Eleanor Vance
About The Author
Eleanor Vance is a 36-year-old woman who lives in a small town in England. Now, Eleanor works as a curator at a local museum. Her job is to help set up exhibits so people can come and learn about the past.You can find her list of the 100 most valuable Wheat Pennies online.
Connect with Eleanor:
The Stories Coins Tell
From old empires to today’s countries, these pieces give us cool looks back in time, showing culture and power.Do you know which pennies are valuable to collectors? Keep on reading to discover all the details about them.
Top 10 Most Valuable Pennies
| Year/Mint | Error Type | Value Range |
| 1943 | Bronze Planchet | $100,000 – $1,000,000+ |
| 1909-S VDB | Low Mintage, Initials | $750 – $175,000+ |
| 1955 | Doubled Die Obverse | $1,000 – $115,000+ |
| 1914-D | Low Mintage | $200 – $150,000+ |
| 1877 | Low Mintage | $900 – $70,000+ |
| 1909-S Indian Head | Low Mintage | $350 – $5,000+ |
| 1864 L Indian Head | Designer’s Initial | $80 – $175,000+ |
| 1969-S | Doubled Die Obverse | $35,000 – $600,000+ |
| 1972 | Doubled Die Obverse | $200 – $14,000+ |
| 1983 | Doubled Die Reverse | $300 – $7,000+ |
The 10 most valuable pennies list may vary depending on the coin’s condition, market demand, and other factors
1943 Bronze Planchet
Many experts say the 1943 copper penny is what is the most valuable penny. During World War II, copper was very important for making weapons. So, in 1943, the U.S. Mint changed the penny’s metal from copper to zinc-coated steel to save copper.
- Mintage: It is estimated that fewer than 40 of these exist.
- Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc
1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
This valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny was made in 1909. This coin was made to celebrate the 100th birthday of Abraham Lincoln and was the very first Lincoln Cent. The designer, Victor David Brenner, put his initials “VDB” on the back. This Lincoln Wheat Penny rare valuable.
- Mintage: The San Francisco Mint (S) made only 484,000 of these coins
- Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc.
1955 Doubled Die Obverse
Many valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies have special errors. This coin is one of the most famous coins with a mistake. It was struck twice, but not perfectly aligned, causing a clear “doubled” image.
- Mintage: There are about 40,000 of these coins were made, all at the Philadelphia Mint.
- Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc.
1914-D Lincoln Cent
This coin was made during the early years of the Lincoln Cent series. The 1914-D is a Lincoln Wheat Penny valuable coin because of its low mintage.
- Mintage: The Denver Mint (D) made only 1,193,000 of these coins
- Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc.
1877 Indian Head Cent
The 1877 coin is often the most valuable Indian Head Penny. This design was popular before the Lincoln Cent was made. The year 1877 was a difficult economic time in the U.S., which affected coin production.
- Mintage: The Philadelphia Mint made 852,500 of these coins
- Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc.
1909-S Indian Head Cent
This was the very last year the Indian Head Cent was produced, and the Lincoln Cent was introduced later in the same year.
- Mintage: The San Francisco Mint (S) produced only 309,000 of these coins
- Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc.
1864 L Indian Head Cent
In 1864, the composition of the Indian Head Cent changed from a copper-nickel mix to bronze (more copper). Also, the designer, James B. Longacre, added his initial “L” to the ribbon on Lady Liberty’s headdress.
- Mintage: The exact number with the “L” is not known, but it’s fewer than those without it
- Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc
1969-S Doubled Die Obverse
Fake copies of this coin sometimes appeared. But these fakes had a problem: their mint marks were doubled. This was a clear sign they were not real, as mint marks were put on the coin dies separately.
- Mintage: Only a few authentic examples of this error are known
- Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Zinc.
1972 Doubled Die Obverse
This is one of the most widely known modern doubled die errors, making it popular among collectors.
- Mintage: While not as rare as the 1955 or 1969-S DDO, it’s still a sought-after error.
- Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Zinc.
1983 Doubled Die Reverse
This error happened after the money’s composition changed from mostly copper to mostly zinc with a copper coating.
- Mintage: A limited number of these error coins exist.
- Composition: 97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper plating.
Lincoln Wheat Penny Valuable Guide
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was made from 1909 to 1958. Some years and errors are much more valuable than others. Here are some valuable pennies to look for.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
This coin was the first Lincoln Cent, made to celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. The designer’s initials, “VDB,” were placed on the back, but people did not
like this, so they were removed soon after. Only a few were made at the San Francisco Mint. This Lincoln Wheat Penny is a rare and precious coin.
| Grade | Approximate Value |
| G-4 | $750 – $900 |
| VG-8 | $850 – $1,100 |
| F-12 | $1,000 – $1,300 |
| VF-20 | $1,200 – $1,600 |
| EF-40 | $1,800 – $2,500 |
| AU-50 | $2,500 – $3,500 |
| MS-60 BN | $3,000 – $4,500 |
| MS-63 BN | $4,500 – $7,000 |
| MS-65 RB | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| MS-66 RD | $50,000 – $100,000 |
The Lincoln valuable pennies chart may vary depending on the coin’s condition, market demand, and other factors
1931-S Lincoln Cent
This penny was made at the San Francisco Mint during the Great Depression. Because of the hard economic times, fewer coins were needed and produced that year. This makes it rarer than many other pennies from that time.
| Grade | Approximate Value |
| G-4 | $4 – $6 |
| VG-8 | $6 – $10 |
| F-12 | $10 – $15 |
| VF-20 | $15 – $25 |
| EF-40 | $25 – $50 |
| AU-50 | $50 – $100 |
| MS-60 | $200 – $350 |
| MS-63 RB | $400 – $700 |
| MS-65 RD | $1,500 – $3,000 |
The most valuable penny years list may vary depending on the coin’s condition, market demand, and other factors
1955 DDO (Doubled Die Obverse) Lincoln Cent
This is a famous error coin. A mistake happened when the coin die was made, causing the date and letters on the front to look clearly doubled. Many of these coins got into circulation by mistake. Because of this, they are very popular with collectors.
| Grade | Approximate Value |
| VG-8 | $700 – $900 |
| F-12 | $850 – $1,100 |
| VF-20 | $1,000 – $1,300 |
| XF-40 | $1,200 – $1,500 |
| AU-50 | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| MS-60 BN | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| MS-63 BN | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| MS-64 RB | $10,000 – $30,000 |
The rare valuable pennies list may vary depending on the coin’s condition, market demand, and other factors
Condition Rules
The condition of a penny greatly affects its value. Coins are graded from 1 (very worn) to 70 (perfect). For copper coins like pennies, color is also very important:
- Red (RD): The coin still has almost all of its original bright copper color. These are the most valuable.
- Red-Brown (RB): The coin has a mix of red and brown colors. Foe example, the most valuable 1919 Wheat Penny value is usually for high-grade examples.
- Brown (BN): The coin has mostly lost its original red color and is now brown. These are generally the least valuable for uncirculated coins.
Example: A MS-65 RD coin can be worth 10 times more than an MS-63 BN coin of the same year. This shows how much color and grade matter!
Error Chart (Lincoln Wheat Penny)
1958 DDO (Doubled Die Obverse) Lincoln Cent
Only a very few examples of this specific doubled die obverse have been found. The doubling on the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” is very clear. It is one of the most valuable errors in the Lincoln Cent series. Further this guide will include a most valuable pennies list
| Grade | Approximate Value |
| AU-50 | $100,000 – $200,000+ |
| MS-60 RD | $200,000 – $350,000+ |
| MS-65 RD | $350,000 – $500,000+ |
What are the most valuable pennies may vary depending on the coin’s condition, market demand, and other factors
1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent
In 1943, the U.S. Mint changed pennies from copper to steel to save metal for the war. These copper 1943 pennies are very rare and valuable today.
| Grade | Approximate Value |
| G-4 | $100,000 – $250,000 |
| VF-20 | $250,000 – $500,000 |
| AU-50 | $500,000 – $750,000 |
| MS-60 BN | $750,000 – $1,000,000+ |
The most valuable 1944 Wheat Penny value may vary depending on the coin’s condition, market demand, and other factors
Indian Head Pennies Treasure Trove
Indian Head Pennies were made from 1859 to 1909. Some are very rare and valuable, especially those from the later years of the series.
Rarest Indian Head Pennies
1877 Indian Head Cent
This penny was made during a difficult economic time in the United States. Fewer coins were produced, and many were heavily used, so it is very hard to find this coin in good condition today.
| Grade | Approximate Value |
| G-4 | $900 – $1,200 |
| VG-8 | $1,200 – $1,500 |
| F-12 | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| VF-20 | $2,500 – $4,000 |
| EF-40 | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| AU-50 | $6,000 – $10,000 |
| MS-60 BN | $12,000 – $20,000 |
The list of valuable pennies by year may vary depending on the coin’s condition, market demand, and other factors
1909-S Indian Head Cent
The 1877 and 1909-S are the most valuable Indian Head Pennies. This coin was the very last Indian Head Penny ever made, before the Lincoln Cent design began.
| Grade | Approximate Value |
| G-4 | $350 – $450 |
| VG-8 | $450 – $550 |
| F-12 | $470 – $600 |
| VF-20 | $600 – $800 |
| EF-40 | $800 – $1,200 |
| AU-50 | $1,200 – $1,800 |
| MS-60 BN | $1,800 – $2,500 |
| MS-63 BN | $2,500 – $3,500 |
| MS-65 BN | $5,000 – $8,000+ |
What year pennies are valuable may vary depending on the coin’s condition, market demand, and other factors
1864 L Indian Head Cent
In 1864, the metal for the Indian Head Penny changed from copper-nickel to bronze.
| Grade | Approximate Value |
| G-4 | $80 – $120 |
| VG-8 | $120 – $170 |
| F-12 | $170 – $250 |
| VF-20 | $250 – $400 |
| EF-40 | $400 – $600 |
| AU-50 | $600 – $1,000 |
| MS-60 BN | $1,200 – $2,000 |
| MS-63 RB | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| MS-65 RB | $10,000 – $30,000 |
| MS-65 RD | $175,000+ |
The most valuable Wheat Penny years list may vary depending on the coin’s condition, market demand, and other factors
Pro Tip: For the 1864 Indian Head coins, always check the back of the Indian’s head for a small “L.” This “L” means it’s the more valuable “L on Ribbon” variety.
Modern Valuable Pennies (1960–Present)
Even newer pennies can be valuable, especially if they have errors or specific low mintages.
1982-D Small Date Copper Lincoln Cent
In 1982, the U.S. Mint changed the penny’s metal from mostly copper to mostly zinc. They also made two different sizes for the date: “Large Date” and “Small Date.” The valuable 1982 D Small Date Copper Penny value can be very high due to its rarity.
| Grade | Approximate Value |
| AU-50 | $5,000 – $10,000+ |
| MS-60 BN | $10,000 – $20,000+ |
| MS-65 RD | $25,000 – $50,000+ |
Are wheat pennies valuable may vary depending on the coin’s condition, market demand, and other factors
2009 Bicentennial Errors Lincoln Cent
In 2009, the U.S. Mint made four special penny designs to celebrate Lincoln’s 200th birthday. This error valuable 2009 penny with man sitting on log value depends on the specific mistake
| Grade | Approximate Value |
| VF-20 | $50 – $200 |
| EF-40 | $200 – $500 |
| AU-50 | $500 – $1,000 |
| MS-60 | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| MS-65 RD | $3,000 – $10,000+ |
The most valuable Lincoln Pennies list may vary depending on the coin’s condition, market demand, and other factors
1969-S DDO (Doubled Die Obverse) Lincoln Cent
There is no “D” mint mark for the most valuable 1969 D penny value (it’s 1969-S DDO). It is important to know that the “S” mint mark on this coin should NOT be doubled. If it is, it’s a fake. Only a few true examples exist.
| Grade | Approximate Value |
| VF-20 | $35,000 – $50,000 |
| EF-40 | $50,000 – $70,000 |
| AU-50 | $70,000 – $100,000 |
| MS-60 RD | $100,000 – $250,000 |
What Wheat Pennies are valuable may vary depending on the coin’s condition, market demand, and other factors
Error Detection Toolkit
Knowing how to spot errors is key to finding valuable pennies. Via the special services you can check the error valuable pennies chart.
- Double Dies: This happens when the die strikes the coin more than once, but not in the exact same spot. This makes parts of the design look like they have a “shadow” or are doubled.
- How to check: Use a 5x magnifying glass (loupe) to look closely at the date, “LIBERTY,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
- Off-Center Strikes: This error happens when the coin blank (planchet) is not perfectly in the center when it is struck by the dies. Part of the design will be missing, and there will be a blank curved area on the coin.
- How to check: Look for parts of the design that are cut off.
- Value: If the coin is more than 5% off-center, its value can start at $50+ and go up significantly for more extreme examples or rare dates.
- Mint Mark Varieties: Sometimes, the mint mark can have errors or variations.
1983 DDR (Doubled Die Reverse) Lincoln Cent
This specific error means the design on the back of the coin was doubled. You can see the doubling clearly on words like “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”
| Grade | Approximate Value |
| F-12 | $300 – $500 |
| XF-40 | $500 – $1,000 |
| AU-50 | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| MS-60 RD | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| MS-65 RD | $3,500 – $7,000+ |
What year Wheat Pennies are valuable may vary depending on the coin’s condition, market demand, and other factors
1972 DDO (Doubled Die Obverse) Lincoln Cent
This is one of the more common, but still very valuable, doubled die errors for modern Lincoln Cents. The doubling is usually easy to see on the words “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date “1972” on the front of the coin. Many collectors look for this error.
| Grade | Approximate Value |
| G-4 | $100 – $200 |
| VG-8 | $200 – $300 |
| F-12 | $300 – $500 |
| VF-20 | $500 – $800 |
| EF-40 | $800 – $1,200 |
| AU-50 | $1,200 – $2,000 |
| MS-60 RD | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| MS-63 RD | $4,000 – $8,000 |
| MS-65 RD | $8,000 – $14,000+ |
What is the most valuable Wheat Penny may vary depending on the coin’s condition, market demand, and other factors
Valuation Masterclass
People often ask, “What pennies are valuable?” Understanding how to value your penny is important:
How to Identify a Penny Coin:
- Look for the year it was made.
- Look for the mint mark (if present). This is a small letter below the date or on the back. “P” for Philadelphia (often no mint mark), “D” for Denver, “S” for San Francisco.
- Check the design to know if it’s a Wheat Penny, Indian Head Penny, or a modern Lincoln Cent.
Grading Scale Impact: There are many pennies that are valuable for different reasons. Coin grading is a system from 1 to 70 that describes a coin’s condition.For example:
- G-4 (Good): Heavily worn, but major details are visible.
- F-12 (Fine): Worn, but design elements are clear.
- XF-40 (Extremely Fine): Light wear on the high points.
- AU-50 (About Uncirculated): Slight wear, but most original luster remains.
- MS-60 to MS-70 (Mint State): No wear from circulation.
Selling Channels:
- Heritage Auctions: Best for very rare and premium coins, typically those valued at thousands of dollars or more. For example, a 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny rare collectible valuable
- eBay: Be sure to use clear photos and detailed descriptions. Using eBay’s “Sold Listings” feature can help you see what similar coins have recently sold for.
- PCGS Dealers: These dealers can evaluate your raw coin and may offer to buy it, or guide you on getting it professionally graded.
Fake Alert: 3 Red Flags
Weight Deviations >0.1g: Pennies have a specific weight. If your coin is significantly lighter or heavier (more than 0.1 gram difference), it could be a fake. Typical Penny Weight: 3.11 grams.
Magnet Test Failures: The 1943 copper penny is often considered whats the most valuable penny. If you have a this coin that looks like copper and it sticks to a magnet, it’s a fake. Genuine 1943 copper pennies will NOT stick to a magnet.
Incorrect Rim Thickness: Some fake modern error coins might have an incorrect rim thickness or unusual edge details that don’t match real coins. A top 100 valuable pennies list includes many rare coins with errors.
In general, always look at your coins closely, especially the older ones. Look closely at pennies from specific years and those with known mistakes. You could be surprised by the findings in a pocket. Even a error valuable error 2009 penny can be hiding in your change. So, before you spend your pennies, take a moment to inspect them closely. Happy hunting!