Top 13 Most Valuable Pennies Sold at Auction

Pennies, though often considered the most ordinary of coins, have produced some extraordinary sales in the world of coin collecting. These remarkable coins often carry unique histories, minting errors, or exceptional conditions that elevate their worth. Let’s cut into the top 13 most expensive pennies ever sold at auction and look into the stories behind their incredible valuations.

1943-D Lincoln Bronze Cent

The 1943-D Lincoln Bronze Cent is one of the most famous error coins ever made. During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc-coated steel to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a few bronze blanks were accidentally struck, creating this rare coin. Only one example of the 1943-D bronze penny is known, and in 2010, it sold for a record-breaking $1.7 million.

1943-S Lincoln Bronze Cent

Similar to the Denver version, the 1943-S Lincoln Bronze Cent was also minted by mistake in San Francisco. This coin is one of the few 1943 pennies made from bronze instead of steel, making it incredibly valuable. In 2012, a 1943-S bronze cent sold for $1 million at auction, highlighting the high demand for these rare error coins.

1792 Birch Cent

The 1792 Birch Cent is a significant piece of American history, as one of the first prototypes of the U.S. penny. Designed by Robert Birch, only a few examples of this early coin exist. Its rarity and historical importance helped one of these coins fetch $2.58 million at auction in 2015, making it one of the most valuable pennies ever sold.

1944-S Steel Lincoln Penny

In 1944, the U.S. Mint returned to copper for pennies, but a few leftover steel blanks from the previous year were accidentally used. The 1944-S Steel Lincoln Penny, minted in San Francisco, is one of these rare coins. In 2008, it sold for $373,750 at auction. Its scarcity and fascinating backstory have made it a highly prized coin.

1909 VDB Matte Proof Lincoln Penny

The 1909 VDB Matte Proof Lincoln Penny is famous for featuring the initials “VDB” of its designer, Victor David Brenner. This penny marks the first year of the Lincoln Cent series and has a matte proof finish, adding to its uniqueness. Only a few dozen of these pennies exist, and in 2014, one sold for $258,500 at auction.

1958 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny

The 1958 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny is one of the most notable error coins, featuring a clear doubling of the date and lettering on the obverse. Only three examples are known to exist, making it exceptionally rare. In 2018, one of these pennies sold for $336,000, capturing the attention of error coin enthusiasts.

1943 Lincoln Cent Struck on Bronze Planchet

Another 1943 bronze penny, this time without a mint mark, also sold for a high price. This coin was struck on a leftover bronze planchet instead of steel. In 2013, it sold for $840,000 at auction. Its rarity, along with the intriguing story of its creation, has made this error penny a favorite among collectors.

1793 Chain Cent

The 1793 Chain Cent is one of the earliest coins ever minted in the U.S., featuring a chain design on the reverse. This controversial design was quickly changed, making the Chain Cent rare. In 2011, one of these early pennies sold for $2.35 million at auction. Its historical significance and scarcity make it one of the most valuable coins ever.

1914-D Lincoln Penny

The 1914-D Lincoln Penny is highly sought after due to its low mintage, especially in high grades. Minted in Denver, this penny is rare, particularly in top condition. In 2017, one of these coins sold for $152,750 at auction, demonstrating how condition plays a key role in the value of collectible pennies.

1856 Flying Eagle Cent

The 1856 Flying Eagle Cent marked a transition from large cents to the smaller coins used today. Only around 2,000 of these coins were minted, making them rare and historically significant. In 2004, one of these cents sold for $172,500 at auction, cementing its place as one of the most valuable U.S. pennies.

1922 No D Plain Lincoln Penny

The 1922 No D Plain Lincoln Penny is an error coin produced due to die wear at the Denver Mint, resulting in a missing “D” mint mark. This rare error, combined with the low mintage of Denver pennies that year, makes it highly desirable. In 2008, one of these pennies sold for $74,750 at auction.

1877 Indian Head Penny

The 1877 Indian Head Penny had one of the lowest mintages in the series, with only 852,500 coins produced. Its rarity, particularly in high grades, makes it a key date for collectors. In 2007, one sold for $149,500 at auction, reflecting its status as one of the most sought-after Indian Head pennies.

1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny

The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny is one of the most famous pennies among collectors. This coin was minted in San Francisco and features the initials of its designer, Victor David Brenner. With a low mintage of 484,000, it’s a rare and valuable penny. In 2014, one of these coins sold for $117,500 at auction.

Coin Type	Year	Auction Price
1792 Birch Cent	1792	$2.58 Million
1793 Chain Cent	1793	$2.35 Million
1943-D Lincoln Bronze Cent	1943	$1.7 Million
1943-S Lincoln Bronze Cent	1943	$1 Million
1943 Lincoln Cent (Struck on Bronze)	1943	$840,000
1958 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny	1958	$336,000
1944-S Steel Lincoln Penny	1944	$373,750
1909 VDB Matte Proof Lincoln Penny	1909	$258,500
1914-D Lincoln Penny	1914	$152,750
1856 Flying Eagle Cent	1856	$172,500
1877 Indian Head Penny	1877	$149,500
1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny	1909	$117,500
1922 No D Plain Lincoln Penny	1922	$74,750

These 13 pennies have achieved impressive valuations due to their rarity, minting errors, or historical significance. Whether it’s a rare 1793 Chain Cent or a 1943 bronze error penny, these coins have captivated collectors and commanded record-breaking prices at auction.

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