Valuable Pennies: Which Old Pennies Are Worth Money?
Which pennies are worth money? Wheat pennies, key dates, 1943 steel cents, errors and how to check condition. A practical guide before you spend that jar.
By Ayoub Farid · · 2 min read
Pennies are the coins people most often hope are secretly valuable. Almost all are worth one cent. But a handful of dates, mint marks and errors are genuinely sought after, and checking a jar is free.
Start with wheat pennies
US Lincoln cents from 1909 to 1958 have two wheat ears on the back — "wheat pennies". Most common-date wheat pennies sell for a few cents each in circulated condition, but they're the place to look for better dates.
Key dates to know
- 1909-S VDB — the most famous key date (VDB initials on the reverse, S mint mark)
- 1909-S, 1914-D, 1922 "no D", 1931-S — scarce dates collectors seek
- 1955 doubled die — dramatic doubling on the date and lettering
These are also heavily counterfeited, so valuable examples should be authenticated.
1943 steel pennies — and the copper exceptions
In 1943 the US struck pennies in zinc-coated steel to save copper for the war. They're silver-colored and stick to a magnet. Common ones are worth a little more than face value, more in high grade.
A tiny number of 1943 copper pennies were struck by mistake and are extremely valuable. Most "copper 1943" pennies found today are plated steel or altered 1948 dates. A magnet test is the first check: genuine copper won't stick.
Modern errors and varieties
Some later cents have valuable varieties, such as doubled-die dates and certain transitional strikes. Check with a reliable variety guide; many "errors" sold online are simply damage.
Copper vs. zinc (1982)
US pennies switched from mostly copper to copper-plated zinc in 1982. Pre-1982 copper cents are worth slightly more than face for their metal, though melting US cents is restricted.
How to check your pennies
- Sort out wheat pennies and anything pre-1982.
- Check dates and mint marks (under the date).
- Look for doubling on letters and numbers with a magnifier.
- Assess wear: sharp details and original color add value.
- Look up sold prices for that date, mint and condition.
Scan an unusual penny with AntiqueIQ for a quick identification and estimated value range, then confirm details under magnification. More in old coins worth money and coin mint marks.
Don't clean them
Cleaning removes original surfaces and lowers value. Store coins in acid-free holders.
Frequently asked questions
Are wheat pennies worth anything?
Most common dates are worth a few cents. Key dates and high-grade examples can be worth much more.
How do I know if my 1943 penny is copper?
Use a magnet: steel sticks, copper doesn't. Valuable copper examples should still be authenticated professionally.
Are pennies with errors valuable?
Genuine mint errors can be. Many apparent errors are post-mint damage and have no extra value.