A Penny Worth $300 Million?! 
That’s right — one Lincoln penny sold for a record-breaking $300 million! While the odds of owning that exact coin are tiny, there are other Lincoln cents hiding in change jars and coin rolls that could still make you life-changing money. 
Whether you’re a new collector or a casual treasure hunter, here’s your guide to the 5 most valuable Lincoln pennies ever sold — and how to check if you have one sitting in your pocket. 
Top 5 Most Valuable Lincoln Pennies Ever Sold
1. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny — $1.7 Million+
Why It’s Valuable:
During World War II, pennies were supposed to be made of steel — but a few were accidentally struck on leftover bronze planchets. Only 10–15 genuine ones exist!
How to Spot It:
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Weight | 3.11 g (vs. 2.7 g for steel) |
| Magnet Test | Non-magnetic (steel sticks, bronze doesn’t) |
| Color | Reddish-brown copper tone |
Tip: If your 1943 penny isn’t magnetic, it’s worth testing further — it could be worth more than a Ferrari! 
2. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent — $150,000+
Key Features:
- Mint mark “S” for San Francisco below the date
- Tiny initials “VDB” (for designer Victor David Brenner) on the bottom reverse
These were the very first Lincoln cents ever made — and collectors go crazy for them in mint condition.
3. 1955 Doubled Die Penny — $100,000+
Why It’s Special:
A dramatic doubled die error caused “LIBERTY” and the date to appear strongly doubled.
Look for:
- Double lines on “LIBERTY”
- Double digits in “1955”
- Clear doubling visible without magnification
This is one of the most famous error coins in U.S. history — and even circulated examples can sell for thousands!
4. 1969-S Doubled Die — $125,000+
Rarity: Only 40–50 known to exist.
How to Identify:
- Strong doubling on the date and “IN GOD WE TRUST”
- “S” mint mark (San Francisco)
- Often authenticated by PCGS or NGC
Be cautious of counterfeits! Always get this one certified before buying or selling.
5. 1992 “Close AM” Penny — $20,000+
Minting Error:
On this variety, the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” are almost touching instead of spaced apart.
Where to Look:
- Found mostly on 1992 and 1992-D pennies
- Use a magnifying glass to check the spacing between the letters
Even lightly circulated examples can fetch $5,000–$20,000+.
How to Check Your Pennies (3 Quick Tests)
Weigh It
- 3.11 g = Copper or Bronze → Possible rarity
- 2.5 g = Zinc → Common penny
Use a Magnet
- Copper/Bronze = Non-magnetic
- Steel = Magnetic
Magnify the Details
- Look for doubling, odd mint marks, or design spacing (like Close AM).
- A 10× loupe works great for spotting these subtle errors.
What to Do If You Find a Rare Penny
Never clean it!
Cleaning can slash its value by up to 90%.
Get it graded & certified:
Submit to PCGS or NGC for authentication — buyers trust certified coins.
Sell smart:
- Heritage Auctions — for coins worth $10,000+
- eBay or GreatCollections — for finds between $500–$10,000
Pro Tip: Keep all paperwork and certification details; it boosts your coin’s resale value dramatically.
Final Word: Your Change Could Be Worth Millions
Most people overlook the humble penny — but a few are worth more than entire houses. 
Check your coin jars, old piggy banks, and dusty drawers — because one rare Lincoln cent could be your ticket to financial freedom.
Start looking today… your next $300 million miracle might be hiding in plain sight! 
