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Rare Pennies Worth a Fortune
Could you be sitting on a small fortune? While most coins in your pocket aren’t worth much more than their face value, certain rare pennies can fetch thousands, even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Check your change jar for these valuable finds:
- 1909 S VDB Wheat Penny: Fewer than 500,000 of these pennies, marked with “V.D.B.” at the bottom, were minted in San Francisco. A mint-condition 1909 S VDB penny can be worth a staggering $50,000 or more.
- 1914 D Wheat Penny: This Denver-minted penny is a rare find, with mint condition specimens valued around $5,600. Even worn examples can be sold for hundreds of dollars.
- 1922 D Wheat Penny: Most 1922 D pennies are worth a few dollars, but those with a weak or missing “D” mint mark can be extremely valuable. A no “D” example could be worth over $30,000.
- 1856 Flying Eagle Penny: With only 4,000 produced, an authentic 1856 Flying Eagle penny can be worth up to $25,000. Be wary of forgeries, which are common due to the coin’s rarity.
- 1857 Flying Eagle Penny: Although more common than the 1856 version, a pristine 1857 Flying Eagle penny can still bring in as much as $10,000.
- 1858 Flying Eagle Penny: This penny exists in three varieties: small-lettered, large-lettered, and the rare “8 over 7.” A mint condition “8 over 7” can be worth up to $18,000.
- 1943 Copper Wheat Penny: This extremely rare error penny, accidentally made of copper instead of steel, is a collector’s dream. Authentic examples have sold for between $100,000 and $250,000, with one recently fetching $500,000 at auction.
- 1944 Steel Wheat Penny: Another error coin, the 1944 Steel Wheat penny was accidentally struck on a steel planchet. These can be worth over $100,000 in mint condition, and even average condition coins can fetch around $10,000.
- 1872 Indian Head Penny: This penny is considered a tough find. Depending on its condition, it can be worth anywhere from a few hundred dollars to, in exceptional cases, over $100,000.
- 1873 Doubled LIBERTY Indian Head Penny: This rare variety, with doubled lettering on the face, can be worth a significant sum. Depending on condition, values range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands.
If you think you’ve found one of these rare pennies, it’s essential to get it authenticated by a reputable coin expert. You might be holding a piece of numismatic history worth a small fortune.