When you think of valuable coins, pennies might not be the first to come to mind. However, some pennies are worth more than their weight in gold. Over the years, certain rare pennies have fetched astonishing prices at auctions, capturing the attention of collectors worldwide. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 most expensive pennies ever sold at auctions, delving into the history and significance of each one.
1. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny
In 1943, the U.S. Mint produced pennies in steel due to a copper shortage during World War II. However, a few bronze pennies were mistakenly struck and released into circulation. These rare bronze pennies are among the most sought-after coins by collectors. One of these pennies was sold at auction for a staggering $1.7 million in 2010.
2. 1793 Strawberry Leaf Cent
The 1793 Strawberry Leaf Cent is an exceptionally rare coin from the early days of the U.S. Mint. With only a few known to exist, this penny features a unique strawberry leaf design on the reverse. In 2004, a collector paid $862,500 for this historical piece, making it one of the most valuable pennies ever sold.
3. 1944 Steel Lincoln Penny
Similar to the 1943 bronze penny, the 1944 steel penny is a rare error coin. While most 1944 pennies were struck in bronze, a few steel blanks from the previous year were accidentally used. In 2008, a 1944 steel penny sold for $373,750, underscoring its rarity and desirability among collectors.
4. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny
The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny is famous for its distinctive doubled lettering on the obverse. This minting error created a significant collector’s item. In 2018, one of these pennies sold at auction for $114,000, a testament to the coin’s unique charm and appeal.
5. 1873 Indian Head Cent
The 1873 Indian Head Cent is notable for its “closed 3” variety, where the number “3” in the date appears close to the other digits. Only a limited number of these coins were produced, making them highly valuable. One such penny was sold for $149,500 in 2004, highlighting its historical and monetary significance.
6. 1914-D Lincoln Penny
The 1914-D Lincoln Penny, minted in Denver, is one of the rarest and most valuable Lincoln cents. Its scarcity is due to a low mintage of only 1.2 million coins. In 2021, a 1914-D penny in pristine condition fetched $158,625 at auction, illustrating its enduring appeal to collectors.
7. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny is a prized coin among numismatists. This penny features the initials of the coin’s designer, Victor David Brenner, on the reverse. With a limited mintage of just 484,000, it is highly sought after. In 2014, one of these pennies sold for $117,500, underscoring its value and rarity.
8. 1856 Flying Eagle Cent
The 1856 Flying Eagle Cent is a transitional coin, marking the change from large cents to the smaller cents we use today. Its rarity and historical importance make it a collector’s favorite. In 2019, an 1856 Flying Eagle Cent was auctioned for $172,500, showcasing its significance in U.S. numismatic history.
9. 1864 Indian Head Penny with “L” on Ribbon
The 1864 Indian Head Penny with an “L” on the ribbon is a rare variety. The “L” stands for the coin’s designer, James B. Longacre. Only a few of these pennies were produced, making them incredibly valuable. One such penny was sold for $161,000 in 2020, reflecting its desirability among collectors.
10. 1922 No D Lincoln Penny
The 1922 No D Lincoln Penny is another rare error coin. In 1922, the Denver Mint produced pennies without a mint mark due to die issues. These pennies are highly sought after by collectors. In 2012, a 1922 No D penny sold for $74,750 at auction, cementing its place among the most expensive pennies ever sold.
Conclusion
Collecting pennies might seem like a humble hobby, but as these auction results show, certain pennies can be worth a fortune. From minting errors to historical rarities, these coins have captivated collectors and fetched impressive prices at auctions. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a casual collector, these pennies serve as a reminder of the fascinating history and value hidden in everyday objects.