Some USA pennies in circulation could make you rich, with rare varieties fetching millions due to minting errors or unique materials. These Lincoln Cents, featuring Abraham Lincoln’s portrait, are collector’s treasures, especially from the 1940s to 1960s. With President Trump’s 2025 plan to stop minting pennies, their value may soar. Here’s a guide to the most expensive pennies you might find in 2025, how to spot them, and their worth, all in simple English.
1969-S Double Die Obverse
This penny has a rare error where “LIBERTY” and “1969” appear doubled, caused by a misaligned die at the San Francisco Mint. Only a few dozen exist, making it a top prize. Look for an “S” mint mark and clear doubling with a magnifying glass. Circulated ones fetch $25,000; mint-state coins can hit $1.7 million, like one sold in 2008. Beware of fakes authentic doubling is sharp, not blurry.
1943 Bronze Penny
During WWII, pennies were made of steel to save copper, but a few 1943 pennies were mistakenly struck in bronze. About 10–20 exist from Philadelphia (no mint mark). They’re worth $200,000–$1.7 million (one sold for $1.7 million in 2010). Check if it doesn’t stick to a magnet and looks coppery. Get it graded by PCGS or NGC, as counterfeits are common.
1944 Steel Penny
A rare 1944 error used steel planchets from 1943, with 20–40 known from Philadelphia. These silver-colored pennies stick to magnets and lack a mint mark. Values range from $75,000 to $1 million (one fetched $180,000 in 2021). Verify authenticity, as fakes are widespread. Their rarity could spike if penny production ends, per Trump’s directive.
Tips to Find These Gems
- Check coin rolls, pocket change, or old jars for 1943, 1944, or 1969 pennies.
- Use a magnet to test 1943 (non-magnetic) and 1944 (magnetic) pennies.
- Examine 1969-S coins with a magnifying glass for doubled text.
- Store finds in plastic holders and get rare coins graded by PCGS or NGC before selling on eBay or at auctions like Heritage.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| 1969-S Double Die | “S” mint, doubled “LIBERTY”/date, $25,000–$1.7M |
| 1943 Bronze | No mint mark, non-magnetic, $200,000–$1.7M |
| 1944 Steel | No mint mark, magnetic, $75,000–$1M |
| Material | Copper (1969, 1943), Steel (1944) |
| Diameter | 19mm |
| Weight | 3.11g (copper), 2.7g (steel) |