Valuable Pennies

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Coin Values Moving with Precious Metals: Up-Dated 2/8/2021: Gold $1813 | Silver $26.90


The Top 25 Most Valuable Pennies Which Old Pennies are the most Valuable? Want to know what the most valuable pennies are? At Coin Values, we are always staying on top of the latest changes in coin prices, and we have a list of the top 25 most valuable pennies. Small cents, by the way, are 19.1 millimeter diameter pennies. All Wheat Pennies are worth at least three times face value, but of course many are worth substantially more especially the key date Wheat pennies. Be on the lookout for the ultra-rare 1909-S VDB. This coin is most sought after by collectors and is most valuable in any grade.

Penny values span a wide range. Wheat pennies begin at 2 cents to highs found with early colonial large cents valued in the thousands. Using a step by step method discovers how much your old pennies are worth. Series are identified along with dates and mintmarks. Condition is judged comparing to images, video and descriptions. Match your coins to each penny series value chart.

Steps Leading to Value:

The penny or once-cent coin is the lowest denomination of the United States's currency. The most recent version of the penny is the Lincoln cent. The Lincoln penny was made of 95% copper, 5% zinc from 1959 until 1985.

  • Step 1: Recognize the Different Series of Cents - US pennies cover a large variety of series and styles with overlapping dates. Identify the different series to begin.
  • Step 2: Date and Mintmark Variety - Within series, dates become important to value, identify all dates accurately.
  • Step 3: Grading Condition - Judging condition is done with a close inspection and comparing to standards for the grade.
  • Step 4: Special Qualities - Copper coins, because of the metal, are examined for qualities adding or subtracting from value.

How to determine penny values begins with identifying the denomination and series. Examine your coin and compare to the following images to find a match.

Note: Images within blue borders are Links to the Penny Values series.

Step 1: | Recognize the Different Series of Cents

From the early days of coinage, half cents are now scarce and collected by specialists. Their demand is supporting strong values, high condition examples are avidly sought. Minted 1793 to 1857; value charts list date and condition ranges of values. Confirm your coin as a half cent by denomination on reverse.

Another great American coin that specialists study intensely and avidly collect. Large cents, recognized by the denomination on the reverse, are worth close inspection. Carefully examine your coins for condition. Visit the series specific page, a check of the value chart shows rare dates and scarce varieties in strong demand. Many large cents in nice condition with abundant detail remaining, are a valuable find.

Valuable because they are so popular. Flying Eagle pennies, a short running series range in worth and desirability depending on date and condition. 1856 through 1858 cents stand out as sought-after collector coins because of the bold flying eagle design. And they represent the introduction of the modern small cent size.

A very popular and recognizable coin; from beginner to advanced collectors, all enjoy the collecting of Indian Head pennies. These large numbers of collectors, building collections are putting a heavy demand on the rare dates and better condition coins. Compare your now very old Indian pennies to the series value chart.

Early date Lincoln pennies and higher condition coins are on the move. Some of these Wheat pennies are not as common as once believed. Their prices are climbing to reflect the demand. A quick look at the value chart shows a big change in how much your box of old pennies is worth. Condition is also playing an increasing role.

2 cent coin value is steadily increasing over the long term. A short series, serving a specific demand at the time, minted 1864 to 1873. Admittedly not the most popular coin, however those collecting the series are very serious. When the right coin is available and is needed for their collection, none hesitate to pay.

Step 2: | Date Plus Variety and Mintmarks are Identified

Penny values are date specific. Scarcity and rarity from one date to the next vary greatly within each series. Collections are built with a focus on dates and date runs. Within a series, invariably certain dates are the commonly found issues. As example; a 1907 Indian penny is available in all grades and affordable. However, an 1877 Indian penny is rare and highly valuable. Date further identifies your coin and combined with availability, establish value.

Mintmarks became important to penny values starting in 1908. The San Francisco branch mint began coining Indian pennies. Until then Philadelphia produced all cent and two cent denominations. Collectors now have another variety as part of collections. Mintmarks are listed and valued on Indian and Lincoln value charts.

Accurate recognition of dates also becomes important when separating variety and value. As example, a 1909 penny has a total of six varieties. Two are Indian pennies, from different mints. Four are within the Lincoln cent series, different mints and sub-varieties.

🔎Step 1 above are image links to match your coin. Visit the series page for value charts and details on how to value your old penny.

Step 3: | Grading Condition | Penny Values are Conditional

Condition is one of the subtle steps affecting penny values. As always, nicer, better preserved coin are always worth more. Grading is judging the surfaces and identifying the amount of wear or lack of wear.

Dealers and collectors identify the different stages of wear separating coins from the most worn to the least and each is assigned a 'Grade'. You do the same comparing to images of the different grades and matching your coin.

Mint State Grade: A coin with no wear to the surface is considered Mint State grade. Each design has high points judged to detect any smoothing and removal of luster. If no evidence of wear is seen a coin grades in the mint state category.

Extremely Fine Grade: Very light wear is noticeable in the Extremely Fine grade. Tops of elements such as strands within hair, cheek, and open fields are closely judged. For example: the reverse of a Lincoln cent features fine parallel lines in the 'wheat' design. If all lines are separate and sharp the coin is showing signs of grading Extremely Fine or better.

Fine Grade: Moderate wear on most of the coin and heavy wear on high points describes overall the Fine grade. Many early era copper coins in a pleasing Fine grade are very collectible and valued. A typical example, such as an Indian penny in fine grade, has flat areas within the hair and face and above her eye. However, the flat spots do not connect, separation of high areas remain.

Good Grade: Heavy wear and a lack of remaining design is typical of a penny in Good grade. Most major and minor design features are now a flat surface. Half cents are a series with many examples in very worn condition. A half cent with strong rims, readable lettering, and lack of deep marks; despite Liberty's portrait worn to an outline, retains value.

🔎Step 1 image and text links lead to series pages of in-depth coverage. Each series page covers grading in detail. Close-up images and descriptions of grades are used to judge condition. Additional video helps to identify many subtle points to grading coins.

Step 4: | Special Qualities Enhancing Value

Within the different series of copper US coinage are certain qualities setting one coin apart from others. Primarily its overall appearance sets the initial eye appeal impression. Copper coins when first minted began as shades of bright red-orange-gold. Toning begins immediately and starts to deepen the colors turning shades of brown. Toning of the surface continues, unless protected, to very deep shades of brown-black. Dark colors tend to hide detail and lower eye appeal to old copper coins.

Valuable nickels

Comparing the coins in the image; nicely toned, circulated examples project pleasing eye appeal. A deeply toned cent lacks a clear view of the coin, obscured by the deepness of color. Old coins and collections are enjoyed because the eye appeal and aesthetics of each example in the set. Visual qualities are part of value.

Many copper coins exhibit subtle qualities, when recognized, add to understanding potential value. Large cents with pleasing surfaces, lacking deep marks are somewhat elusive and special coins. Circulated Lincoln Wheat cents with soft even toning, highlighting the remaining design, are appealing to beginning collectors.

Special qualities are examined and highlighted within each series. From half cents, large cents, Indian pennies, and Lincoln cents all have unique examples of value added by special qualities. Often it is these subtle points elevating a coin to solid collector quality and appeal.

🔎Match your coin to the image links in Step 1 and visit; how to determine in-depth penny values of your coin.

Coin Values | CoinStudy Articles

Separate your old wheat pennies into the main value groups - different decades, mintmarks, rare dates and importantly condition. Preparing and selling wheat pennies for the best value is possible.

Discover the rare pennies in your box of old coins. The search is both interesting and exciting. From rare dates to rare very small details, if they are in your box you will find the rare pennies.

Coin values are determined by using the grading images to judge condition then checking the date and values on the charts provided. Discover all the rare varieties, dates and mintmarks.

An excellent picture index of all major US coin series. Compare and identify your coin to the picture, click on the image, and go immediately to your old coin value.

Recommendations on basic supplies that greatly improve coin storage. Providing for safe handling, preserving of value and organizing your box of old coins.

★Coin Values Discovery finds Penny Values and...

All old US coin values. The home page is an excellent index, quickly leading to the major coin series. From Cents to Gold. Easily sort and value your coins, an important step in preparing for selling and finding coin buyers.

Valuable Pennies 1918

Coin Values Moving with Precious Metals: Up-Dated 2/8/2021: Gold $1813 | Silver $26.90


Rare pennies were created throughout the history of U.S. coinage. Early cents, dating back to the beginnings, especially before 1857, are all scarce. Others rarities are the result of low numbers minted.

Finding a scarce penny in your box of old coins involves identifying dates and mintmarks. However, nice condition coins are surprisingly valuable. Pennies are the staple of commerce and after decades of use, simply wear out. Few were saved in the early years. Nice, finely detailed coins are becoming very collectible.

Early Era Rare Pennies

US cent production began in 1793 with the striking of what are known today as 'large cents'. Over time these became the first rare pennies. The economy needed circulating coinage and the early cents saw active use.

Large cents are a classic and historically significant part of US coinage. Large in size, larger than today's quarter, and avidly collected today. Minted from 1793 through 1857, all are desirable. Here are a few of the classic rare large cents.

  • 1793 Chain Type: First US cent, first of three designs in 1793, very scarce.
  • 1793 Wreath Type: A modification of design and necessary to all important collections of large cents.
  • 1793 Liberty Cap: Liberty redesigned. A few thousand minted and only a small number remain.
  • 1795 Large Cent: Scarce in any condition. If hair detail is showing in Liberty's portrait value rise by hundreds of dollars.
  • 1799 Large Cent: An iconic rarity to the large cent coinage. A key to the series, exact mintage unknown. Estimated less than 150 survive. One of the intensely sought rare pennies of the series.

Any large cent is considered a desirable coin. These are collected in all grades, with many collectors making the series a specialty.

Introduction of the Small Cents

1856 saw a change in size of the US Cent denomination. Pennies were reduced from the old large diameter to the size in circulation today. First new design; the Flying Eagle cent was short lived. A significant premium is placed on all in pleasing condition.

The Indian penny was first minted in 1859 and was immediately an important part of the US economy. Millions were minted and most circulated widely. 1877 is the key date rare penny of the Indian series. Less than one million 1877 cents struck and all are worth hundreds.

Rare Pennies of the Twentieth Century

1908-S Indian Cent

The 1908-S Indian cent has the distinction of the first rare penny of the twentieth century. Adding to the coin's importance; it is the first US Cent minted at the San Francisco mint bearing the 'S' mintmark. Numbers produced and released into circulation were 1,115,000 coined. Typical mintage numbers of Indian cents were in the tens of millions.

1909-S Indian Cent

1909-S Indian pennies are part of the unique transition year of 1909. A new Lincoln cent series began and the Indian series ended. Minting of these coins was split between the old and new, causing San Francisco to mint each variety in low quantities. With attention drawn to the new Lincoln penny, few of the San Francisco 1909 Indian cents were struck and saved. A rare coin in all levels of condition.

1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent

A new design series featuring Abraham Lincoln on pennies began in 1909. Production of the new coin was split between the Philadelphia mint striking the majority, and the San Francisco mint. Initial coinage featured the designer's initials 'VDB' on the reverse. Soon after production began the initials were removed from the design, leaving less than half a million of the San Francisco variety sent into circulation. 1909-S VDB cents are important as first of series, assuring demand, and with low supplies they quickly became a rare US penny.

Valuable Pennies From The 70s

1909-S Lincoln Cent

The third rare penny from 1909. San Francisco completed minting the 1909-S penny - running out of time - with a low production amount. 1909-S cents without the designer's initial represent a distinct variety and are essential to completing a set of Lincoln cents. Low mintage, first of year, and the design change add to the interest in the coin.

1914-D Lincoln Cent

1914-D pennies became a standout year because of the low 1, 485,000 coins struck. The Denver mint ('D' mintmark) began production of pennies in 1911 and in large quantities. Tens of millions of pennies per year was standard for Denver to produce. As the years progressed is was realized the 1914 mintage was unusually low and the coins were not commonly found. Most 1914-D cents were now worn from circulation, they had become a rare penny.

1922 No 'D' Lincoln Cent

The only mint to strike pennies in 1922 was the Denver mint. Philadelphia and San Francisco, the other mints at the time, were involved minting other coinage denominations. Identity of the Denver mint is the 'D' mintmark under the date. During die maintenance the mintmark was polished to the point of disappearing on one of the dies. This die then went on to strike cents without the 'D' mintmark. Philadelphia coinage did not use a mintmark; however, Philadelphia did not produce pennies in 1922. These Denver pennies without a mintmark are rare and became a popular error coin.

1931-S Lincoln Cent

San Francisco mint ('S' mintmark) pennies in comparison to Philadelphia pennies were minted in fewer quantities. Most years multimillion where struck and generally none were considered rare, post the 1909 issues. However, in 1931 less than 866,000 were released and another rare penny was part of a set of Lincoln cents.

1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent

A visibly dramatic error penny was struck in 1955. A misalignment in preparation of a working die, used to strike pennies, formed a doubling of the design. An error on a working die is a very rare occurrence. Once discovered by the mint, the die was quickly removed from production. These easy to see error coins are in great demand by collectors with high value because of the small supply.

1972 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent

American Coins Values And Pictures

Strong doubling of the date and lettering is easily seen on the 1972 Doubled Die cent. An error in die preparation caused widely spaced double digits in the date and double lettering of the legends. These coins are very rare and sought by collectors.

1990 No 'S' Proof Lincoln Cent

Demand from collectors combined with a very small number of known examples places the 1990 No 'S' Proof Cent high on the value scale. A collectible rare penny of the twentieth century.

Only found in Proof sets, the coin is dramatic because the 'S' mintmark is missing under the date. Proof coinage in the 1990's was struck at the San Francisco mint, displaying an 'S' mintmark on all proof coins. The error was spotted soon after the release of the 1990 proof sets and dealers and collector have searched proof sets since that time. Very few of these have been found.

Popularity and Valuable Pennies

Collectors are the base to values of old coins. Their interest varies, in terms of series to collect, and personal budget. Pennies of many values are popular with today's collectors.

A 1903 Indian penny is not a rare date; many are available today. The quality of the coin is what interest collectors. Heavy wear is the typical condition of these old pennies. Most stayed in circulation for decades. This penny still shows many of the smaller details of the design and is pleasing despite the wear. Many collections would include an Indian penny in this condition.

The 1943 is the 'steel' pennies of the Lincoln Wheat series. Popular and in demand because of its one-year type statis. A fascinating coin and always popular with new and beginning collectors.

Valuable Pennies List

High grade Wheat pennies of the Lincoln series are part of many collections. 1909 through 1958 is the Wheat Reverse design and many collectors focus on the series. Early years 1909 through the mid 1930's are often found heavily worn. Later years, the 1940's to 1958 were saved in quantities and usually found in better condition. Pleasing coins with light wear or better condition are premium pennies of the Wheat series.

Valuable Pennies 1909

Rare Penny Values
Discover your rare pennies and all old coin values. Half Cents, Large Cents, to Indian and Wheat pennies. Match your coin to the value charts, staying current with how much they are worth today.

★Coin Values Discovery... finds the Value of Rare Pennies and... All old U.S. coin values. It is an excellent index with images and text links to all coin series, from Cents to Gold. Value charts, grading images and descriptions uncover how much your box of old coins is worth.

References

Valuable Pennies From The 1940's

US Mint. 1948 US Mint Annual Report. https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/339
US Mint. Catalogue of Coins of the United States. https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/554591