Rarest & Most Valuable Pennies in U.S. History – The humble penny, often overlooked in everyday transactions, holds a special place in American numismatic history. Since its introduction in 1793, the penny has evolved through various designs and compositions, reflecting the nation’s growth and cultural shifts.
While most pennies are worth only their face value—or perhaps their metal content—certain rare specimens have become legendary treasures, fetching thousands or even millions of dollars at auction.
In this article, we’ll explore the 13 rarest and most valuable pennies in U.S. history, shedding light on their stories and why they’re so coveted.
Table of Contents
- 1 What Makes These Pennies So Rare and Valuable?
- 1.1 1. 1793 Chain Cent – “America’s First Penny”
- 1.2 2. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny
- 1.3 3. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
- 1.4 4. 1914-D Lincoln Penny
- 1.5 5. 1922 No D Lincoln Penny
- 1.6 6. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny
- 1.7 7. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny
- 1.8 8. 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Penny
- 1.9 9. 1931-S Lincoln Penny
- 1.10 10. 1944 Steel Lincoln Penny
- 1.11 11. 1992 Close AM Lincoln Penny
- 1.12 12. 1983 No P Lincoln Penny
- 1.13 13. 1856 Flying Eagle Cent
- 2 Final Thoughts
What Makes These Pennies So Rare and Valuable?
Before diving into the list, let’s break down what makes these coins so desirable:
- Rarity: Low mintage numbers, minting errors, or limited surviving specimens create scarcity.
- Condition (Grade): Coins certified as high-quality by professional services like PCGS or NGC command premium prices.
- Historical Significance: Certain pennies represent pivotal moments in U.S. history, making them highly sought after.
- Minting Errors: Variations like doubled dies, overdates, or off-center strikes make coins exceptionally rare and valuable.
Now, let’s uncover the 13 rarest and most valuable pennies in U.S. history.
1. 1793 Chain Cent – “America’s First Penny”
The 1793 Chain Cent was the first official U.S. penny, featuring a design that sparked controversy due to its chain motif being interpreted as symbolic of slavery.
With a mintage of just 36,103, high-grade examples are exceedingly rare. An AU-55 example sold for $2.35 million in 2023.
Also Read: 15 Hidden Treasure Lincoln Pennies That Could Make You Rich
2. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny
In 1943, pennies were made of steel to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a few were mistakenly struck on leftover bronze planchets, creating an error coin.
One sold for $1.7 million in 2022. To identify it, test its weight—a genuine bronze penny will be heavier and non-magnetic compared to steel versions.
3. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny had a mintage of just 484,000, making it one of the scarcest Lincoln pennies ever produced.
Its association with Victor David Brenner’s initials adds to its allure. An MS-64 example fetched $10,000 in 2023.
4. 1914-D Lincoln Penny
The 1914-D Lincoln Penny had a mintage of just 1.2 million, making it one of the lowest-mintage issues in the series. High-grade examples are scarce, and an MS-65 coin fetched $12,000 in 2023.
5. 1922 No D Lincoln Penny
Due to a minting error, some 1922 pennies from Denver lack the “D” mint mark. High-grade examples can sell for up to $20,000. Check for the absence of the “D” below the date to spot this rarity.
6. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny
This famous error coin features doubling on the obverse, particularly noticeable in the date and the word “LIBERTY.” It’s one of the most iconic Lincoln penny errors, with an MS-65 example selling for $50,000 in 2023.
Also Read: The 15 Rarest Buffalo Nickels and Their Values
7. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny
This error coin features dramatic doubling on Lincoln’s profile and the date. Only a handful are known to exist, and one sold for $1 million in 2023.
Look for noticeable doubling on the obverse design, especially around Lincoln’s ear and the word “LIBERTY.”
8. 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Penny
The 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Penny is one of the rarest modern coins due to its unique die variation.
High-grade examples are particularly prized, with an MS-67 example selling for $15,000 in 2022. Compare the size of the date to a regular 1970-S penny—the Small Date will have noticeably smaller numerals.
9. 1931-S Lincoln Penny
With a mintage of just 866,000, the 1931-S Lincoln Penny is one of the scarcest dates in the series. High-grade survivors are rare, and an MS-65 example sold for $15,000 in 2022.
10. 1944 Steel Lincoln Penny
In 1944, pennies were supposed to return to copper, but a few were mistakenly struck on steel planchets left over from 1943. A high-grade example sold for $100,000 in 2022. Test its magnetism to identify this rare error.
11. 1992 Close AM Lincoln Penny
This variety features unusually close spacing between the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA.” Only a few escaped detection, and an MS-65 example sold for $25,000 in 2023. Examine the spacing carefully to identify this rare variety.
12. 1983 No P Lincoln Penny
Due to a minting oversight, some 1983 pennies from Philadelphia lack the “P” mint mark. These coins are extremely scarce, with a high-grade example fetching $20,000. Check for the absence of the “P” below the date.
13. 1856 Flying Eagle Cent
The 1856 Flying Eagle Cent was struck as a pattern piece to test the new small cent design before its official release in 1857. Only around 2,000 were minted, and few survive in high grades. An MS-66 example sold for $1.1 million in 2023.
Also Read: 13 Most Valuable Nickels to Add to Your Coin Collection
Final Thoughts
From the historic 1793 Chain Cent to the quirky 1955 Doubled Die Obverse, these 13 pennies represent some of the rarest and most valuable coins in U.S. history. Whether you’re drawn to their beauty, rarity, or historical significance, adding these treasures to your collection could be a life-changing experience. Keep your eyes peeled—you never know when you might stumble upon a piece of history worth a fortune.
