9 Most Valuable US Pennies Worth Holding

This penny is highly sought after by collectors due to its low mintage and the initials "V.D.B." (for Victor David Brenner, the designer) on the reverse. In mint condition, it can be quite valuable

1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent

Most 1943 pennies were made of zinc-coated steel due to copper shortages during World War II. However, a few were mistakenly struck on bronze planchets intended for the previous year's coins

1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent

This penny exhibits a noticeable doubling of the date and inscriptions due to a minting error. It's a highly sought-after variety among collectors

1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent

Some 1970-S pennies were mistakenly struck with a smaller date font, making them rarer than their large date counterparts and more valuable, especially in mint condition

1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent

In 1982, the composition of the penny was changed from bronze to copper-plated zinc. However, a few pennies were mistakenly struck on bronze planchets, making them rare and valuable

1982-D Small Date Bronze Lincoln Cent

In some 1992 proof sets, the letters "A" and "M" in "America" on the reverse of the penny are closer together than usual. These varieties are highly sought after by collectors

1992 Close "AM" Lincoln Cent (Proof)

Similar to the 1955 doubled die penny, the 1995 doubled die variety exhibits doubling of the date and inscriptions, making it a valuable find for collectors

1995 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent

As part of the Lincoln Bicentennial series, the 2009 pennies feature four different reverse designs representing different stages of Lincoln's life

2009 Birthplace Lincoln Cent

In 2017, the US Mint released special collector sets featuring pennies with an enhanced uncirculated finish. These coins have a unique appearance and are sought after by collectors

2017-P Lincoln Cent (Enhanced Uncirculated Finish)