Many pennies from the early 1900s are worth more than their original value because of their rarity, historical importance, or minting mistakes. These small copper coins, minted between 1900 and 1940, can now be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars to collectors.
If you enjoy coin collecting or want to know more about valuable coins, here’s a list of the top 10 most valuable pennies from this era.
1.1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny is one of the most famous and valuable pennies ever made. It was created to celebrate President Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday and was the first U.S. coin to feature a president. The letters “VDB” stand for the designer, Victor D. Brenner, and were initially placed on the back of the coin. Only 484,000 of these pennies were made, making them extremely rare and desirable.
Value Estimate: Up to $1,500 in circulated condition and much more for uncirculated versions.
2.1914-D Lincoln Penny
This penny was minted in Denver, and only 1.2 million were produced, making it rare. The 1914-D Lincoln Penny is a crucial piece for collectors, especially those in mint condition. In uncirculated conditions, it can be worth a small fortune.
Value Estimate: Up to $3,000 in mint condition.
3.1922 No D Lincoln Penny
The 1922 No D Lincoln Penny is a famous error coin where the Denver Mint’s “D” mintmark was accidentally left off. Error coins like these are rare and highly sought after by collectors. The missing Mintmark is what makes this coin so valuable.
Value Estimate: Up to $12,000 in uncirculated condition.
4.1931-S Lincoln Wheat Penny
With a low mintage of only 866,000 coins, the 1931-S Lincoln Wheat Penny is a collector’s favorite. While it’s not as rare as some other pennies on this list, its scarcity still makes it highly desirable, particularly in higher grades.
Value Estimate: Around $100 in circulated condition, but up to $200 in better grades.
5.1909-S Indian Head Penny
The 1909-S Indian Head Penny was the last of the Indian Head series before the Lincoln Penny was introduced. Only 309,000 were minted, making this coin a rare find and highly valuable to collectors.
Value Estimate: Up to $500 in circulated condition, with uncirculated examples commanding much higher prices.
6.1911-S Lincoln Wheat Penny
Another rare find is the 1911-S Lincoln Wheat Penny. With only 4 million minted, it’s still a valuable coin, especially in top condition. While not the rarest on the list, it’s still worth a decent amount for collectors.
Value Estimate: Up to $100 for coins in higher grades.
7.1917 Double Die Obverse Lincoln Penny
Error coins often fetch high prices, and the 1917 Double Die Obverse Lincoln Penny is no exception. This penny features a “doubled” appearance on the obverse (front) side, where the date and inscriptions are slightly doubled, creating a unique look.
Value Estimate: Up to $3,500 for pristine condition coins.
8.1914-S Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1914-S Lincoln Wheat Penny is more common than the 1914-D, but it still holds value due to its limited mintage of 4 million. Even though it’s not as scarce, collectors still appreciate this coin in good condition.
Value Estimate: Up to $1,000 for high-quality examples.
9.1936 Lincoln Wheat Penny (Doubled Die Obverse)
Another error coin, the 1936 Lincoln Wheat Penny, has a doubled die obverse, where the date and inscriptions appear slightly doubled. This type of error adds to the value and rarity, making it a popular coin for collectors.
Value Estimate: Up to $1,800 for coins in higher grades.
10.1909 VDB Proof Lincoln Penny
While more common than the 1909-S VDB penny, the 1909 VDB Proof Lincoln Penny is still valuable, especially in mint condition. Proof coins are struck with greater detail and quality, making them more appealing to collectors.
Value Estimate: Up to $2,000.
Top 10 Valuable Pennies from 1900 to 1940
| Penny | Year | Mintmark | Estimated Value (Max) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny | 1909 | S | $1,500 |
| 1914-D Lincoln Penny | 1914 | D | $3,000 |
| 1922 No D Lincoln Penny | 1922 | No Mintmark | $12,000 |
| 1931-S Lincoln Wheat Penny | 1931 | S | $200 |
| 1909-S Indian Head Penny | 1909 | S | $500 |
| 1911-S Lincoln Wheat Penny | 1911 | S | $100 |
| 1917 Double Die Obverse | 1917 | No Mintmark | $3,500 |
| 1914-S Lincoln Wheat Penny | 1914 | S | $1,000 |
| 1936 Lincoln Wheat (Double Die) | 1936 | No Mintmark | $1,800 |
| 1909 VDB Proof Lincoln Penny | 1909 | No Mintmark | $2,000 |
FAQs About Valuable Pennies
- What makes a penny valuable?
- Pennies become valuable due to low mintage, minting errors, and overall condition. Coins that are rare or have unique features like doubling errors are highly prized.
- How can I tell if my penny is valuable?
- Look for critical dates, mintmarks, and any visible errors such as doubling. You can also have your coin professionally graded to determine its value.
- Are all pennies from the early 1900s valuable?
- Not all pennies are valuable, but certain coins like the ones listed above can be worth a significant amount. Factors like condition and rarity play a prominent role.
- Where can I sell a valuable penny?
- You can sell valuable pennies to coin dealers at auctions or online marketplaces. It’s essential to get your coin appraised first to know its worth.
- What is the most valuable penny ever sold?
- The most valuable penny is the 1943 copper-alloy Lincoln penny, which was mistakenly made during World War II. One sold for over $1 million at auction.
READ ALSO: Discover the $2.5 Million 1943 Steel Wheat Penny Plus 4 Other Rare Coins You Need to Know About