How to Sell Your Rare Pennies Online for the Most Money! These Pennies Worth Million

Below is a comprehensive guide to identifying these “million-dollar” pennies and the exact steps you need to take to sell them for the highest possible price.

Part 1: The “Million Dollar” Pennies — What to Look For

Not every old penny is valuable. To find the ones worth millions (or hundreds of thousands), you need to look for specific “key dates” and “error varieties.”

1. The 1943 Copper/Bronze Lincoln Cent

This is the “Holy Grail” of pennies. During WWII, the US Mint switched to steel to save copper for the war. However, a few copper planchets were left in the machines by mistake.

• The Value: Up to $1.7 million for a 1943-D (Denver) mint.

• The Test: If it’s 1943 and it sticks to a magnet, it’s steel (common). If it does not stick to a magnet, you might be a millionaire.

2. The 1944 Steel Lincoln Cent

The reverse of the 1943 error—in 1944, the Mint went back to copper, but a few leftover steel blanks were struck.

• The Value: Can fetch over $400,000.

• The Test: If it’s 1944 and it does stick to a magnet, get it appraised immediately.

3. The 1958 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)

A rare error where the stamping die was misaligned, causing a clear “double” image of the words “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY.”

• The Value: Auction records exceed $330,000.

• The Look: The doubling is very dramatic and visible to the naked eye.

4. The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent

The most famous “rare” penny. It was the first year of the Lincoln cent, and the designer’s initials (V.D.B.) were removed shortly after production began at the San Francisco (S) mint.

• The Value: Up to $1.2 million for pristine, high-grade examples.

Part 2: How to Identify and Value Your Pennies

Before you list a coin online, you must follow these professional steps to ensure you aren’t falling for a “fake” or selling yourself short.

Step 1: Check the Mint Mark

Look for a small letter under the date:

• No Mark: Philadelphia

• D: Denver

• S: San Francisco

• W: West Point (Rare)

Step 2: Assess the “Grade” (Condition)

In the coin world, condition is everything. A penny that is “Mint State” (looks like it just came from the mint) is worth 100x more than a “Circulated” (worn) version of the same coin.

• Pro Tip: Never clean your coins! Cleaning creates microscopic scratches that can destroy 90% of a coin’s value.

Step 3: Professional Certification (Slabing)

If you think you have a penny worth more than $500, you must have it graded by a third party. Buyers will not pay top dollar for uncertified coins.

• PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)

• NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) These companies will authenticate the coin and seal it in a plastic “slab” with a numeric grade (up to 70).

Part 3: Where to Sell Your Rare Pennies for the Most Money

Selling a million-dollar coin is different from selling an old couch. You need the right audience.

Part 4: Tips for a High-Value Online Listing

If you are selling on a platform like eBay or a private marketplace, your presentation determines your profit.

1. Macro Photography: Use a high-quality camera or a “coin microscope” (cheap on Amazon) to show the date, mint mark, and any errors in crisp detail.

2. Transparancy: List the certification number so buyers can verify it on the PCGS or NGC website.

3. Insurance is Mandatory: Never ship a valuable coin without registered mail and full-value insurance.

Summary Checklist

• [ ] Magnet Test: Does it stick? (Check 1943/1944).

• [ ] Loupe Check: Use a 10x magnifying glass to look for doubling.

• [ ] Don’t Clean: Keep the “patina” (natural color) intact.

• [ ] Verify: Compare your coin to “Sold” listings on eBay (not “Live” listings, which can have fake prices).

Would you like me to help you identify a specific year and mint mark for a penny you currently have?