Pennies Worth Money List

250+ Most Valuable Rare Pennies - 2025 Edition

Complete Pennies Worth Money List Guide

Valuable pennies worth money collection

Welcome to the most comprehensive pennies worth money list available online. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just discovered a penny in your pocket change, this detailed guide reveals which pennies are worth thousands of dollars. Our extensive database covers 250+ of the most valuable pennies, including rare Lincoln cents, Indian Head pennies, early Large cents, error coins, and modern varieties that have sold for substantial amounts at major auction houses. From the legendary 1943 bronze penny worth $840,000 to valuable Indian Head cents and early American pennies, discover which pennies deserve a closer look in your collection.

Complete List: 250+ Most Valuable Pennies Worth Money

Rare pennies worth money detailed view

Loading pennies worth money list...

Rank Penny Name Date Grade Platform Price

Check Your Penny Values with CoinValueChecker

Using CoinValueChecker app for penny values

Have pennies you want to check? The CoinValueChecker app makes it easy to identify valuable pennies in your collection. Simply photograph your penny, and our advanced recognition technology will provide instant valuations based on current market data. Don't miss out on potential treasures hiding in your pocket change!

Try CoinValueChecker Free

History of American Pennies by Era

Large Cents (1793-1857)

The first American pennies were large cents, nearly the size of a half dollar. Made primarily of copper, these coins featured various designs including the Chain cent, Wreath cent, and Draped Bust. The Classic Head and Matron Head designs dominated the later years of this era, making these early pennies highly valuable.

Flying Eagle Cents (1856-1858)

Introduced as a smaller alternative to large cents, Flying Eagle cents marked the transition to modern penny size. Made of copper-nickel alloy, these coins featured an eagle in flight on the obverse. The short production run makes all Flying Eagle cents valuable, especially the rare 1856 pattern issue.

Indian Head Cents (1859-1909)

Indian Head pennies featured Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, designed by James Barton Longacre. Initially copper-nickel, they switched to bronze in 1864. Key dates include 1864-L, 1869/9, 1870, 1871, and 1872, with many commanding premium prices among collectors seeking pennies worth money today.

Lincoln Wheat Cents (1909-1958)

Lincoln cents revolutionized American coinage, being the first to feature a real person. The reverse showed wheat stalks until 1958. Famous rarities include 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1931-S, and the legendary 1943 bronze and 1944 steel error pennies that top every pennies worth money list.

Lincoln Memorial Cents (1959-2008)

The Lincoln Memorial replaced wheat stalks in 1959 to commemorate Lincoln's 150th birthday. While most are common, valuable varieties include 1960 Small Date, 1970-S Small Date, 1972 DDO, and 1995 DDO. These coins continue the Lincoln legacy while offering collectors opportunities for valuable finds.

Lincoln Bicentennial & Shield Cents (2009-Present)

The 2009 bicentennial featured four commemorative reverse designs celebrating Lincoln's life. Since 2010, the Lincoln Shield design represents Lincoln's preservation of American unity. While modern, some varieties and errors from this era have begun appearing on collectors' pennies worth money lists.

Frequently Asked Questions - Pennies Worth Money List

What pennies worth money list should beginning collectors focus on?
Beginning collectors should focus on key date Lincoln cents, including 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1931-S, and 1943 bronze pennies. These consistently appear on every valuable pennies worth money list and offer good investment potential.
How accurate is this pennies worth money list for current values?
Our pennies worth money list reflects recent auction results from major platforms. Values fluctuate based on market conditions, grade, and demand, so use this list as a guide while considering current market trends.
Which error pennies worth money list entries are most common?
The most common valuable error pennies worth money include doubled dies (1955, 1972), off-center strikes, and planchet errors. The 1943 bronze and 1944 steel pennies top every error pennies worth money list due to their extreme rarity.
How do grades affect pennies worth money list values?
Grade dramatically impacts values on any pennies worth money list. The same penny can be worth $100 in Good condition but $10,000+ in Mint State. Professional grading services like PCGS and NGC provide authentication and grade certification.
What makes certain pennies worth money list more reliable than others?
Reliable pennies worth money lists source data from actual auction results, certified grading services, and established dealers. Avoid lists without citations or those showing unrealistic values that seem too good to be true.
Are modern pennies worth money list entries becoming more valuable?
Some modern pennies are entering pennies worth money lists, particularly varieties and errors from the 1990s-2000s. However, most modern pennies remain common due to high mintage numbers and better quality control.
How often should I check updated pennies worth money list information?
Check updated pennies worth money list information quarterly, as coin values can fluctuate with market conditions, new discoveries, and collector demand. Major auction results often influence prices on established pennies worth money lists.
What tools help verify pennies worth money list authenticity?
Professional coin grading services, high-quality magnifiers, scales, and diameter tools help verify pennies worth money list authenticity. Apps like CoinValueChecker also provide quick identification assistance for valuable pennies.
Why do pennies worth money list prices vary between sources?
Pennies worth money list prices vary due to different data sources, time periods, market conditions, and grading standards. Some lists show retail prices while others reflect auction hammer prices, creating variations in reported values.
How can I contribute finds to pennies worth money list databases?
Contact reputable coin organizations, auction houses, or online communities to report significant finds. New discoveries can be added to pennies worth money lists after proper authentication and documentation by recognized experts.

Pennies Worth Money List Summary

This comprehensive pennies worth money list represents the pinnacle of American cent collecting, featuring 250+ of the most valuable pennies ever sold at auction. From the record-breaking 1943-D bronze penny at $840,000 to numerous five and six-figure examples including rare Indian Head cents, early Large cents, and modern error varieties, these coins demonstrate that pennies can indeed be worth substantial money. Whether hunting through pocket change or building a serious collection, understanding which pennies appear on valuable pennies worth money lists gives collectors the knowledge needed to identify potential treasures. Keep this pennies worth money list handy as your guide to discovering the most sought-after American cents spanning from Large cents of the 1800s to modern Lincoln cent varieties and error coins.