Coin collecting is a world full of rare coins, like the 1972 Doubled Die Penny, which have fascinated collectors and investors alike. Some of these rare findings can be worth as much as $300,000 and could be a treasure to be found right out in the open.
Other than the 1972 Doubled Die Penny, there are also some wheat and Lincoln pennies that will pull in a fortune. Some of the rarest coins you can pick up could be worth a lot of bucks. Let’s have a look…
1972 Doubled Die Penny
It’s one of the most hotly sought-after error coins in U.S. history: the 1972 Doubled Die Penny. It is highly desirable for its unique doubling effect on the date and inscriptions. True, coins in top condition can bring in well over $300,000 at auction.
1955 Doubled Die Penny
The 1955 Doubled Die Penny looks very much like the 1972 Doubled Die Penny, except for the doubling in the lettering and date. And although others may sell for thousands, top-quality examples can fetch up to $125,000.
1943 Copper Penny
Another rare high-end coin is the 1943 Copper Penny, as this one was struck with copper during World War II when the U.S. chose steel to make pennies. They are known only in a handful, and those that are mint condition sell for well over $200,000.
1922 No D Penny
One of the 1922 No. D Penny varieties stands out for not having a Denver mintmark. There are fewer than 100,000 of these coins in existence today and they can be worth up to $90,000 for very highly preserved copies.
1969-S Doubled Die Penny
Double dies include a lucky example struck in 1969-S, where the doubling is readily apparent in the letters ‘LIBERTY‘ and the year. Collectors should consider this rare error coin a valuable find, as there are thousands around, and a mint state one can sell for upwards of $75,000.
1909-S VDB Penny
The first Lincoln cent ever minted was the 1909-S VDB penny, as it bears the initials of Lincoln’s designer. Some of the highest grades will command upwards of $100,000.
1944 Steel Penny
A reverse error of the typical 1943 copper-coated steel penny is the 1944 steel penny. In war, it’s a rare, to $75,000 car mistake, and collectors are willing to shell out to own a single one of those rare coins.
| Coin | Scarcity | Value Range | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 Doubled Die Penny | Extremely Rare | Up to $300,000 | Doubling on date and inscriptions |
| 1955 Doubled Die Penny | Rare | Up to $125,000 | Doubling on date and lettering |
| 1943 Copper Penny | Rare | Up to $200,000 | Mistakenly struck in copper |
| 1922 No D Penny | Rare | Up to $90,000 | Missing Denver mintmark |
| 1969-S Doubled Die Penny | Rare | Up to $75,000 | Doubling on “LIBERTY” and year |
| 1909-S VDB Penny | Scarce | Up to $100,000 | First Lincoln cent minted |
| 1944 Steel Penny | Rare | Up to $75,000 | Reverse error from 1943 pennies |
FAQs
Q. What makes the 1972 Doubled Die Penny so valuable?
A. The clear doubling on each double the date and inscriptions make these the highs of the Doubled Die Penny. Thankfully, this is a rare minting error, and as such, it is now highly sought after by the collector.
Q. How can I tell if I have a valuable wheat penny?
A. Examine the inscriptions for specific errors, such as improper doubling, whether the mint mark is missing, or for an unusual metallic composition. In addition, it is important to check coin condition; better coins are worth much more.
Q. Where can I sell my rare pennies?
A. Coin dealers, auctions, or online markets are the ways that can sell rare coins. For selling your coins, you will get the best value if you have them professionally appraised first.
Q. Are all wheat pennies valuable?
A. While not all wheat pennies are worth much, some have errors in the minting process or were produced in such small numbers that they may be worth a lot. To value, it’s important to identify the specific year, mint, and condition.
Q. What should I do if I think I have a valuable coin?
A. If you feel you have a good coin, it’s in your best interest to have it graded and authenticated by a professional coin grading service. Doing this will tell you its value and protect your investment.