If you’re curious about which pennies could be hiding in your pocket change that are actually worth more than their face value, you’re in the right place!
There are many pennies out there worth much more than $1 each — and you might already have some of them in your collection! Whether you’re just getting started in coin collecting or you’re a seasoned collector, this list is for you.
Take a look at the cheat sheet below to discover which pennies are worth saving and which ones are better spent.
Before you start searching, check out this helpful video that explains how to spot valuable pennies in your collection:
[Play Video: 43 Most Valuable Pennies in Circulation Worth Money!]
Which Lincoln Pennies Are Worth Keeping?
Among all U.S. coins, Lincoln pennies are arguably the most popular and widely collected. These coins have been in circulation since 1909 and remain a favorite for collectors.
In fact, Lincoln pennies were the first coins I ever collected when I began my coin hobby back in 1992. Over the years, they’ve remained a staple in my collection, and I’m often asked about them.
If you’re wondering which Lincoln pennies are worth holding onto, here are some key ones you should keep an eye out for:
- All Lincoln Wheat Pennies (1909-1958)
- All Lincoln Memorial Pennies (1959-1981)
- Copper Lincoln Memorial Pennies (1982): These weigh 3.11 grams, in contrast to the zinc-plated copper pennies that weigh 2.5 grams.
Now, let’s get into the good stuff — specific pennies worth more than $1!
The Most Valuable Pennies by Date
Here’s a list of 43 rare and valuable pennies you can keep an eye out for. These are worth more than just a few cents — in fact, some can be worth hundreds of dollars!
The Rarest and Most Valuable Pennies (Worth More Than $1 Each):
- 1909 Penny (No Mintmark) – $3 and up
- 1909 VDB Penny – $10 and up
- 1909-S Penny – $80 and up
- 1909-S VDB Penny – $700 and up
- 1910-S Penny – $15
- 1911-D Penny – $5
- 1911-S Penny – $40
- 1912 Penny (No Mintmark) – $1
- 1912-D Penny – $6
- 1912-S Penny – $20
- 1913-D Penny – $3
- 1913-S Penny – $12
- 1914-D Penny – $175
- 1914-S Penny – $20
- 1915 Penny (No Mintmark) – $1.50
- 1915-D Penny – $2
- 1915-S Penny – $20
- 1916-D Penny – $1
- 1916-S Penny – $1.50
- 1921-S Penny – $1
- 1922-D Penny – $15
- 1922 Plain Penny – $500
- 1923-S Penny – $2
- 1924-D Penny – $30
- 1924-S Penny – $1
- 1926-S Penny – $5
- 1931-D Penny – $4
- 1931-S Penny – $100
- 1932 Penny (No Mintmark) – $1.50
- 1932-D Penny – $1
- 1933 Penny (No Mintmark) – $1
- 1933-D Penny – $2
- 1943-D Boldly Doubled Mintmark Penny – $10
- 1944 D/S Penny – $125
- 1946-S/D Penny – $35
- 1955 Doubled Die, Obverse Penny – $1,100
- 1970-S Small Date Penny – $30
- 1972 Doubled Die Penny – $250
- 1983 Doubled Die Penny – $200
- 1984 Doubled Die Penny – $150
- 1992-D Close AM Penny – $2,000
- 1995 Doubled Die Penny – $25
- 1999 Wide AM Penny – $500
Note: Values listed are for coins in good condition or better. Uncirculated coins from 1959 and later may be worth even more.
Other Valuable Pennies Worth Money
In addition to the pennies listed above, here are a few other types of pennies that are worth more than their face value:
- 1943 Lincoln Cents (Silver Pennies)
- 1944 Steel Pennies
- Wheat Pennies
- Indian Head Pennies
Where to Find Rare and Valuable Pennies
Now that you know which pennies are worth holding onto, you might be wondering where to find them. Here are a few great places to look for rare pennies:
- Coin Rolls: Coin roll hunting is a great way to find old coins, and you may uncover valuable ones while going through them.
- Yard Sales and Flea Markets: Many people sell coins at yard sales or flea markets without realizing their worth. You can sometimes find rare pennies in these sales for a bargain.
- Family Heirlooms: Rare coins can sometimes be passed down through generations, so check any old chests or boxes that might hold hidden treasures.
- Pocket Change: While rarer, valuable pennies can still turn up in circulation. It’s all about having a keen eye and the patience to look for them!
Good luck with your search! If you have any questions or want to share your findings, feel free to drop a comment below.