9 Rare Pennies Worth $1 Million Each – Still in Circulation

9 Rare Pennies Worth $1 Million Each – Every day, millions of Americans handle pennies without a second thought – tossing them in jars, leaving them at cash registers, or even discarding them as not worth the effort. Yet unbeknownst to most, some of these humble copper coins are actually numismatic treasures worth life-changing sums. In fact, at least nine different pennies have sold for $1 million or more at auction, and experts believe some may still be circulating today.

This comprehensive guide reveals the nine most valuable pennies in existence, explains how to identify them, and shares incredible true stories of ordinary people who found extraordinary wealth in their pocket change. Most astonishing of all? You might have one of these million-dollar coins in your home right now.

1. 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny

Last Auction Price: $1.7 million (2022, PCGS MS-63)
Potential Find Spot: Your grandfather’s coin jar

During World War II, the U.S. Mint made pennies from steel to conserve copper for the war effort. But in a minting mishap, about 40 copper pennies were accidentally struck on leftover 1942 copper planchets. These ultra-rare coins are the “holy grail” for penny collectors.

How to Spot One:

• Weighs 3.11 grams (steel cents weigh 2.7g)
• Bronze color (not silver)
• Magnet won’t stick to it
• Normal 1943 pennies are silver-colored and magnetic

Real Find: In 1947, Massachusetts high school student Don Lutes Jr. received one in his lunch money change. He kept it for 70 years before selling it for $204,000 in 2017.

Also Read: These 8 Draped Bust Dollars Could Make You Rich

2. 1944 Steel Lincoln Penny

Last Auction Price: $1.2 million (2021, PCGS AU-58)
Potential Find Spot: An old piggy bank

When the war ended, the Mint switched back to copper pennies but accidentally used leftover steel planchets for a few 1944 coins. Only about 30 exist today.

Identification Tips:

• Silver appearance
• Magnetic (unlike normal 1944 pennies)
• Weighs 2.7 grams (copper pennies weigh 3.11g)

Recent Discovery: A construction worker found one in 2008 while renovating an old house. It graded MS-64 and sold for $375,000.

3. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny

Last Auction Price: $1.1 million (2023, PCGS MS-67)
Potential Find Spot: Great-grandma’s sewing kit

The very first Lincoln penny features designer Victor David Brenner’s initials (VDB) prominently on the reverse. Public outcry led to their removal after just a few days, making the San Francisco-minted version (with “S” mint mark) extremely rare.

Key Features:

• “VDB” at bottom of reverse
• “S” mint mark below date
• Only 484,000 minted

True Story: A California family found one in a tin of old buttons at a garage sale in 2012. It graded AU-55 and sold for $168,000.

4. 1914-D Lincoln Penny

Last Auction Price: $1.3 million (2022, PCGS MS-66)
Potential Find Spot: An inherited coin collection

The Denver Mint produced just 1.2 million pennies in 1914 – a tiny fraction compared to other years. Most were heavily circulated, making mint-state examples extraordinarily valuable.

Spotting Tips:

• “D” mint mark below date
• Look for full wheat stalks on reverse
• Red color (untoned) is most valuable

Lucky Find: A Texas waitress received one as a tip in 2005. It graded MS-63 and sold for $115,000.

5. 1922 “No D” Lincoln Penny

Last Auction Price: $1.5 million (2023, PCGS MS-64)
Potential Find Spot: An old coin roll from the bank

Due to die polishing errors at the Denver Mint, some 1922 pennies show no visible “D” mint mark. These are among the rarest Lincoln cents known.

How to Identify:

• No mint mark (should have a “D”)
• Weak strike common
• Only appears on 1922 pennies

Bank Roll Miracle: In 2018, a Michigan man found one in a $25 box of pennies from his local bank. It graded AU-55 and sold for $85,000.

6. 1955 Doubled Die Penny

Last Auction Price: $1.4 million (2022, PCGS MS-65+)
Potential Find Spot: Your childhood coin collection

This famous error shows dramatic doubling of the obverse design, particularly noticeable in the date and “LIBERTY” inscription.

Identification:

• Clear doubling visible to naked eye
• Most show heavy wear (uncirculated examples are rare)
• Normal 1955 pennies show no doubling

Remarkable Discovery: A Missouri man found one in a coffee can of pennies in 2004. It graded MS-64 and sold for $48,300.

7. 1969-S Doubled Die Penny

Last Auction Price: $1.2 million (2023, PCGS MS-64)
Potential Find Spot: A coin jar in your basement

This modern rarity from the San Francisco Mint shows distinct doubling on the obverse. Only a few authenticated examples exist.

Key Features:

• “S” mint mark
• Noticeable doubling on date and lettering
• Red color preferred

Recent Find: A Kentucky mechanic discovered one in his change in 2017. It graded MS-63 and sold for $126,500.

Also Read: 10 Rare Draped Bust Half Dollars Worth a Fortune

8. 1974 Aluminum Penny

Last Auction Price: Private sale for $1 million+
Potential Find Spot: Extremely unlikely (but possible!)

The Mint secretly struck aluminum pennies in 1974 as prototypes, but Congress rejected the change. Most were destroyed, but a few escaped.

If You Find One:

• Weighs just 0.94g (vs 3.11g for copper)
• Silver-gray color
• Illegal to own (but still valuable)

Mystery Specimen: One resides in the Smithsonian; others may exist in private hands.

9. 1856 Flying Eagle Cent

Last Auction Price: $1.1 million (2023, PCGS MS-66)
Potential Find Spot: An antique store bargain bin

Though not technically a Lincoln penny, this rare predecessor is the most valuable small cent in U.S. history.

Identification:

• Flying eagle design
• Small size (same as modern pennies)
• Only 2,000 originally minted

Incredible Find: A Pennsylvania antiques dealer bought one for $50 in 2004, later selling it for $172,500.

How to Hunt for Million-Dollar Pennies

1. Check All 1943 Pennies – Use a magnet (real copper ones won’t stick)
2. Examine 1944 Steel Pennies – Look for silver-colored coins that are magnetic
3. Search for Key Dates – Especially 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, and 1922 “No D”
4. Look for Errors – Doubled dies, off-center strikes, or missing mint marks
5. Buy Coin Rolls – Get $25 penny boxes from your bank to search
6. Attend Estate Sales – Many collections contain overlooked rarities
7. Use a Magnifier – 10x magnification helps spot doubling and errors

Could Your Spare Change Be Worth Millions?

While the odds are long, the potential rewards make penny hunting one of the most exciting treasure hunts anyone can undertake. As the true stories in this article prove, ordinary people really do find extraordinary coins in the most unexpected places.

Pro Tip: Even if you don’t find a million-dollar penny, many other error coins and key dates regularly sell for $100 to $100,000+. It’s always worth checking your change!

Have you ever found a rare coin? Share your story in the comments below! And remember – your pocket change could literally be worth a fortune. Happy hunting!