For coin collectors and everyday hobbyists, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of observing a rare penny in your change. But what makes these finds even more exciting is their value — some rare U.S. pennies are worth tens of thousands, even millions of dollars.
If you’re lucky enough to find one, you might be holding a hidden treasure. In this article, let’s take a look at three ultra rare penny coins that every collector dreams of finding.
Copper
First up, we have the legendary 1943 Copper Penny — one of the rarest and most valuable pennies ever minted in the U.S.
During World War II, copper was in high demand for the war effort, so the U.S. Mint produced most 1943 pennies using steel coated with zinc.
But a few copper planchets were mistakenly used, resulting in a small number of genuine 1943 copper pennies. These are so rare that only a few dozen are known to exist.
Depending on its condition, a 1943 copper penny could sell for anywhere from $100,000 to as much as $1.7 million. So if you ever see a 1943 penny that isn’t silver-colored, you might want to have it professionally appraised!
VDB
The next ultra rare coin on our list is the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny — a true collector’s favorite.
This was the first year the Lincoln penny was issued, and designer Victor David Brenner included his initials “VDB” on the reverse.
While that might seem harmless, the initials caused public backlash, and the Mint quickly removed them. But before that, a limited number were produced at the San Francisco Mint — hence the “S” mintmark.
Today, the 1909-S VDB penny is one of the most famous key-date coins in American coin collecting. If you happen to find one in your stash, depending on the condition, it could be worth anywhere from $600 to over $2,000 — and much more in mint state condition.
Doubled
Finally, let’s talk about one of the most famous error coins ever minted: the 1955 Doubled Die Penny.
This unique penny is easy to spot because the date and inscriptions (especially “Liberty” and “In God We Trust”) appear to have been stamped twice. This doubling was caused by a misalignment during the minting process, and only a limited number were released before the error was corrected.
Because of this rare and visible mistake, collectors go crazy for these coins. A 1955 doubled die penny in great condition can fetch between $1,000 and $15,000 or more. Even worn versions can still hold significant value.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the values for these rare pennies:
| Coin Name | Year | Key Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Copper Penny | 1943 | Mistaken copper composition | $100,000 – $1.7 million |
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny | 1909 | Rare initials and mint mark | $600 – $2,000+ |
| 1955 Doubled Die Penny | 1955 | Doubling error on design | $1,000 – $15,000+ |
Finding one of these coins in your change or old collection is like hitting the jackpot. They’re not just coins — they’re pieces of history with serious value attached.
So next time you go digging through your piggy bank or inherited coin jar, keep an eye out. You just might be holding a penny that’s worth a fortune.
FAQs
Why is the 1943 copper penny so rare?
It was mistakenly made from copper instead of steel during WWII.
What does the ‘S’ on the 1909-S VDB penny mean?
It indicates the coin was minted in San Francisco.
How do I spot a 1955 doubled die penny?
Look for doubled text on the date and inscriptions.
Can worn rare pennies still be valuable?
Yes, even circulated ones can fetch thousands.
Are these rare pennies still in circulation?
It’s rare, but they sometimes appear in old collections or change.
