Lincoln pennies are among the most familiar coins within the United States. Billions were minted when you consider that 1909, exceeded from hand handy, often left out as small alternate. Yet a tiny wide variety of those cents are so rare that they have got sold for over $1 million at auction. While the chances are slim, history proves that impressive discoveries can come from normal places. Here are five legendary Lincoln pennies that would, at the least in concept, still be hiding in a pocket, jar, or old collection.
Table of Contents
1. 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny
This is the most famous rare penny of all time. In 1943, pennies had been supposed to be product of zinc-coated steel to conserve copper for World War II. A few copper blanks from 1942 had been accidentally left within the presses and struck with 1943 dies.
- Why it’s valuable: It should not exist
- Known examples: Fewer than 20
- Value: $1 million to $2+ million in top condition
Because it looks like a normal brown penny, this coin has fooled people before. A magnet test is the quickest first check—steel pennies stick, copper ones don’t.
2. 1944 Steel Lincoln Penny
The opposite error of the 1943 copper cent, this coin was struck when leftover steel blanks from 1943 were accidentally used in 1944, when pennies were supposed to return to copper.
- Why it’s valuable: Wrong metal for the year
- Known examples: Extremely few
- Value: $1 million+, depending on condition
These coins are silver-gray and magnetic, making them stand out—but also easy to dismiss as damaged unless you know what to look for.
3. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
The very first Lincoln cent ever issued included the initials “VDB” of designer Victor David Brenner. Public backlash over the prominent initials caused the design to be changed almost immediately, and the San Francisco Mint produced very few.
- Why it’s valuable: First year, low mintage, historic controversy
- Known examples: Around 50,000, but few in top grade
- Value: Up to $1 million+ in pristine, certified condition
Even worn examples are worth thousands, making this one of the most searched-for pennies among collectors.
4. 1958 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny
This dramatic error shows strong doubling on the date and lettering. Only a handful of genuine examples are known, and counterfeits are common.
- Why it’s valuable: Extremely rare doubled die error
- Known examples: Fewer than 10 confirmed
- Value: Over $1 million for authenticated specimens
The doubling is bold and obvious, making it one of the most visually striking error pennies ever produced.
5. 1922 “No D” Lincoln Penny (Strong Reverse)
In 1922, pennies were struck only at the Denver Mint. Due to worn dies and striking errors, some coins were produced without a visible “D” mint mark. The most valuable versions show a strong reverse design.
- Why it’s valuable: Mintmark error from a single-mint year
- Known examples: Very limited in high quality
- Value: $1 million+ in top-grade, certified condition
Most examples are worn, but pristine ones are extraordinarily rare.
How to Know If You’ve Found One
If you suspect you have a rare penny:
- Do not clean it—cleaning destroys value
- Check weight and magnetism
- Use magnification to inspect details
- Get professional authentication from PCGS or NGC
Even experts rely on certification for coins of this magnitude.
Conclusion
The idea that a million-dollar penny could be hiding in plain sight is what keeps collectors searching. While most Lincoln cents are worth just one cent, rare errors, wrong-metal strikes, and historic low-mintage issues have proven that extraordinary value can exist in ordinary places. Checking your change may not make you rich—but every legendary coin ever found started with someone taking a closer look.
