Rare pennies from the 1900s have captivated coin collectors and history enthusiasts alike, fetching eye-popping sums due to their rarity, distinct characteristics, and historical importance. Many of these coins, which were once considered common, are now prized treasures worth up to $2 million. Here’s a look at six exceptional pennies from the 1900s that are a collector’s dream and hold immense value.
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny is one of the most famous rare coins. Created to commemorate Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday, this penny features the designer Victor David Brenner’s initials (VDB) on the reverse. With only 484,000 coins minted, its scarcity has driven its value to extraordinary levels, making it a top-tier collector’s item.
2. 1914-D Lincoln Penny
The 1914-D Lincoln Penny, minted in Denver, is highly valued for its rarity. Only 1.2 million pieces were struck, and finding one in excellent condition is incredibly rare. High-grade examples can fetch stunning prices at auctions, and it remains one of the most coveted pennies in U.S. numismatics.
3. 1922 No D Lincoln Penny
The 1922 No D Lincoln Penny is a highly sought-after error coin. Due to a production mistake at the Denver Mint, some pennies were struck without the mint mark. This oversight has made the 1922 No D Lincoln Penny one of the most valuable and elusive coins from the 1900s.
4. 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny
In 1943, due to a copper shortage during World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to producing pennies using steel. However, a few copper planchets were accidentally used, resulting in the rare 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny. With fewer than 20 known examples, this coin is exceptionally valuable and a must-have for serious collectors.
5. 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny
The 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny is a classic example of a striking error. The doubling of the text on the obverse of the coin gives it a distinctive, doubled appearance, making it one of the most famous error coins in U.S. history. Its rarity and unique feature have made it highly desirable to collectors.
6. 1909-S Indian Head Penny
The 1909-S Indian Head Penny marks the conclusion of the Indian Head series. With a mintage of only 309,000, this penny is extremely rare. The historical significance of the coin, combined with its low production, makes it highly sought after and valuable.
| Coin Name | Year Minted | Key Feature | Estimated Value ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny | 1909 | Designer’s Initials on Reverse | 1,000,000 |
| 1914-D Lincoln Penny | 1914 | Low Mintage | 400,000 |
| 1922 No D Lincoln Penny | 1922 | Missing Mint Mark | 1,200,000 |
| 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny | 1943 | Copper Planchet Error | 2,000,000 |
| 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny | 1955 | Striking Error | 125,000 |
| 1909-S Indian Head Penny | 1909 | Last of Indian Head Series | 450,000 |
Additional Rare Pennies: Some pennies from the 1900s with unique features or errors can also be valuable, with prices varying based on their condition and rarity.
For those lucky enough to own these pennies, they possess a small fortune. With their historical importance, distinctive features, and limited availability, these coins are some of the most prized and valuable in U.S. coin collecting history.