11 Rare Pennies: When most people look at a penny, they see just a small coin worth one cent. But for coin collectors, certain rare pennies from the twentieth century can be worth hundreds, thousands, or even millions of dollars.
These coins are treasured because of their history, unusual minting mistakes, or limited availability. In this article, we’ll explore 11 rare pennies of the twentieth century that every collector should know about.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced collector, this guide will help you understand why these coins are so special and how to identify them.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent is one of the most famous rare pennies. It was the first year the Lincoln penny was minted, and the initials “VDB” (for designer Victor David Brenner) were placed on the reverse.
Only 484,000 of these coins were made in San Francisco before the initials were removed, making them highly valuable.
1914-D Lincoln Cent
This penny was minted in Denver and had a very low mintage of only 1.2 million. Because many went into circulation and became worn, finding a 1914-D penny in good condition is rare and valuable.
1922 No D Lincoln Cent
A true collector’s gem, the 1922 No D Lincoln cent happened when the Denver mint accidentally produced coins without the “D” mint mark. This mistake makes the coin one of the most sought-after error pennies.
1931-S Lincoln Cent
During the Great Depression, fewer coins were needed, so only 866,000 of the 1931-S pennies were minted. Today, these coins are prized for their scarcity.
1943 Copper Penny
In 1943, most pennies were made of steel coated with zinc because copper was needed for World War II. However, a few copper blanks were mistakenly used, creating the 1943 copper penny, one of the most valuable coins in U.S. history.
1944 Steel Penny
The following year, 1944, pennies were supposed to return to copper. But a few leftover steel blanks from 1943 were struck, creating the rare 1944 steel penny.
1955 Double Die Penny
One of the most famous error coins, the 1955 double die penny shows a clear doubling of the date and letters on the front. Collectors love this coin for its unique look and rarity.
1969-S Double Die Penny
Similar to the 1955 version, the 1969-S double die penny has noticeable doubling on the date and inscriptions. Because so few exist, this coin is extremely valuable.
1972 Double Die Penny
The 1972 double die penny is another error coin where doubling is visible on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” It’s easier to find than the 1955 or 1969-S but still popular among collectors.
1983 Double Die Reverse Penny
This rare error coin shows doubling on the reverse side of the penny, especially on “ONE CENT.” The 1983 double die reverse is highly sought after by collectors.
1992 Close AM Penny
The 1992 Close AM penny is unique because the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” on the reverse are very close together, unlike other years. This small detail makes the coin rare and collectible.
11 Rare Pennies
| Year & Type | Key Feature | Reason It’s Rare |
|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | VDB initials on reverse | Limited mintage (484,000) |
| 1914-D | Denver mint only | Low mintage, many worn out |
| 1922 No D | Missing mint mark | Minting error |
| 1931-S | San Francisco issue | Great Depression scarcity |
| 1943 Copper | Made of copper instead of steel | Minting mistake |
| 1944 Steel | Struck on leftover steel blanks | Error coin |
| 1955 Double Die | Doubling on date and letters | Famous error |
| 1969-S Double Die | Doubling on inscriptions | Very rare |
| 1972 Double Die | Doubling on LIBERTY and motto | Collectible error |
| 1983 Double Die Reverse | Doubling on reverse inscriptions | Error on ONE CENT |
| 1992 Close AM | Letters A and M close together | Unusual design variety |
Rare pennies tell the story of America’s past, from wars to economic struggles to printing mistakes. Collectors value them not just for their price but also for the history they carry. If you ever come across an old penny, take a closer look—it might be one of these valuable coins.
Building knowledge about these rare pennies is the first step toward becoming a skilled coin collector and understanding how small details can make a big difference in value.
FAQs
What makes a penny rare?
A penny becomes rare due to limited mintage, unique design features, or minting errors that make it stand out.
How can I know if my penny is valuable?
Check for unusual features like missing mint marks, doubling in letters or numbers, or rare dates. A coin dealer can confirm its value.
Are rare pennies still found in circulation?
Yes, though it’s rare. Some collectors have found valuable pennies in pocket change, but most are already in collections.