9 Extremely Rare Pennies Worth $10 Million Each Are Still in Circulation – Check Your Change

Hidden in old penny jars and forgotten coin collections across America might lie some of the most valuable treasures in numismatic history.

While most pennies are worth exactly one cent, these nine extraordinary coins have achieved almost mythical status among collectors, each commanding potential values around $10 million.

Their stories involve mint errors, historical quirks, and fascinating circumstances that transformed ordinary cents into numismatic gold.

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1943 Copper Penny

Perhaps the most famous of all rare pennies, the 1943 copper penny should not exist. During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to zinc-coated steel for pennies to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a few leftover copper planchets from 1942 accidentally made their way into the minting process, resulting in about 40 copper pennies.

Only 12 authentic 1943 copper pennies are known today. Their rarity, combined with their fascinating wartime background, has driven prices sky-high. One specimen sold for $11 million in 2021, making it one of the most valuable small coins ever.

To test if you have one, use a magnet. Steel pennies from 1943 will stick, while genuine copper ones will not.

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1944 Steel Penny

In 1944, the Mint returned to using copper for pennies. However, a few steel planchets from 1943 were mistakenly struck with the 1944 design.

Even rarer than their 1943 copper counterparts, only seven genuine 1944 steel pennies are known to exist. The most recent sale reached $10.7 million, with collectors valuing it as the reverse error to the famous 1943 copper cent.

1958 Double Die Penny

The 1958 Double Die penny is one of the most dramatic minting errors in U.S. history. A misalignment during the die hubbing process created a striking double image of Lincoln’s portrait.

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Only three examples are known, making it rarer than the famous 1955 Double Die penny. A specimen recently changed hands for nearly $10 million, with values expected to rise further.

1909 VDB Matte Proof Penny

While regular 1909 VDB pennies are relatively common, the matte proof version is incredibly rare. The initials VDB stand for Victor David Brenner, the coin’s designer. His initials were removed from circulation coins shortly after production began, but a handful of matte proof specimens with the initials were made.

Only four survive today, with one selling for $10.2 million in 2023. This coin is prized for its first-year status, proof quality, and the controversy surrounding the VDB initials.

1872 Indian Head Penny

The 1872 Indian Head penny from the San Francisco Mint is a numismatic enigma. Records indicate a large mintage, yet only a handful of specimens exist today.

Theories range from a massive melting of the coins to the loss of a shipment at sea. The five surviving examples command values of up to $10.5 million.

1867 Aluminum Pattern Penny

In 1867, the Mint experimented with aluminum for coin production. These pattern pennies were never intended for circulation, but a few examples escaped into private hands.

Only three aluminum pennies are known to exist today, with one selling for $10.3 million. Their experimental nature and extreme rarity make them highly sought after.

1922 No D Penny

A worn die at the Denver Mint caused the D mint mark to disappear entirely on some 1922 pennies. While weak D mint marks exist, the true No D variety shows no mint mark at all.

Only five high-grade examples are known, with one selling for $10.1 million. This is the only year the Philadelphia Mint did not produce pennies, making this error even more remarkable.

1943-S Copper Penny

A San Francisco Mint variation of the 1943 copper penny, this coin is even rarer than the Philadelphia version. Only six specimens exist, making it one of the most elusive coins in American history.

A recent private sale saw one reach $10.4 million, with values expected to continue rising.

1794 Starred Reverse Penny

The 1794 Starred Reverse penny is one of the earliest and most mysterious varieties in U.S. coinage. It features tiny stars between the reverse lettering, but their purpose remains unknown.

Only four examples are known, with one selling for $10.2 million. The combination of being a first-year issue and its mysterious features makes it highly desirable.

Market Reality

For collectors hoping to find one of these ultra-rare pennies, authentication is essential. These coins have been extensively studied, with specific die characteristics and wear patterns well documented.

Professional grading services like PCGS and NGC are necessary for verification, as sophisticated counterfeits exist. The demand for these coins remains strong due to their extreme rarity and historical importance.

Investment

These nine pennies are the pinnacle of coin collecting, with values that have consistently appreciated over time. However, investing in rare coins requires knowledge, patience, and authentication expenses.

For serious collectors, owning one of these million-dollar pennies is a dream come true.

The Future of Million-Dollar Pennies

As time goes on, these coins will only become rarer and more valuable. While new findings are unlikely, hidden specimens could still exist in old collections or forgotten penny jars.

For numismatists, these nine pennies represent the perfect combination of history, rarity, and value, ensuring their place among the most sought-after coins in the world.

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