quick look—you might be holding a ticket to millions.