Roh Cinel
About the Author
Roh Cinel is a coin expert and collector with over 20 years of experience in numismatics. His passion began in childhood after finding an old Indian Head penny among his grandfather’s things.
Even his kids-students know that how much are Indian Head pennies worth varies by date and condition. Or that the “half penny value” primarily refers to the worth of former British currency.
He believes every coin has a story – sometimes even a simple cent. Are old pennies worth anything? Often, yes
Understanding the Value of a Penny: Key Factors
From Indian Head pennies worth money to rare Lincoln pennies worth money, the U.S. has minted several coins over the years that are now incredibly collectible.
Whether cent stocks are worth it depends heavily on individual risk tolerance and investment strategy. The most valuable pennies list includes coins that are rare, in excellent condition, or contain minting errors:
- Rarity: The fewer examples of a particular what year penny is worth money exist, the higher its potential value. This is a primary driver for which pennies are valuable.
- Mintage: Low production numbers, especially for specific years and mint marks, make certain old pennies worth money more scarce and thus more valuable, directly impacting the value of old pennies by year. Penny years worth money: low mintage or errors.
- Errors: Mistakes during the minting process, such as doubled dies (like the 1955 doubled die) or wrong metal compositions, create unique and highly collectible valuable pennies to look for, often noted on an error valuable pennies chart, showcasing what makes a money valuable.
- Condition: The physical state of the cent significantly impacts its cent value. Well-preserved, uncirculated coins are worth considerably more than worn ones, influencing how much is cent worth. For example, silver penny value depends on condition and rarity
- Historical Significance: Certain pennies, like the first year of a design (1909-S Lincoln Wheat Cent), hold historical importance that contributes to their value, making them pennies that are worth money. Or despite its low face value in the past, the hay penny value for certain rare British issues can be significant today
Top 100 List of Valuable Pennies by Year
Know what year pennies are valuable
| Most Value Penny | Year | Price | Mintage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943-D Wheat (Bronze/Copper) | 1943 | $1,700,000 | 2 |
| 1944-S Wheat (Steel) | 1944 | $408,000 | 5 |
| 1943-S Wheat (Bronze/Copper) | 1943 | $282,000 | 10–15 |
| 1943 Wheat (Bronze/Copper) | 1943 | $204,000 | 3 |
| 1958 Wheat (Doubled-Die Obverse) | 1958 | $336,000 | 484,000 |
| 1909-S VDB Wheat | 1909 | $168,000 | 1,193,000 |
| 1914-D Wheat | 1914 | $158,625 | Unknown (few thousand) |
| 1922 “Plain” Lincoln Wheat | 1922 | $92,000 | 100+ |
| 1969-S Lincoln Memorial (Doubled Die Obverse) | 1969 | $126,500 | Unknown |
| 1917 Wheat (Doubled Die Obverse) | 1917 | $120,000 | 20,000–24,000 |
| 1955 Wheat (Doubled Die Obverse) | 1955 | $114,000 | 7 |
| 1944-D Wheat (Steel) | 1944 | $115,000 | 15–20 |
| 1944 Wheat (Steel) | 1944 | $180,000 | 1,825,000 |
| 1909-S Wheat | 1909 | $69,000 | 866,000 |
| 1931-S Wheat | 1931 | $18,600 | 4,550,000 |
| 1926-S Wheat | 1926 | $149,500 | 11,696,000 |
| 1924-S Wheat | 1924 | $66,000 | 22,580,000 |
| 1925-D Wheat | 1925 | $74,750 | 8,700,000 |
| 1923-S Wheat | 1923 | $67,562.50 | 46,220,000 |
| 1920-S Wheat | 1920 | $48,875 | 4,833,000 |
| 1915-S Wheat | 1915 | $48,300 | 6,101,000 |
| 1913-S Wheat | 1913 | $63,250 | 4,431,000 |
| 1912-S Wheat | 1912 | $27,600 | 4,026,000 |
| 1911-S Wheat | 1911 | $27,600 | 6,045,000 |
| 1910-S Wheat | 1910 | $48,000 | Unknown |
| 1909-S/S Wheat | 1909 | $3,290 | Unknown |
| 1909-S/S S/Horizontal S Lincoln Wheat | 1909 | $32,900 | 72,702,618 |
| 1909 Wheat | 1909 | $8,518.75 | 27,995,000 |
| 1909 VDB Wheat | 1909 | $56,400 | Unknown |
| 1909 VDB Doubled Die Obverse | 1909 | $31,200 | 146,801,218 |
| 1910 Wheat | 1910 | $10,868.75 | 101,177,787 |
| 1911 Wheat | 1911 | $21,850 | 68,153,060 |
| 1912 Wheat | 1912 | $21,850 | 76,532,352 |
| 1913 Wheat | 1913 | $47,150 | 75,237,067 |
| 1914 Wheat | 1914 | $48,300 | 29,092,120 |
| 1915 Wheat | 1915 | $38,400 | 131,833,677 |
| 1916 Wheat | 1916 | $36,000 | 196,429,785 |
| 1917 Wheat | 1917 | $38,813 | 288,104,634 |
| 1918 Wheat | 1918 | $78,000 | 392,021,000 |
| 1918 Wheat | 1918 | $78,000 | 310,165,000 |
| 1919 Wheat | 1919 | $72,000 | 39,157,000 |
| 1920 Wheat | 1920 | $66,000 | 7,160,000 |
| 1921 Wheat | 1921 | $60,000 | 74,723,000 |
| 1922 Wheat | 1922 | $54,000 | 75,178,000 |
| 1923 Wheat | 1923 | $48,000 | 139,949,000 |
| 1924 Wheat | 1924 | $42,000 | 157,088,000 |
| 1925 Wheat | 1925 | $36,000 | 144,440,000 |
| 1926 Wheat | 1926 | $30,000 | 134,116,000 |
| 1927 Wheat | 1927 | $24,000 | Unknown |
| 1928 Wheat | 1928 | $18,000 | 250,000+ |
| 1970-S Doubled Die Obverse | 1970 | $1,680 | Unknown |
| 1972 Doubled Die Obverse | 1972 | $14,400 | Very few known |
| 1983 Doubled Die Reverse | 1983 | $7,050 | 500,000+ |
| 1992 Close AM | 1992 | $25,850 | 20,000+ |
| 1995 Doubled Die Obverse | 1995 | $123.50 | 10,000+ |
| 1998 Wide AM | 1998 | $940 | Unknown |
| 1999 Wide AM | 1999 | $138,000 | Unknown |
| 1984 Doubled Die Obverse | 1984 | $3,910 | Very few known |
| 1988-D Doubled Die Obverse | 1988 | $16 | 200+ |
| 1989-D Struck on Copper Planchet | 1989 | $3,525 | 1 |
| 1990 No S (Proof) | 1990 | $3,840 | Unknown |
| 1993-D Mule with Dime Reverse | 1993 | $114,000 | Unknown |
| 1994 Doubled Die Reverse | 1994 | $149 | Unknown |
| 1996 Off-Center Strike | 1996 | $2,500 | Unknown |
| 1997-D Off-Center Error | 1997 | $49.95 | Unknown |
| 2000 Doubled Die | 2000 | $50 | Unknown |
| 2001 Doubled Die | 2001 | $50 | Unknown |
| 2002 Off-Center Error | 2002 | $150 | Unknown |
| 2003 Doubled Die | 2003 | $50 | Unknown |
| 2004 Off-Center Strike | 2004 | $100 | Unknown |
| 2005 Off-Center Strike | 2005 | $100 | Unknown |
| 2006 Doubled Die | 2006 | $100 | Unknown |
| 2007 Off-Center Strike | 2007 | $100 | Unknown |
| 2008 Off-Center Strike | 2008 | $100 | Unknown |
| 2009 Bicentennial Doubled Die Reverse | 2009 | $50 | Unknown |
| 2010 Lincoln Shield (Off-Center Strike) | 2010 | $100 | Unknown |
| 2011 Lincoln Shield (MS-68 RD) | 2011 | $575 | Unknown |
| 2011-D Lincoln Shield (MS-68 RD) | 2011 | $667 | Unknown |
| 2012 Lincoln Shield (MS-68 RD) | 2012 | $2,801 | Unknown |
| 2012-D Lincoln Shield (MS-68 RD) | 2012 | $975 | Unknown |
| 2013 Lincoln Shield (MS-68 RD) | 2013 | $1,795 | Unknown |
| 2013-D Lincoln Shield (MS-68 RD) | 2013 | $2,750 | Unknown |
| 2014 Lincoln Shield (MS-68 RD) | 2014 | $1,995 | Unknown |
| 2014-D Lincoln Shield (MS-68 RD) | 2014 | $2,599 | Unknown |
| 2015 Lincoln Shield (MS-68 RD) | 2015 | $2,552 | Unknown |
| 2015-D Lincoln Shield (MS-68 RD) | 2015 | $1,500 | Unknown |
| 2016 Lincoln Shield (MS-68 RD) | 2016 | $1,200 | Unknown |
| 2016-D Lincoln Shield (MS-68 RD) | 2016 | $1,100 | Unknown |
| 2017 Lincoln Shield (MS-68 RD) | 2017 | $1,000 | Unknown |
| 2017-D Lincoln Shield (MS-68 RD) | 2017 | $1,050 | Unknown |
| 2018 Lincoln Shield (MS-68 RD) | 2018 | $1,100 | Unknown |
| 2018-D Lincoln Shield (MS-68 RD) | 2018 | $1,200 | Unknown |
| 2019 Lincoln Shield (MS-68 RD) | 2019 | $1,300 | Unknown |
| 2019-D Lincoln Shield (MS-68 RD) | 2019 | $1,400 | Unknown |
| 2020 Lincoln Shield (MS-68 RD) | 2020 | $1,500 | Unknown |
| 2020-D Lincoln Shield (MS-68 RD) | 2020 | $1,600 | Unknown |
| 2021 Lincoln Shield (MS-68 RD) | 2021 | $1,700 | Unknown |
| 2021-D Lincoln Shield (MS-68 RD) | 2021 | $1,800 | Unknown |
| 2022 Lincoln Shield (MS-68 RD) | 2022 | $1,900 | Unknown |
| 2022-D Lincoln Shield (MS-68 RD) | 2022 | $2,000 | Unknown |
Listed prices are approximate and may vary depending on the coin’s condition, market demand, and other factors
15-Most-Valuable-Penny
1943 Lincoln Cent – Struck on a Bronze Planchet
This exceptional error stands out because in what year pennies are worth money shifted to wartime steel. The 1943 bronze cent retains the standard Lincoln portrait on the obverse and the wheat stalks on the reverse.
You can consult the Lincoln penny value chart. A one cent penny value is usually just one cent.Its key characteristic is its metallic composition: 95% copper, unlike the zinc-coated steel of regular 1943 pennies.
This copper composition gives it a distinct reddish-brown hue, and importantly, it is non-magnetic. This metallurgical anomaly makes it a prime example of what makes a penny valuable.
Name: 1943 Lincoln Cent (Bronze Error)
Mint: Philadelphia (no mint mark on regular issues)
Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Zinc and Tin (Error – Regular 1943 was Steel)
Mintage: Approximately 20-40 estimated to exist
Price (USD): Can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands. Use a penny value checker to know exact price
1944-D Lincoln Wheat Cent – Struck on a Steel Planchet
As the Mint transitioned back to copper in 1944, a few pennies were erroneously struck on leftover steel planchets at the Denver Mint (indicated by the “D” mint mark below the date).
These valuable pennies to look for exhibit a silver-grey color, characteristic of steel, and are magnetic. The presence of the “D” mint mark is crucial for identifying this Denver-minted steel error, a significant factor in its high penny value.
This is a prime example of which pennies are valuable due to a minting mistake during a transitional period. How much is a silver penny worth varies greatly
Name: 1944-D Lincoln Wheat Cent (Steel Error)
Mint: Denver (D)
Composition: Zinc-coated Steel
Mintage: Unknown, but very few exist.
Price (USD): $115,000 (The rare penny value can fluctuate)
1944 Lincoln Wheat Cent – Struck on a Steel Planchet
Similar to its Denver counterpart, this 1944 steel money was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which typically does not have a mint mark. Its key characteristics are its silver color, magnetic property, and the absence of a mint mark below the date.
This lack of a mint mark distinguishes it from the Denver steel error. Its rarity makes it one of the most valuable pennies list, and its value of old pennies by year reflects its scarcity. This error underscores what year penny is worth money due to production anomalies.
Name: 1944 Lincoln Wheat Cent (Steel Error)
Mint: Philadelphia (no mint mark)
Composition: Zinc-coated Steel (Error – Regular 1944 was Copper)
Mintage: Unknown, but very few exist (rarer than the “D” mint)
Price (USD): $180,000
1955 Lincoln Wheat Cent – Doubled Die Obverse
This visually striking error is characterized by a clear doubling of the design elements on the obverse (heads side). Look closely at the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” as well as the date “1955.”
The doubling is often most noticeable in these areas, giving a slightly blurred or offset appearance to the lettering and numerals. This distinct characteristic makes it relatively easy to identify and a highly sought-after valuable penny. The how much is a penny worth for this error varies greatly with condition, but high-grade examples command significant prices.
This illustrates what pennies are valuable due to a die error, making it a key entry on a pennies worth money chart.
Name: 1955 Lincoln Wheat Penny (Doubled Die Obverse)
Mint: Philadelphia (no mint mark)
Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Zinc and Tin
Mintage: Approximately 40,000 estimated to exist
Price (USD): $114,000
1909-S Lincoln Wheat Cent
As the first year of the Lincoln cent design, the 1909-S holds historical significance. Its key characteristic is the small “S” mint mark located below the date, indicating it was struck at the San Francisco Mint.
The mintage for the San Francisco issue was significantly lower than Philadelphia’s, making it a key date in the series, influencing what year pennies are worth money. Its design features the iconic Lincoln portrait on the obverse and two spikelets stalks on the reverse.
The presence and condition of the “S” mint mark are critical factors in determining its penny coin value . This is a prime example of old pennies worth money due to low mintage and often appears on a list of pennies worth money.
Name: 1909-S Lincoln Wheat Cent
Mint: San Francisco (S)
Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Zinc and Tin
Mintage: 1,825,000
Price (USD): $69,000
1931-S Lincoln Wheat Cent
Another key date from the San Francisco Mint, the 1931-S is characterized by the “S” mint mark below the date and its exceptionally low mintage. Like other Wheat cents, it features the Lincoln portrait and spikelet reverse.
The sharpness and visibility of the “S” mint mark and the overall condition of the coin are crucial for determining its penny value. This coin is a testament to what year pennies are worth money due to limited production. Collectors consider this one of the valuable pennies to look for to complete their Wheat cent sets, often consulting a year penny value chart to understand its value of old pennies by year.
Name: 1931-S Lincoln Wheat Cent
Mint: San Francisco (S)
Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Zinc and Tin
Mintage: 866,000
Price (USD): $18,600
1926-S Lincoln Wheat Cent
This San Francisco minted Wheat cent is identified by the “S” mint mark below the date. While its mintage wasn’t the absolute lowest, it was still significantly lower than Philadelphia and Denver issues, making it a semi-key date.
Its design is the standard Lincoln Wheat. The clarity of the “S” mint mark and the coin’s condition are important factors influencing its penny value. This highlights which pennies are valuable due to relatively lower production numbers and is often found on a pennies worth money list by year, contributing to the understanding of what year of pennies are worth money.
Name: 1926-S Lincoln Wheat Cent
Mint: San Francisco (S)
Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Zinc and Tin
Mintage: 4,555,000
Price (USD): $149,500
1924-S Lincoln Wheat Cent
Characterized by the “S” mint mark below the date, the 1924-S represents another San Francisco Mint issue with a lower mintage. Its design features the familiar Lincoln portrait and wheat reverse. The condition of the coin, particularly the details and the visibility of the “S” mint mark, directly impacts its penny value.
This further illustrates what year penny is worth money can hold significant value based on the mint and mintage figures, contributing to the value of pennies by year. Check roll of pennies value through special apps.
Name: 1924-S Lincoln Wheat Cent
Mint: San Francisco (S)
Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Zinc and Tin
Mintage: 11,622,000
Price (USD): $66,000
1872 Indian Head Penny
This currency is one of the rarest coins in the series due to its low mintage numbers. While the 1871 issue had a slightly lower mintage, the 1872 version commands higher premiums in most grades. Only about 5,000 of these coins are estimated to survive today in all conditions.
The sharpness of the design details and overall preservation are critical factors in determining its money value, demonstrating how rarity and condition significantly impact the “value of old pennies by year.”Usually the most valuable Indian Head cent is highly prized.
Name: 1872 Indian Head Penny
Mint: Philadelphia (no mint mark)
Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc
Mintage: 4,042,000
Price (USD): $15,000 (record auction price for MS-65 or higher)
1923-S Lincoln Wheat Cent
The 1923-S, bears the “S” mint mark below the date, signifying its San Francisco origin and lower mintage. Its design is the classic Lincoln Wheat. Collectors value this coin based on its condition and the distinct “S” mint mark. Its value reflects its relative scarcity compared to Philadelphia and Denver issues of the same year.
This reinforces the idea that what pennies are worth a lot of money often come from the San Francisco Mint during this era and are listed on a “penny worth money list”.
Name: 1923-S Lincoln Wheat Cent
Mint: San Francisco (S)
Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Zinc and Tin
Mintage: 33,720,000
Price (USD): $67,562.50
1970-S Lincoln Cent – Doubled Die Obverse
This valuable example of which pennies are valuable, originating from the San Francisco Mint in 1970, displays a noticeable doubling of the design elements on the obverse, particularly visible in the word “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The “S” mint mark is a key identifier for this specific variety of pennies that are worth money.
While not as dramatic as some earlier old pennies worth money, it is still highly sought after by collectors looking for error valuable pennies. The cent value of this coin can reach into the thousands of dollars depending on the grade, making it a rare valuable numismatic piece.
Name: 1970-S Lincoln Cent (Doubled Die Obverse)
Mint: San Francisco (S)
Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Zinc
Mintage: Unknown (error occurrence within the general mintage)
Price (USD): $1,680
What are penny stocks and are they worth investing in? – risky, consider carefully. Whether you’re checking an Indian Head penny value chart or researching the most valuable Lincoln cents, remember that condition is paramount.
Always consult the latest pennies worth money chart and consider professional grading for potentially valuable finds. Know what pennies are worth money today using coin checker apps.