Finding a rare penny in your change can be an exciting experience for coin collectors and hobbyists. Some ultra-rare pennies can be worth much more than their face value, turning an ordinary coin into a hidden treasure. In this article, we’ll look at three ultra-rare penny coins that are highly valuable and sought after by collectors.
1943 Copper Penny
The 1943 copper penny is one of the most famous and valuable pennies ever made. During World War II, the U.S. Mint changed from using copper to zinc-coated steel to save copper for the war effort. However, a small number of copper pennies were accidentally produced in 1943. These coins are incredibly rare. Depending on their condition, they can be worth tens of thousands of dollars.
Collectors are always on the lookout for this elusive coin. If you find a 1943 copper penny, it could be worth anywhere from $100,000 to $1.7 million, depending on its condition and authenticity.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
Another ultra-rare coin is the 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny. When the Lincoln penny was first released in 1909, the initials of the designer, Victor David Brenner (VDB), were placed on the back of the coin. However, due to public complaints, these initials were later removed. Only a limited number of these coins were made, making them very rare.
The 1909-S VDB penny was minted in San Francisco and is highly sought after by collectors. If you find one in good condition, it could be worth anywhere from $600 to over $2,000.
1955 Doubled Die Penny
The 1955 doubled die penny is famous for its unique minting error, which creates a distinct doubling effect on the date and inscriptions. This error happened during the minting process, and only a limited number of these coins were produced before the mistake was fixed.
The 1955 doubled die penny is one of the most popular error coins among collectors, and its value can range from $1,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on its condition. If you happen to find one of these coins, it’s definitely worth getting it appraised.
Table of Ultra Rare Penny Coins
| Coin Name | Year | Description | Value Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Copper Penny | 1943 | Rare copper penny made by mistake during WWII | $100,000 to $1.7 million |
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny | 1909 | Lincoln penny with designer’s initials, very limited mintage | $600 to over $2,000 |
| 1955 Doubled Die Penny | 1955 | Coin with doubling error on date and inscriptions | $1,000 to $15,000+ |
Conclusion
Finding one of these ultra-rare penny coins in your collection could feel like striking gold! The 1943 copper penny, 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny, and 1955 doubled die penny are all highly valuable, and their worth continues to rise among collectors. Be sure to check your old penny jars or collections—you might discover a hidden treasure that is worth far more than its face value.
FAQs
What is the most valuable penny coin?
The most valuable penny coin is the 1943 copper penny.
How can I tell if my penny is a 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny?
To identify a 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny, look for the initials “VDB” on the reverse side of the coin.
What is a doubled die penny, and how is it different from a regular penny?
A doubled die penny, like the 1955 doubled die penny, features a minting error that causes the date and inscriptions to appear doubled.
Where can I get my rare pennies appraised?
You can get your rare pennies appraised at local coin shops, numismatic shows, or through professional coin grading services.