5 Valuable Pennies:We’ve all done it—dropped a coin, left it on the sidewalk, or tossed it into a collection jar without a second thought. After all, it’s “just a coin,” right?
But what if that little coin is worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars?
Believe it or not, there are some coins in circulation today that are worth far more than their face value, and they could be hiding right under your nose—in your pocket, an old piggy bank, or even your car’s cup holder. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a casual coin hoarder, or just looking for something special, here are 5 coins you should keep an eye out for—and why they’re worth much more than a penny.
1. 1943 Steel Penny (with Copper Error) – Value: $85,000+
Most pennies minted in 1943 were made of steel because copper was needed for ammunition during World War II. These coins are silver-gray in color and not particularly rare—unless they are made of copper instead of steel.
Only a few 1943 copper pennies accidentally made it through the minting process, and these are extremely rare.
How to identify it:
- It looks like a regular coin, but it’s not silver in color.
- Does it stick to a magnet? If yes, it’s made of steel. If not, it could be copper—and that’s very rare.
If you find such a coin, don’t spend it. Have it authenticated—you might have a valuable treasure!
2. 1955 Double Die Penny – Value: $1,000 to $10,000+
This is one of the most famous error coins in American history. Due to a manufacturing error, some 1955 pennies have double-struck lettering and numbers, particularly in the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
How to identify it:
- Examine the text carefully (or use a magnifying glass) – if it appears to be “double-stamped,” you might have found a valuable coin (a copper coin, in this case).
Even used versions of this coin have sold for several thousand dollars.
3. 1969-S Double Die Obverse – Price: $25,000+
- Another rare double-die error coin, this 1969-S silver dollar, minted in San Francisco, clearly shows double impressions on its obverse (front side).
The double impression is most noticeable on the words “UNITED STATES,” “LIBERTY,” and the date “1969.”
How to identify it:
- The text on the front is clear and sharply engraved.
- Look for the “S” mint mark below the date.
These coins are extremely rare—some have sold at auction for over $35,000!
4. 1972 Double Die Penny – Value: $200 to $500+
This coin isn’t as rare as the 1955 or 1969 double die pennies, but it still has a high value. Like those earlier coins, this 1972 double die penny also features repeated lettering for the words “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY.”
How to identify it:
- While the increase in value compared to 1955 isn’t as dramatic, it’s still quite significant and easily noticeable when viewed closely.
- These coins have no mint mark—they were minted in Philadelphia.
High-quality coins are particularly valuable, but even those in poor condition can sell for hundreds of dollars.
5. 1992 Close AM Penny – Value: $1,000 to $5,000+
This is one of the most subtle, yet surprisingly valuable, errors.
In 1992, some pennies were struck using the reverse die intended for proof coins, resulting in the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” appearing closer together than usual.
How to identify it:
- Flip the coin over. Look closely at the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”.
- If the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” appear very close together, it could indicate a “Close AM” error.
Furthermore, there is a valuable 1992-D “Close AM” coin, which can fetch an even higher price.
Final thoughts: Don’t ignore your spare change!
Small coins are often overlooked. Most of us tend to do that. But when prices are rising and spare change seems insignificant, those little copper coins can still offer a significant advantage—if you pay attention to the right things.
Here’s the key point:
- Always check the dates on your coins.
- Keep a magnifying glass handy.
- And never assume that a coin is worthless just because it’s old or dirty.
You never know—that pile of change in your pocket from your last grocery store receipt might include a coin worth thousands of dollars!
So, the next time you hear someone say, “It’s just a matter of money,” you’ll understand it better. That money can indeed change your destiny.