Most Expensive Pennies Ever Auctioned – When most people think about valuable coins, rare gold or silver pieces come to mind. However, some U.S. one-cent coins—commonly known as pennies—have sold for staggering sums at auctions, reaching into the hundreds of thousands and even millions of dollars.
These are not just any old pennies—they are rare, mint-condition specimens with unique errors, design variations, or historical significance that make them highly desirable among numismatists (coin collectors) and investors alike.
In this article, we’ll explore the five most expensive pennies ever auctioned, examine what makes them so valuable, and provide a handy chart summarizing each coin’s key details.
The 5 Most Valuable Pennies in History
1. 1943-D Lincoln Bronze Penny
During World War II, the U.S. Mint temporarily stopped using copper to make pennies due to wartime demands. Instead, 1943 pennies were struck in zinc-plated steel. However, a small number of bronze planchets (blanks) were accidentally left in the presses—resulting in extremely rare bronze 1943 pennies.
The 1943-D Lincoln Bronze Penny is one of the most famous error coins in American numismatic history. Only a few dozen are known to exist today, and they are highly coveted by collectors.
One example was sold in 2021 for an astonishing $2.35 million, making it the most expensive penny ever sold.
Also Read: Top 7 Modern Quarters Worth Big Money
2. 1944 Steel Lincoln Penny
After the war, the Mint returned to using copper for pennies in 1944. But some leftover steel blanks from 1943 were mistakenly used, resulting in the 1944 Steel Lincoln Penny—a reverse of the 1943 bronze issue.
These coins are also incredibly rare, with only a handful confirmed in existence. In 2010, a high-grade specimen sold for $408,000, setting a record for that variety.
This coin remains a prized error and symbolizes the transitional period between wartime and post-war coin production.
3. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny marks the debut of the Lincoln cent design, created by Victor D. Brenner. It features his initials “VDB” on the reverse, which were later removed due to controversy over their prominent placement.
Only 484,000 of these coins were minted in San Francisco (S mint mark), making it one of the rarest regular-issue Lincoln cents.
A PCGS MS-67 RD (Red) graded example sold for $264,000 in 2018, highlighting its desirability among early Lincoln cent collectors.
4. 1958 Double Die Obverse Lincoln Penny
The 1958 Double Die Obverse penny is a fascinating example of a minting error. The obverse (front) of the coin shows clear doubling in the date and lettering, particularly visible in “IN GOD WE TRUST” and Washington’s facial features.
While not as dramatic as later doubled dies like the 1995 or 2004 varieties, this coin is still considered one of the best examples of doubling from the mid-century era.
In 2016, a PCGS MS-67 RB (Red & Brown) example brought $132,000 at auction, showing strong demand for high-quality error coins.
5. 1922 No D Lincoln Penny
The 1922 No D Lincoln Penny is another legendary rarity. Although it was struck at the Denver Mint (which typically added a “D” mint mark), many of these coins were released without a visible mint mark due to die wear or improper striking.
Some experts believe the dies were polished so aggressively that the “D” was completely erased before striking.
This variety is highly sought after by Lincoln cent specialists. A PCGS MS-64 BN (Brown) example sold for $126,500 in 2015, proving its place among the most valuable pennies ever auctioned.
Chart: Top 5 Most Expensive Pennies Ever Sold
| Penny | Year | Mint Mark | Error/Feature | Estimated Value (Sold For) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Bronze Penny | 1943 | D | Struck on bronze during WWII steel year | $2,350,000 |
| Lincoln Steel Penny | 1944 | None | Accidentally struck on leftover steel blank | $408,000 |
| VDB Lincoln Penny | 1909 | S | First year of Lincoln cents; VDB initials | $264,000 |
| Double Die Obverse Penny | 1958 | None | Doubling on obverse (visible in text & portrait) | $132,000 |
| No D Lincoln Penny | 1922 | None | Missing “D” mint mark due to die polishing | $126,500 |
What Makes These Pennies So Valuable?
Several factors contribute to the extraordinary value of these rare pennies:
- Historical Significance: Coins tied to major events (like WWII) or first-year issues hold special appeal.
- Mint Errors: Mistakes during production—such as wrong planchets or doubled dies—create unique collectibles.
- Low Mintage: Some coins had very limited mintages or were poorly distributed.
- High Grade Condition: Coins in near-perfect condition (graded MS-65 or higher) command premium prices.
- Popularity Among Collectors: The Lincoln cent series is one of the most popular in U.S. numismatics, increasing demand for rare dates and varieties.
How to Check If You Have a Valuable Penny
If you’re curious whether you might own one of these rare coins, here’s how to check:
- Look at the Year and Mint Mark: Use a magnifying glass to identify the year and mint mark (e.g., S for San Francisco).
- Check for Errors or Varieties: Look for doubling, off-center strikes, or unusual materials (like bronze or steel).
- Test the Metal Content: Use a magnet—real 1943 steel cents will stick, while bronze ones won’t.
- Grade the Coin: Learn the basics of coin grading or have your coin evaluated by a professional service like PCGS or NGC.
- Research Auction Prices: Compare your coin to recent sales using resources like Heritage Auctions or NumisMedia.
