Pennies, though often considered the most ordinary of coins, have produced some extraordinary sales in the world of coin collecting. These remarkable coins often carry unique histories, minting errors, or exceptional conditions that elevate their worth. Let’s cut into the top 13 most expensive pennies ever sold at auction and look into the stories behind their incredible valuations.
1943-D Lincoln Bronze Cent
The 1943-D Lincoln Bronze Cent is one of the most famous error coins ever made. During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc-coated steel to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a few bronze blanks were accidentally struck, creating this rare coin. Only one example of the 1943-D bronze penny is known, and in 2010, it sold for a record-breaking $1.7 million.
1943-S Lincoln Bronze Cent
Similar to the Denver version, the 1943-S Lincoln Bronze Cent was also minted by mistake in San Francisco. This coin is one of the few 1943 pennies made from bronze instead of steel, making it incredibly valuable. In 2012, a 1943-S bronze cent sold for $1 million at auction, highlighting the high demand for these rare error coins.
1792 Birch Cent
The 1792 Birch Cent is a significant piece of American history, as one of the first prototypes of the U.S. penny. Designed by Robert Birch, only a few examples of this early coin exist. Its rarity and historical importance helped one of these coins fetch $2.58 million at auction in 2015, making it one of the most valuable pennies ever sold.
1944-S Steel Lincoln Penny
In 1944, the U.S. Mint returned to copper for pennies, but a few leftover steel blanks from the previous year were accidentally used. The 1944-S Steel Lincoln Penny, minted in San Francisco, is one of these rare coins. In 2008, it sold for $373,750 at auction. Its scarcity and fascinating backstory have made it a highly prized coin.
1909 VDB Matte Proof Lincoln Penny
The 1909 VDB Matte Proof Lincoln Penny is famous for featuring the initials “VDB” of its designer, Victor David Brenner. This penny marks the first year of the Lincoln Cent series and has a matte proof finish, adding to its uniqueness. Only a few dozen of these pennies exist, and in 2014, one sold for $258,500 at auction.
1958 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny
The 1958 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny is one of the most notable error coins, featuring a clear doubling of the date and lettering on the obverse. Only three examples are known to exist, making it exceptionally rare. In 2018, one of these pennies sold for $336,000, capturing the attention of error coin enthusiasts.
1943 Lincoln Cent Struck on Bronze Planchet
Another 1943 bronze penny, this time without a mint mark, also sold for a high price. This coin was struck on a leftover bronze planchet instead of steel. In 2013, it sold for $840,000 at auction. Its rarity, along with the intriguing story of its creation, has made this error penny a favorite among collectors.
1793 Chain Cent
The 1793 Chain Cent is one of the earliest coins ever minted in the U.S., featuring a chain design on the reverse. This controversial design was quickly changed, making the Chain Cent rare. In 2011, one of these early pennies sold for $2.35 million at auction. Its historical significance and scarcity make it one of the most valuable coins ever.
1914-D Lincoln Penny
The 1914-D Lincoln Penny is highly sought after due to its low mintage, especially in high grades. Minted in Denver, this penny is rare, particularly in top condition. In 2017, one of these coins sold for $152,750 at auction, demonstrating how condition plays a key role in the value of collectible pennies.
1856 Flying Eagle Cent
The 1856 Flying Eagle Cent marked a transition from large cents to the smaller coins used today. Only around 2,000 of these coins were minted, making them rare and historically significant. In 2004, one of these cents sold for $172,500 at auction, cementing its place as one of the most valuable U.S. pennies.
1922 No D Plain Lincoln Penny
The 1922 No D Plain Lincoln Penny is an error coin produced due to die wear at the Denver Mint, resulting in a missing “D” mint mark. This rare error, combined with the low mintage of Denver pennies that year, makes it highly desirable. In 2008, one of these pennies sold for $74,750 at auction.
1877 Indian Head Penny
The 1877 Indian Head Penny had one of the lowest mintages in the series, with only 852,500 coins produced. Its rarity, particularly in high grades, makes it a key date for collectors. In 2007, one sold for $149,500 at auction, reflecting its status as one of the most sought-after Indian Head pennies.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny is one of the most famous pennies among collectors. This coin was minted in San Francisco and features the initials of its designer, Victor David Brenner. With a low mintage of 484,000, it’s a rare and valuable penny. In 2014, one of these coins sold for $117,500 at auction.
| Coin Type | Year | Auction Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1792 Birch Cent | 1792 | $2.58 Million |
| 1793 Chain Cent | 1793 | $2.35 Million |
| 1943-D Lincoln Bronze Cent | 1943 | $1.7 Million |
| 1943-S Lincoln Bronze Cent | 1943 | $1 Million |
| 1943 Lincoln Cent (Struck on Bronze) | 1943 | $840,000 |
| 1958 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny | 1958 | $336,000 |
| 1944-S Steel Lincoln Penny | 1944 | $373,750 |
| 1909 VDB Matte Proof Lincoln Penny | 1909 | $258,500 |
| 1914-D Lincoln Penny | 1914 | $152,750 |
| 1856 Flying Eagle Cent | 1856 | $172,500 |
| 1877 Indian Head Penny | 1877 | $149,500 |
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny | 1909 | $117,500 |
| 1922 No D Plain Lincoln Penny | 1922 | $74,750 |
These 13 pennies have achieved impressive valuations due to their rarity, minting errors, or historical significance. Whether it’s a rare 1793 Chain Cent or a 1943 bronze error penny, these coins have captivated collectors and commanded record-breaking prices at auction.
FAQs
What makes the 1943-D Lincoln Bronze Cent so valuable?
It was accidentally made with a bronze blank instead of steel, making it extremely rare.
Why is the 1792 Birch Cent important?
It’s one of the earliest U.S. penny prototypes, adding historical value.
How rare is the 1958 Doubled Die Obverse Penny?
Only three examples are known, making it one of the rarest error pennies.
Why do collectors value the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny?
Its low mintage and being the first Lincoln Cent make it highly desirable.
What caused the 1922 No D Penny error?
A die wear issue at the Denver Mint resulted in some pennies lacking the “D” mint mark.
