7 Most Rare Pennies — and What Makes Them Unique

United States pennies are undoubtedly a history-rich, all-American coin. They have been well-utilized and cherished throughout numerous iconic periods of American history. With so many rare and valuable penny varieties, oddities in existence, these small coins are endlessly interesting to collect. 

There are a wide variety of ways that the most rare pennies came to be so rare. Some were minted during a low-mintage year, with only a few thousand ever being produced. Some feature an error or unique intended or unintended characteristic from the minting process. In this blog from L&C Coins, we’ll explore seven of the most rare pennies available on the market today — the pennies worth more than a penny! 

1. 1856 Flying Eagle Cent

The 1856 Flying Eagle Cent is one of the most rare and valuable pennies and is well worth seeking out. Only an estimated 1000 were struck by the US Mint as an unauthorized pattern coin in 1856, though the exact amount is unknown. When it was officially authorized for production, 17,450,000 coins were minted for circulation in 1857 and 24,600,000 were minted for circulation in 1858. 

These cents were produced as the first small-sized one cent coin issued by the United States Mint, but they only circulated for two years before being replaced by the Indian Head Cent. The Flying Eagle penny features a flying eagle on the obverse, and the denomination “ONE CENT” surrounded by a wreath on the reverse.

2. 1864 Indian Head Penny – "L" on Ribbon

The 1864 Indian Head Penny with an L on the Ribbon is not a variety coin, but it is still one of the most famous and rarest pennies available for collection. This cent coin was designed by James Barton Longacre and was minted in Philadelphia. These cents did not feature an “L” for Longacre’s initial until 1864 when it was added to the ribbon on the obverse, creating a popular collectors coin. 

The 1864-L is scarce in circulated grade and extremely hard to find in mint state. While worth a little over $100 in average condition, its price can exceed $500 in mint condition. 

3. 1909-P and 1909-S VDB Lincoln Pennies

The 1909 VDB Lincoln Penny is a key date, low-mintage penny variety produced by the San Francisco and Philadelphia Mints. When the Lincoln Penny first replaced the Indian Head Penny in 1909, it included the initials of its designer, Victor David Brenner, on the reverse. The initials’ inclusion and placement on the coin was met with intense public backlash and the design was altered just days after its release so the initials could be removed. 

Around 27,995,000 VDB pennies were struck in Philadelphia and only 484,000 were struck in San Francisco, making this one of the most rare pennies. These cents in average condition are worth $25-$35 while proof coins of this penny can be worth over three grand!

4. 1943 Lincoln Cent Struck on Bronze Alloy

The 1943 Lincoln cent struck on bronze alloy is a unique, Mint error coin. Bronze cents were composed of 95% copper, 5% tin, and zinc until 1943 when the change to steel was made. In 1943, Lincoln bronze dies were accidentally struck on leftover bronze planchets from 1942, creating this coveted coin. 

The 1943-S version of this coin struck at the San Francisco Mint is the most rare version of this penny, with only six known examples in existence. The highest amount ever paid for a 1943 bronze cent was $82,000 in 1996. 

5. 1944-S Lincoln Steel Penny

The 1944-S Lincoln Steel Penny was minted in San Francisco and features the Lincoln Wheat Penny design by Victor D. Brenner. The 1944-S Steel regular strike penny is considered a Mint Error coin, not a variety penny, for its extremely rare off-metal striking. This error took place when a steel blank left over from 1943 was struck in the normal production run for 1944-S Bronze Cents. 

Only two of these coins are known to exist and are worth over $700,000 in uncirculated condition, making this one of the most rare and valuable pennies to exist.

6. 1969-S Lincoln Penny – Doubled Die Obverse

The 1969-S Lincoln Penny – Doubled Die Obverse is one of the most rare pennies sought after by collectors. This variety coin was designed by Victor D. Brenner and Frank Gasparro and features the Lincoln memorial penny design of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse. This double die obverse variety has strong doubling on the date, the word “LIBERTY,” and the phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST.”

It is believed that less than 100 authentic 1969-S double die obverse cents were produced, and these coins are worth tens of thousands when sold today. 

7. 1958 Doubled Die Obverse Cent

If you’re after a truly rare penny worth hundreds of thousands more than a penny, this is the coin you should be searching for. The 1958 doubled die obverse penny is the most rare variety penny of the 20th century. There are only three known examples of this coin today, and these coins are worth upward of $300,000 when sold at auction. In this Lincoln Wheat Penny, doubling is strong in the date, the word “LIBERTY,” and the phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST.” This cent was produced by the Philadelphia Mint. 

Discover Valuable Varieties and Expand Your Collection With L&C Coins

Ready to enhance your collection with history-rich, all-American coins? L&C Coins is home to a broad selection of valuable, iconic, and rare coin varieties to discover. From pennies to gold bullion, we offer coins at a broad range of price points to meet your budget. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions during your shopping experience. 

L&C Coins is a family-owned and operated business committed to bringing you the authentic and exclusive coins you’re after. Whether you’re just starting or you’re a seasoned collector searching for that one special coin, our inventory of the most rare pennies and coins is here to help you expand your prized collection.