10 Rare Penny Varieties Worth Hundreds – A Must-Have for Every Coin Collector

Collecting pennies is more than a hobby; it’s a journey through history, uncovering stories etched in metal. While most pennies are worth their face value, certain rare varieties can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Here are ten of the most coveted penny varieties that every coin collector should be aware of:

1. 1943 Bronze Penny

During World War II, the U.S. Mint shifted to producing steel pennies to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a few bronze planchets were mistakenly used, resulting in the rare 1943 bronze penny. These coins are highly sought after, with values ranging from hundreds of thousands to over a million dollars, depending on condition.

2. 1955 Double Die Penny

The 1955 double die penny features a prominent doubling of the obverse inscriptions, including the date and the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” This minting error makes it a prized piece among collectors, with values typically in the thousands of dollars.

3. 1909-S VDB Penny

This penny marks the first year of the Lincoln cent series and includes the initials of its designer, Victor David Brenner (“VDB”), on the reverse. With only 484,000 minted, it’s a key date for collectors, often valued in the thousands.

4. 1992 Close AM Penny

In 1992, a few pennies were mistakenly minted with the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” closely spaced, resembling the design intended for proof coins. These “Close AM” pennies can command prices in the hundreds to thousands, depending on condition.

5. 1972 Double Die Penny

Similar to the 1955 variety, the 1972 double die penny exhibits noticeable doubling on the obverse inscriptions. This error increases its value, with specimens often selling for several hundred dollars.

6. 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Penny

Some 2004-D Wisconsin state quarters were minted with an extra leaf on the corn stalk on the reverse side, either pointing up or down. These variations, known as the “Extra Leaf High” and “Extra Leaf Low,” are valued by collectors, often fetching hundreds of dollars.

7. 1983 Double Die Penny

The 1983 double die penny features doubling on the obverse, particularly noticeable on the inscriptions. This error makes it a valuable find, with prices typically in the hundreds.

8. 1958 Double Die Penny

Extremely rare, the 1958 double die penny shows significant doubling on the obverse inscriptions. With only a few known examples, these pennies can be worth over $100,000.

9. 1914-D Lincoln Penny

The 1914-D penny is notable for its low mintage of just over 1 million coins. This scarcity makes it highly desirable among collectors, with values ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on condition.

10. 1969-S Double Die Penny

The 1969-S double die penny exhibits clear doubling on the obverse inscriptions. Due to counterfeiting issues in the past, authentic examples are rare and can sell for tens of thousands of dollars.

Here’s a summary of these rare penny varieties:

Penny Variety	Year	Distinguishing Feature	Estimated Value
1943 Bronze Penny	1943	Bronze composition instead of steel	$100,000+
1955 Double Die Penny	1955	Doubling of obverse inscriptions	$1,000 – $10,000+
1909-S VDB Penny	1909	“VDB” initials on reverse	$700 – $2,000+
1992 Close AM Penny	1992	Close spacing of “A” and “M” in “AMERICA”	$500 – $2,500+
1972 Double Die Penny	1972	Doubling of obverse inscriptions	$300 – $1,000+
2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Penny	2004	Extra leaf on corn stalk on reverse	$200 – $300+
1983 Double Die Penny	1983	Doubling of obverse inscriptions	$250 – $500+
1958 Double Die Penny	1958	Significant doubling on obverse	$50,000 – $100,000+
1914-D Lincoln Penny	1914	Low mintage	$200 – $1,500+
1969-S Double Die Penny	1969	Doubling of obverse inscriptions	$10,000 – $70,000+

Note: Values are approximate and can vary based on the coin’s condition and the current market demand.

FAQs

How can I determine if my penny is a rare variety?

Examine your penny for distinguishing features such as doubling of inscriptions, unusual spacing of letters, or unique markings. Using a magnifying glass or microscope can help identify these details.

Where can I get my rare penny appraised?

Consult a reputable coin dealer or a professional grading service for an accurate appraisal of your coin’s value.

Does the condition of the penny affect its value?

Yes, the coin’s condition, or grade, significantly impacts its value.