To most people, a penny is just pocket change. But to coin collectors, a handful of old pennies from the 1900s can be worth hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars. These rare cents have become highly sought-after by numismatists due to minting errors, historical rarity, and low mintage numbers.
If you have a jar of old coins lying around, now is the time to check. Some of the most valuable pennies ever sold at auction come from the early 20th century and might still be circulating or tucked away in attic boxes.
Here’s a breakdown of six valuable pennies from the 1900s that could put unexpected cash in your hands.
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
One of the most famous and valuable pennies in U.S. history is the 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent. This coin was the first year of the Lincoln design and includes the initials “VDB” of designer Victor David Brenner on the reverse.
- Why it’s valuable: It was minted in San Francisco with a limited quantity—only 484,000 were made.
- Value today: Depending on condition, it can be worth $600 to over $5,000.
Collectors look for coins in mint state condition, but even a well-circulated version can bring in hundreds.
2. 1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny
Another rarity is the 1914-D wheat penny, which was produced in Denver. What makes this coin so desirable is its very low mintage of just over 1.1 million, combined with the fact that most examples in circulation were heavily worn.
- Why it’s valuable: It’s scarce and hard to find in good condition.
- Value today: Ranges from $300 to $5,500, with uncirculated versions fetching top dollar.
If your 1914 penny has a small “D” mint mark under the date, you might be holding a treasure.
3. 1922 No D Lincoln Penny
In 1922, the Denver Mint was the only facility producing pennies. Due to a die error, some of the coins were struck without the “D” mint mark, making them extremely rare.
- Why it’s valuable: It’s a rare mint error—no mint mark even though all 1922 cents were from Denver.
- Value today: Up to $1,000–$20,000 depending on condition and error clarity.
Collectors specifically seek out the “No D” strong reverse variety, where the design remains crisp despite the missing mint mark.
4. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny
Perhaps one of the most legendary coins in U.S. history, the 1943 bronze penny is actually the result of a mint mistake. During World War II, pennies were made from steel to conserve copper for war efforts. However, a few bronze blanks from 1942 were accidentally used.
- Why it’s valuable: It’s a minting error—intended to be steel but struck in bronze.
- Value today: Some examples have sold for over $100,000, with one going for nearly $1.7 million in 2010.
If your 1943 penny sticks to a magnet, it’s steel. If it doesn’t, get it professionally appraised immediately.
5. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
This is one of the most popular error coins among collectors. The 1955 penny with a doubled die shows visible doubling of the date and inscriptions, making it a standout among wheat cents.
- Why it’s valuable: Dramatic doubling caused by misaligned dies.
- Value today: Between $1,000 and $10,000+, depending on condition.
These are instantly recognizable with the naked eye and are considered a must-have for error coin enthusiasts.
6. 1909-S Indian Head Penny
While the 1909 Lincoln cent is more widely recognized, the Indian Head penny also made its final appearance that year—and the San Francisco version is quite rare.
- Why it’s valuable: Last year of issue and only 309,000 minted.
- Value today: Valued between $500 and $3,000, depending on grade.
This penny represents a historic transition in U.S. coinage, making it especially significant to collectors.
What to Do If You Think You Have a Valuable Penny
If you suspect you have one of these rare coins:
- Don’t clean it. Cleaning can damage the surface and reduce its value.
- Check for mint marks and dates. Use a magnifying glass to inspect your coins.
- Consult a professional. Contact a certified coin dealer or have your coin graded by PCGS or NGC.
- Look for auctions. Many valuable coins are sold at major auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers.
Conclusion: A Penny Could Be Worth a Small Fortune
While most pennies are worth only one cent, a few special coins from the 1900s can be worth thousands—or more. From rare minting errors to limited releases, these six pennies are among the most valuable ever produced in the U.S.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just curious about the change in your drawer, take a closer look. The next valuable penny might already be in your possession.
You can also research coin values on trusted sites like PCGS Price Guide or NGC Coin Explorer.
Disclaimer – Our team has carefully fact-checked this article to make sure it’s accurate and free from any misinformation. We’re dedicated to keeping our content honest and reliable for our readers.