COIN collectors, keep an eye out — a handful of rare Lincoln pennies are turning heads, some worth as much as $840,000.
This is a roundup of five of the most expensive pennies that recently went up for auction.
These “holy grail” finds are major treasures for serious collectors, and they’re all valuable because of unique minting errors.
THE 1943-D BRONZE CENT
Selling for $840,000, this 1943-D Bronze Cent is an iconic and rare find, as it’s the only one known to exist from the Denver Mint.
Unlike other pennies produced that year, which were made from steel to save copper for World War II, this penny was mistakenly minted in bronze.
It has an olive-brown color with a hint of crimson, making it stand out.
Mint luster shines through the surface, highlighting Lincoln’s features and the wheat stalks, giving it a “Choice” grading for its well-preserved detail.
Collectors value it highly because it’s the finest example of its type and holds a unique spot in coin history.
THE 1943-S BRONZE CENT
At auction, this ultra-rare 1943-S Bronze Cent from the San Francisco Mint sold for $504,000.
This coin was also struck in bronze instead of the standard wartime steel, with brown and crimson tones and sharp detailing, including the fine strands in Lincoln’s hair and wheat stalks on the reverse.
Adding to its rarity, the coin has a small fleck of zinc impressed near the date, a remnant from steel pennies struck around the same time.
This penny’s value is rooted in its unique history as a 1943 error and its pristine condition, making it highly sought-after by collectors.
THE 1944-S STEEL CENT
The 1944-S Steel Cent, one of only two ever minted, went under the hammer for a hefty $373,750.
This coin is particularly valuable as it’s the only uncirculated example, showcasing a zinc-plated steel planchet in perfect condition.
Minted by mistake after copper production resumed post-WWII, it sports a bright, untouched surface that emphasizes the finely struck features on both sides.
This penny is highly prized for being a rare steel error from 1944, making it an impressive addition to any collection.
PHILADELPHIA 1943 BRONZE CENT
The 1943 Bronze Cent from Philadelphia is another highly valuable coin, selling for $372,000.
Thought to be one of around 20 accidentally minted in bronze rather than steel, this penny stands out due to its rich brown patina and well-preserved features, with some red highlights in protected areas.
This coin was first discovered by a collector in 1957, sparking rumors that it could be traded for a new car, which only added to its legend.
This coin’s value stems from its rarity, unique minting error, and the continued fascination it has inspired among collectors.
What is a die break or error on a coin?
What causes such defects on coins and why are they so rare to find?
A die break, also known as a cud, is an error on a coin that is formed when a die, (a metallic piece that is used to strike a coin) is missing a piece near the rim.
When dies strike coins, they have a heavy impact and pressure and the metal from the blank part of the coin, known as the planchet, overlaps the area left by the missing piece of the die.
Coins with such deformities are rare thanks to the strict quality control measures at the US Mint.
When such errors do occur, they are often caught and destroyed.
However, those that slip through the net become huge collector’s items worth much more than their face value.
Source: Littleton Coin Company
1943 BRONZE LINCOLN CENT
This 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent, one of about 10 to 15 known examples, fetched $348,000 at auction.
Famous for its wrong-planchet error, it was struck in bronze when most pennies that year were made of steel.
Its color is a deep, warm brown with some red accents that enhance the coin’s eye appeal.
These rare Lincoln pennies each hold a unique piece of U.S. coin history, with every minting error adding to their value.
So, if you’re lucky, you might just find one of these gems hiding in your change jar. Happy hunting!
It comes after a 1837 Seated Dime sold for $3,750 in October – and could be worth even more under the right circumstances.
The 1837 Seated Dime marks a significant chapter in American coinage, being part of the Seated Liberty series that ran from 1837 to 1891.
The coin’s “No Stars” variety is particularly valuable because of its limited mintage period, Heritage Auctions reports.
Coins from these early mints are rare, and this dime’s exceptional state makes it a coveted find for collectors.
Elsewhere, three sisters sold a rare coin with a missing mint for a whopping $500,000 following decades of it being locked up in a family vault.
Rare coins
You may be holding something valuable in your wallet. Check out these articles on rare coins to see if you may have a treasure hidden deep in your pockets.
- Rare Lincoln penny sells for $201
- This buffalo nickel sold for $1,165
- 1971 Eisenhower silver coin sells for $264,000
- Lincoln double die obverse penny sells for $2,000
- Half cent sells for $3,383
- Rare nickel sells for $1,956 on eBay
- 1889 CC Morgan Silver dollar coin sells for $1,850
- Lincoln 1992 penny can be worth up to $25,000
- Standing Liberty quarter sells for $565
- Lincoln coin minted in 2020 sells for $525
