The 12 Most Expensive Pennies In U.S. History

Some pennies are worth one cent, and other pennies are worth millions of dollars. I went and compiled a list of the 12 most expensive small size pennies in United States history and am here with the results, and a lot of background information to explain the story behind them. The prices listed (with an official grade attached) reflect the auction record for that coin. Some of the coins are really old, while others are a sought-after error in good condition or a very early proof coin. Whatever the reason behind the immense value of the coin making it a penny worth a lot of money is, I'll explain it and discuss how it got to that point. Best of luck making a pocket change find of the century (or a smaller one that still seriously helps you out)!
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Primary Source(s): pcgs.com/coinfacts & usacoinbook.com
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All materials in these videos are used for educational purposes to inform and build community around coins, and fall within the guidelines of fair use. No copyright infringement is intended. If you are or represent the copyright owner of materials used in this video and have a problem with the use of said material, please contact me via my email in the "about" page on my channel.

[@janbrant6451]

You always have great information about all of these coins, and you explain everything about them. Thank you so much

[@armandofromthevault9775]

I did enjoy watching you video, all your videos are so informative. I mainly search pennies and love those wheat pennies. I have never found any DDO. About the only finds I have found in the pennies are lamination errors and a few die chips. Thanks for the time you take in you videos especially going to school and working.

[@TreasureTownCoins]

Thank you so much, Armando. I also haven't found any DDO in my personal searches - only in collection searches at the coin shop. However, recently I've been chatting with a cherrypicker who has done over $20,000 in pennies and looks at each one, and he has found a remarkable number of errors, especially on zinc ones. If I have the time, I'd love to do a video where he outlines some of his best finds.

[@rebawalker029]

Thank you for this video and information! I have soooo many of these it’s unreal! I’ve always collected coins and never really thought more than just their sentimental and regular value. Very exciting and I thank you for the information!

[@TreasureTownCoins]

You are so welcome!

[@duanejenkins2246]

This was and is a great, informative video, one you can watch with your kids, get them keenly interested in coin roll huntiing, researching price guides, as well as metal detection/treasure hunting. Thanks for the video.

[@delmaquezada6733]

Thank you. I did enjoy this. You have a very pleasant voice. Which adds pleasant to hear.

[@TreasureTownCoins]

Wow, thank you!

[@scottcowell9645]

Fantastic the awesome pennies with awesome returns, excellent video once again dude, do you know when they quit putting the VDB initials on the wheat pennies? Keep up the excellent job you do on your channel dude! Later man!

[@TreasureTownCoins]

Great question, Scott. August 5th was the date that they were pulled off the pennies. Really appreciate the encouragement as well.

[@scottcowell9645]

@@TreasureTownCoins I take it in 1909 I have one with them on it but no mint mark so I gather that would be the Philadelphia mint is that correct?

[@sandrafrazier4704]

I have a nickel 1962 and mint on backside

[@siranikaleng.4715]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWTcm4SQpJyEr5I

[@auntmaryshere]

Hi I’m new at all this I’m in my 50s and I have no clue what I may have I have a dime that’s not right at all I’ve looked on the internet but no help can I send you a picture for your opinion?, if so how do I do that? & ty in advance for your time Mary

[@jamiecoinhunter5964]

Awesome video!! These are really amazing pennies!

[@TreasureTownCoins]

Thanks JCH. So much history bottled up in these coins.

[@bigsgenterprise9192]

I have 1966

[@coinjunkie9868]

I think I need to check my old pennies when Iwent to Vegas 5 years ago. Nice video and thanks for sharing 👍👍👍

[@barbarar1920]

Great video. Thanks for the info.

[@TreasureTownCoins]

Thanks a bunch, Barbara!

[@wendysithole1174]

hi, I have coins, I just don't know where to sell them

[@ferozazees1636]

I like the videos I want to leave a commence about I 've afew American coin very old ones can I be contacted to sold it ??

[@junimperial8143]

Sir i have Lincoln cent error 1925 With crack in the center and only letter d remain in the upper side of the front coins .how can i sell it.thanks for helping.from the phillipines.

[@griseldacatalan545]

Exelente as always, great video good informacion.

[@tammyross3394]

I found a 1943D wheat penny while watching your video. It is a very dark color compared with the other year coins I have before and after it. Would it be worth anything?

[@TreasureTownCoins]

Hi Tammy - unless it's copper, it won't be worth too much (maybe 10 cents).

[@yemiro.m5307]

U sold

[@pim4213]

Yes I found a New York State quarter & it's all messes up . was wondering if someone could help me on what , who, how I find out if it's worth anything

[@juniorcarmack7470]

I am inquiring about a 1909 bvd penny. Where is a good place to take it in Tennessee?

[@gussuperman7565]

Wonderful presentation thank you

[@TreasureTownCoins]

Thanks a bunch, Gus! It was cool learning about why the coins themselves were expensive.

[@gcbranger3925]

a coin dealer in georgia had one in a wheat cent roll in the seventies. he let me hold it. it was a 1943-P cent, red with a bold strike.

[@fritzmirabueno3392]

Tnx a lot i learn more and got info to sell my old coins penny

[@rick5653]

You absolutely make the best videos ever. Thank you.

[@geraldsummers8965]

GREAT video Thanks for the updates. Keep the updates coming.!!!

[@TreasureTownCoins]

Will do!!

[@lindalawson8178]

Could someone refer me to where I can post pictures of coins to get an idea of what they are worth!

[@RealAntek]

Linda Lawson just google the coin

[@shauncampbell1162]

Show pics Linda !

[@shauncampbell1162]

😇

[@jayamansinghani3118]

Great video 👍 Happy,success new year 🎈🎈🎈🎈🎈💐💐

[@sandymckinney6684]

hi ive got a 1943-D steel lincoln penny good condition is it worth money ive seen so many you tube vids im not sure

[@elviraomandam523]

If I have this coins where ? Who I contact to buy??

[@Justin-hy5gl]

Elvira Omandam a coin dealer

[@mariammorales5192]

My dad has a quarter with a nickel stamped on top of the quarter

[@grammyswinehart8596]

1¹1

[@KurtyHorty]

Dude what!??!!?!? Omg

[@COINTABLEChrisTisdale]

That's not possible because a quarter will not fit into the die that mints nickels.. you could theoretically have a quarter stamped on a nickel planchet but not the other way around.

[@simonesoares7070]

Eu tenho umas destas moedas

[@simonesoares7070]

One cent

[@rick5653]

Great video😊

[@laquitariddick448]

How do I go about selling my 1943 bronze penny and I have a 1919s a1915s also pennies I the 30 and 40 and all the 50th and a lot others

[@ameliaharding558]

Thanks a lot for sharing this great video...just in case we have one of these where can we have it appraise or sell them. I just see this video now and don't know much about coins especially pennies that worth more money. Again thanks for sharing this very informative issue. God bless you.

[@craigmartin2778]

I have a 1969 Lincoln penny that struck on both sides with his profile no memorial can't figure out what it's worth

[@TwentyTwentyfourmotivation]

Great content!

[@wvu164]

Can you help me I went through a box of penny and found 1943 D copper penny I weighed it and it passed and I used a magnet and it passed so what else can I do please and ty?

[@chriscooper4317]

also, it is 1909 "S" VDB 1909 VDB are common; even I have one in almost uncirculated condition

[@TreasureTownCoins]

The 1909 VDB is quite valuable in that condition.

[@JoeDurbin]

Thanks for sharing great info

[@TreasureTownCoins]

Of course, Joe! Thanks for commenting.

[@ListenWell]

Great video

[@rosemariedegroat2912]

I have a 1920 penny where the2 is very hard to see ,is it a mis print?

[@juanitobarbadojr]

I have 1958,1944,and 3pcs of 1940 how much is worth?

[@TreasureTownCoins]

Probably 20 cents total.

[@shelly9661]

One of my favorite hobbies. Love this thank you for the updates on these. ☺

[@sovansovannut2291]

I have got alot coin penny 1909

[@johnbalderas9794]

I got a dime today that has like a question mark 00 and I can't make out the last number on it how can I get it grade it

[@frankscott9971]

I have a 1946 steal and copper or silver and copper penny do u have any idea of the value it's in great condition it's very clean I found this on the ground 2ndays ago and if you could tell me more about it that be great to hear from you if you need I can send a pic to u let me know please

[@angelatusing2511]

can you tell me what a 1865 Indian head I can send picture is n excellent condition

[@TreasureTownCoins]

They can be worth from about $5 to more, excellent condition is good though.

[@bryanswartz8507]

@@TreasureTownCoins iv got a 1923 wheat penny and 6 1943 steal wheat back penny's just looking for a good buyer no of anyone

[@reailifesuffering.2.msivlo245]

I have one brought from East India in 1835. Do you need it? [e-mail]

[@nowiknow6005]

I have a 1944 D penny. It is brown. Does anyone know how much it could be worth?

[@tristoncriswell3254]

It’s prob just a normal penny it might be worth 10 bucks but that’s pretty normal, now If you find a steel 1944 those can be worth thousands

[@nowiknow6005]

@@tristoncriswell3254 thank you

[@elicentral721]

@@tristoncriswell3254 I agree except the only way it could be worth more than 3-5 cents is if it is a steel (like you said) or an RPM (Repunched mint mark)

[@tristoncriswell3254]

@@elicentral721 yeah there’s been a few sold for 10 bucks but I think that was just the buyer not willing to give up to be honest, I also made reply that when I knew a lot less about coins

[@alfredocabreratrejo5129]

FELICITACIONES.ES EL MEJOR VIDEO DE INFORMACION QUE HE VISTO. MUCHAS GRACIAS POR COMPARTIR.SALUDOS DESDE LA CIUDAD DE MEXICO.

[@deadbeatproz]

Just started thanks for the help in this video

[@ashlycash7268]

O i have the 1944 s STEEL LINCOLN PENNY can u sale it or ???

[@TreasureTownCoins]

I would try getting it certified - that is awesome!

[@fabianrhinzes6655]

@@TreasureTownCoins i have an year 1919s.how to sale it I'm in the Philippines.

[@dano9421]

You forgot the 1974d aluminum penny

[@cydagnesinocito8566]

Thanks for the info.

[@raynellwelch2792]

Keep up the good work👍

[@shannonblake5331]

I'd like for you to look T a penny I have.very interesting

[@laurasperber5207]

I bought and sold the 43D 1C. It was never in auction. We also sold a copper 1C 1943 PCGS MS61 for $250,000.00 and a copper 1943S PCGS MS62 $1,200,000.00.

[@TreasureTownCoins]

Hi Laura! Are you involved with Legend Numismatics? Thanks for commenting!

[@mz2083]

The 1943-D 1C (copper) was sold twice in auction: 1. From Superior's May 27,28, 1996 Auction, lot 536, which sold for $82,500 (bought by Mr. Steve Benson) 2. From Ira and Larry Goldberg's Feb. 2003 Auction, Lot 149, which sold for $212,750.00

[@sisterscandal5396]

m z i have a some pictures of some pennies i would like to sell , do you know of an appraiser or Auction location, & number i can contact? I will try to post the pictures of them. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

[@sisterscandal5396]

m z i can be reached on messenger on Facebook Alena Fantauzzo

[@lynnschmidt8421]

👍 great video!

[@jamesdeam9959]

After watching i found a 1944 d. 1945 . 1946d & another that looks older & cant reed date. Whats best way to clean them safely?

[@poormansstack]

Would like to see the list without errors in it.

[@TreasureTownCoins]

That could make for an interesting video. It's also tough to balance highest auction price vs. expected - for example, the 1919D Walking Liberty has the highest sale ever recorded but is far from the rarest date.

[@marcelodiata5675]

@@TreasureTownCoins i have 1968 1955 penny how can i sell it.

[@donovanyoutube6858]

WhAt hAppEnED tO thE 1974 AlUMinUm cEnT?

[@steveeyman6112]

I have several World War II copper pennies would they be worth anything they range anywhere from 1939 to 1944

[@nancydoyle365]

Great Video

[@-HBerry-]

I have 6 1943 Penny's and never thought they had or have value. What would be a good way for me to find out how much they're worth?

[@47485ksc]

@Huckkeberry Dollar They're only worth around 30 to 40 cents each. Almost 1/2 a billion were minted. (493,838,670)

[@bootsgizmoreiii]

If they do not stick to a magnet, no telling how much they are worth.

[@nedalal-dweri7647]

يوجد لدي قطعه سنة 1889 ] دولار امريكي للبيع كم ثمنه

[@SherardMurriell]

I have several wheat cents with no mints from 1939,1941, 1944 willing sell

[@kayrenbell2735]

If I did find/have one of these pennies, how/ where would I go about having it appraised?

[@TreasureTownCoins]

I'd search for a reputable local coin dealer.

[@dustinwoodruff1200]

How can I find out about more info on my 1943 penny?

[@frankdelsreyes6318]

Where can we sell those coins?

[@TreasureTownCoins]

If you have a really valuable one I'd consult a local coin shop to go through a formal process.

[@amossam7129]

Where can I see my 1944 cent

[@reailifesuffering.2.msivlo245]

I have one brought from East India in 1835. Do you need it? [e-mail]

[@AdityaKumar-ry2sq]

I have 1980,1968 dubble die Lincol penny one cent, if any one know value in auction tell me

[@gabbymachavelli3962]

A auction is just that people bid on the coin

[@paulfrancis6129]

O

[@minniegeleplay8371]

I have a 1945, penny, and a 1953 Nickle, where do I take it? Some one please help me

[@weebosniper4002]

Minnie Geleplay same i have a 1945 penny

[@johnstout5557]

Thank you for the information

[@TreasureTownCoins]

Glad to provide it.

[@gloomkubzscoutsmememondays1716]

I have a question with a one cent wheat penny from 1944 be a little bit less than 1943one cent wheat penny or would it not be worth it because it’s only one more year up so I don’t know so I’m just askin.

[@andretoussaint4450]

Library 2000 five cent an 1803 five cent

[@MariaMoreno-ej1tj]

I have 1943 d steel Penny usa

[@melindaembestro3303]

we

[@fredek777]

I still have a few of 1943s at great condition

[@TreasureTownCoins]

Cool!

[@reailifesuffering.2.msivlo245]

I have one brought from East India in 1835. Do you need it? [e-mail]

[@parnacitaholmes5166]

I have some wheat pennies but I want sell or put action but don’t know how help please thank u

[@missinq_themrblx9169]

Where do you find the MS66+ stuff at?

[@jonathancsmelko2361]

I like the 1856 Flying Eagle !

[@TreasureTownCoins]

Thanks! I do too. Got a chance to see one myself in the coin shop about a month ago!

[@joyfulpotato9576]

In 1984 95% copper pennies were reduced to 2.5% copper

[@owenhewitt4154]

So

[@hyderabadnetwork2656]

I have 1973 Liberty coin.1978 one cent&1997 Liberty coin ..??? What's the value

[@TreasureTownCoins]

Probably 3 cents total.

[@shanareehamrick2123]

Question.. Now what if I have the 1969 s penny.. But no double die..?? Is it worth anything withoutthe double die??

[@raulsaenz9281]

Where could I sell my steel pennies at what website could I use just wanted to know

[@kyleharrington1228]

Steel cents have very little value in circulated condition. Maybe in the 5 to 10 cent range. I literally have 8 or 9 rolls of steel cents.

[@_The_Worst_]

How would one go about obtaining all this information in their head when searching through pocket change and whatnot...🤔...Seems like an awful lot of information to remember and obtain...💯✔

[@CMKB81]

write it down?

[@harrybond1485]

Keep reading and researching over and over.And yes write it down!

[@chrisscott6057]

I have a 1918 wheaty d or no mint mark can i get a reply plz

[@TreasureTownCoins]

Either way, it's not super valuable unless in really nice condition.

[@belssuare7585]

I have many coins i live in the Philippines

[@corahipp1804]

I do to

[@vyesitsme9203]

Sorry running late! Indian is one of my favorites🎈myI really like that1914! 🎈Love this Videoo! ❤️ Thank You Treasure Town!👍🎈🎈♈️

[@TreasureTownCoins]

You're not running late at all! The 1914D is really cool - my favorite might be the immaculate 1877. Glad to see you as always, Vickie!

[@robertdelgado1385]

A couple of years ago I got a hold of a 1914d and I ended up selling it for $100 to someone that gave me the option to buy back if I ever wanted to the shape was between good and fair should I get it back. Seeing if i did and got it graded what do you think i can get

[@TreasureTownCoins]

Can't really give an opinion without knowing the coin, but it sounds like you did fine.

[@corahipp1804]

I have a lot from 1950 and under. Actually have coins I don't know what they r. We're can I send a pic

[@delmaquezada6733]

Is a 1946 nicle worth anything?

[@TreasureTownCoins]

Probably about 10 cents unless it has an error.

[@amossam7129]

How much 1944 cent

[@chrisnunez3809]

I had a 1964 5cent nickel with the letter d on top of white house in the back is it worth anything

[@chrisnunez3809]

I have also 1953 penny is it worth anything

[@nikkienova9440]

I have 1936

[@susanemmons7504]

If I find that I do have 1 of these valuable coins, you can be certain numismatist around here(I live in Rexburg, Idaho) would NOT pay me what the coin is worth!

[@somecoth1938]

I have 1945 onecent

[@TreasureTownCoins]

That's too bad! Sorry about that.

[@eikkomigzvenoya8070]

I have old one cent United states ot America year of 2005

[@michealdouglas4696]

I have 1943 d mint mark how do I tell if copper or bronze

[@tykespeace501]

I enjoyed your video and I subscribed ! I'm new to watching my coins for value. I decided to goggled "How to purchase a1943-D Bronze Lincoln Penny" since your video said that was the #1 highest valued coin and it's all over the internet for purchase. Being new at this I'm confused .... Could someone clue me in at what I'm missing?

[@TreasureTownCoins]

Maybe they're not Bronze? And instead Zinc? The error is a wrong planchet.

[@rickorjalo4717]

I HAVE PENNY 152 PCS COINS

[@rickorjalo4717]

Pls reply i have penny 152 pcs coins

[@ninomarin7124]

Whats the deal with the 1975 Aluminum penny? Any good value today?

[@TreasureTownCoins]

Haha I don't know about the 1975. Did not include them in this list I don't think. These were for official sold prices.

[@centil6562]

A million dollars

[@steveapodaca5898]

excuse me sir I will correct you the year in question is a 1974 aluminum however these were never released to the public by the mint so if you had a 74 aluminum it would be illegal to own or to possess.

[@SecondComingTwice]

"The Government".. "thought".. they were counterfeit, and "destroyed them." Want to buy the Brooklyn Bridge? I can sell it to you cheap.

[@TreasureTownCoins]

Hahaha

[@savagecat9225]

Give me

[@honeybadgerbadger1364]

1

[@honeybadgerbadger1364]

Aaa

[@billyd.1872]

I have an associate who has been counterfeiting pennies for about 30 years and its been quite the criminal enterprise. There was 4 of us who ate at Chile's and I covered the $82 bill with the counterfeits and they did not question the authenticity of any of the pennies but they did ask that we not return to the establishment ever again but that's probably because it took around 45 minutes to finish paying the bill and dont even get me started about our waitress, who with some very colorful language said some really hateful things and made a couple of threats that were quite frankly a little terrifying as we were leaving. The nerve, and after I left her a great tip at 25%. I told her a few times that she was gonna have to bring me a bunch of rolls for her tip, looking back on it now I can clearly see where the misunderstanding happened. I even asked my date why do they keep bringing us so many of these delicious warm buttery buns. I had to find a place on the table where I could fit $22 dollars worth of pennies for her generous tip (in my opinion) since she never did find any rolls for me to put them in.

[@paulrobb967]

Great video - Thanks .

[@TreasureTownCoins]

Thanks Paul!

[@rick5653]

How do you know they’re a proof if they don’t have the S mark

[@noemicruz5282]

I have a penni from 1900 and also a penny from 1947 d

[@edvardarmandodelgadodelgad1855]

I've got a 1972 d that I ain't giving up for less than a billion dollars.

[@Mr.K.Crowley73]

EDVARD ARMANDO DELGADO DELGADO I got 2 72d’s are they really worth money

[@carloverholser3]

@@Mr.K.Crowley73 0lnp mm

[@nikkienova9440]

I have a 1936 wheat penny

[@nagasarala9842]

Very good knowledge full video tq

[@TreasureTownCoins]

Thanks!

[@elizadungao2766]

Thanks for info

[@daleadrian3524]

I have a 1943 copper penny at school but idk what mint it came from. and its a snow day today

[@TreasureTownCoins]

Enjoy it! The copper sounds weird - could be the big one!

[@spencerpalmer7198]

Any copper 1943 is apparently worth at least 60000

[@tammyglunt3718]

I have a 1974 no mint mark, half dollar, very good condition, where do I find a buyer?

[@terrencewilson1631]

Ebay

[@terrencewilson1631]

Put it up for Auction

[@rodericksmith1569]

Roderick Curtis Smith

[@geraldfranklin4430]

Yes who can we sell and trust to get what there worth and where can we go or tx.

[@CheeNO_007]

I have a few 1943 wheat pennies that don't stick to magnets, are they worth anything?

[@TreasureTownCoins]

That's interesting! They very well might be, but it's tough to know without really authenticating the coins.

[@niecythebudgetnista3223]

5/10 /20 Who checking their change ??? LOL All I want for this Mother's Day is .... A BAG OF PENNIES 🌹🤣

[@JoooKaiTv]

i have 1982 coin

[@larrypalazzo3529]

Plumbing drains

[@willielafleur4350]

I have a Steel1943 D Lincoln Penny. What is it worth?

[@edgarmirana3187]

I have 3 pcs coin 1969..how i contact you. Also 1942 one pc.

[@alfredozaiter4994]

i have a penny 1943 that's the only one that I can grab with a magnet,it has any valor?

[@only1_2faced_themovie89]

Is it a steel cent

[@enriquemartinez4790]

the 1909 penny is worth a lot of money

[@drewskygaming]

Enrique Martinez yea

[@kadenkilker6201]

I know! I only have 4 of those

[@corahipp1804]

How about 1919 1920 1914

[@henrybensmith2048]

Grate video thanks

[@TreasureTownCoins]

For sure! Glad you enjoyed.

[@michealdouglas4696]

Hey y’all I need help bad I really think I have 1943 d mint mark all copper penny what do I need do