If you have old pennies from the 1900s stashed in a drawer, it might be worth taking a closer look. Some pennies from this century have become highly sought-after by collectors and can fetch incredible amounts of money at auctions. Whether it’s due to minting errors, rare production runs, or unique historical significance, these pennies are worth far more than their face value. Here’s a breakdown of six pennies from the 1900s that are worth a lot of money.
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most famous and valuable pennies from the early 1900s. This penny was one of the first to feature Victor David Brenner’s initials, “VDB,” on the reverse side of the coin. The 1909 VDB was controversial at the time for its inclusion of the designer’s initials, which led to a public outcry. In response, the U.S. Mint quickly halted the production of these pennies, making them a rare find.
The 1909-S VDB is considered one of the rarest pennies in the Lincoln series, with only 484,000 coins minted. Because of its rarity and historical significance, the value of this penny can soar. In mint condition, the 1909-S VDB can sell for over $50,000, making it a gold mine for collectors who stumble upon it in their collection.
2. 1922 No D Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1922 No D Lincoln Wheat Penny is another highly valuable penny. It is rare because it was struck without a mintmark, likely due to a worn-out die used in the minting process. Only a few thousand of these pennies were produced, and the error has made this penny highly sought after by collectors. Due to its scarcity, the 1922 No D penny can fetch as much as $6,000 in mint condition.
3. 1943 Copper (Bronze) Lincoln Wheat Penny
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to making pennies out of steel to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a small number of 1943 pennies were mistakenly struck on copper planchets, making them incredibly rare. These copper pennies were never meant to be produced, and as a result, they are considered a major error coin.
The 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most valuable coins from the 1900s. Only a few known specimens exist, and one of them sold for a staggering $840,000 at auction. If you happen to have a 1943 copper penny, it’s worth checking its authenticity, as it could be worth far more than you imagined.
4. 1955 Double Die Obverse Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1955 Double Die Obverse Lincoln Wheat Penny is another example of a minting error that has turned into a collector’s dream. The penny features noticeable doubling on the date and lettering on the obverse (front) of the coin. This error occurred during the minting process, where the die used to stamp the design was misaligned, leading to the double image.
The 1955 Double Die Obverse penny is highly valued due to its distinct error. In good condition, this penny can be worth several thousand dollars, with the price depending on the degree of the doubling and the overall condition of the coin. Collectors often go after this penny, making it a valuable asset for anyone who possesses one.
5. 1908-S Indian Head Cent
The 1908-S Indian Head Cent is one of the rarest coins in the Indian Head series. Minted in San Francisco, it is the first Indian Head cent struck at the San Francisco Mint, and only 1.1 million coins were produced. While this is not as rare as some other pennies, it is still considered highly valuable due to its low mintage and significance in the series.
The 1908-S Indian Head Cent can be worth hundreds of dollars in good condition, with higher grades fetching much more. It remains a key coin for collectors of the Indian Head series and an essential part of any collection.
6. 1909 Indian Head Cent
The 1909 Indian Head Cent marks the end of the Indian Head design and the beginning of the Lincoln Wheat penny series. As the last year of the Indian Head design, this penny has a special place in numismatic history. While not as rare as the 1908-S, the 1909 Indian Head Cent is still sought after by collectors due to its significance as the final year of the series.
In good condition, this penny can be worth around $100 or more, depending on the grade. It is a key coin for collectors who focus on the transition from the Indian Head design to the Lincoln Wheat series.
Conclusion
If you’re a collector or simply have old pennies lying around, it’s worth taking the time to examine their potential value. These six pennies from the 1900s have gained immense value over the years due to their rarity, historical significance, and unique minting errors. Whether it’s a 1909-S VDB or a 1943 copper penny, you could be holding a small fortune in your hands.
To ensure you’re not missing out on valuable coins, always consider having your pennies evaluated by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. With the right care and attention, these pennies could become a valuable asset in your collection.
