For coin collectors and hobbyists, finding a rare penny in their change can be thrilling. However, what makes it even more exciting is the potential value that some ultra rare pennies hold. If you’re lucky enough to stumble upon one of these rare coins, it could be worth far more than its face value. In this article, we’ll explore three ultra rare penny coins that are highly valuable and sought after by collectors.
1. 1943 Copper Penny
The 1943 copper penny is one of the most famous and valuable penny coins in existence. During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc-coated steel to preserve copper for the war effort. However, a small number of copper pennies were accidentally made in 1943. These coins are incredibly rare, and depending on their condition, they can be worth tens of thousands of dollars.
Collectors are constantly on the lookout for this elusive coin. If you happen to have a 1943 copper penny in your possession, it could be worth anywhere from $100,000 to $1.7 million, depending on its condition and authenticity.
2. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny is another ultra rare coin that holds significant value. When the Lincoln penny was first introduced in 1909, the initials of the designer, Victor David Brenner (VDB), were placed on the reverse side of the coin. However, the initials were later removed due to public outcry. Only a limited number of these coins were produced, making them extremely rare.
The 1909-S VDB penny, minted in San Francisco, is highly sought after by collectors. If you find one in good condition, it could be worth anywhere from $600 to over $2,000.
3. 1955 Doubled Die Penny
The 1955 doubled die penny is famous for its unique error, which gives the coin a distinct doubling effect on the date and inscriptions. This error occurred during the minting process, and only a limited number of these coins were produced before the mistake was caught.
The 1955 doubled die penny is one of the most popular error coins among collectors, and its value can range from $1,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on its condition. If you happen to come across one of these coins, it’s definitely worth getting it appraised.
Finding one of these ultra rare penny coins in your collection could be like striking gold! The 1943 copper penny, 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny, and 1955 doubled die penny are all highly valuable, and their worth continues to rise among collectors. Be sure to check your old penny jars or collections—you might just discover a hidden treasure that’s worth far more than its face value.
FAQs
- What makes the 1943 copper penny so valuable?
The 1943 copper penny is valuable because it was made by mistake during World War II when the U.S. Mint was supposed to use steel instead of copper. - How much is a 1909-S VDB penny worth?
A 1909-S VDB penny can be worth between $600 and $2,000, depending on its condition and rarity. - What is a doubled die penny?
A doubled die penny is a coin that has a minting error, creating a doubling effect on the design, particularly on the date and inscriptions. - Are all 1943 pennies valuable?
No, only the 1943 copper pennies are valuable. The majority of 1943 pennies are made from steel and are not worth much. - Where can I sell rare pennies?
You can sell rare pennies at coin auctions, to collectors, or through reputable coin dealers who specialize in rare coins
