The $19.8M Claim – Truth or Scam?
That “$19.8 MILLION PENNY” image you’ve seen online? It’s almost certainly:
- A typo or fake listing designed to grab clicks.
- A scam that misleads new collectors.
- Impossible based on real auction records.
The highest verified sale price for any penny is $1.7 million—for a rare 1943 bronze Lincoln cent.
Top 5 Most Valuable Pennies (Actual Market Values)
| Penny Variety | Key Identifier | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1943 Bronze Penny | Copper-red color, non-magnetic, weighs 3.11g | $100,000 – $1.7M |
| 1955 Double Die Obverse | Strong doubling on “LIBERTY” and date | $1,000 – $25,000+ |
| 1969-S Doubled Die | Dramatic proof doubling on obverse | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| 1909-S VDB | “S” mint mark + “VDB” on reverse | $600 – $3,500 |
| 1992 Close AM | “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” nearly touching | $500 – $20,000+ |
Why the “$19.8 Million” Penny Claim Is Fake
- No Certification – No such coin exists in PCGS or NGC databases.
- Scam Tactics – Scammers use Photoshop or fake auction screenshots.
- Misleading Hype – Even the rarest pennies top out at $1.7M.
How to Spot & Sell Legit Rare Pennies
Authenticate Your Coin
Send it to PCGS or NGC for grading (fees $30–$100).
Sell Smart
- High value ($1,000+) – Use Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers.
- Lower value – List on eBay with accurate keywords (“1943 Copper Penny PCGS MS-64”).
Avoid Scams
- Never pay upfront “listing fees.”
- Always verify sales with PCGS CoinFacts.
Common Red Flags in Viral “Million-Dollar Penny” Posts
- “ONLY ONE KNOWN” – False. The 1943 bronze has over 20 confirmed examples.
- Typos – “STATESOF” or other mint text errors rarely add significant value.
Historical Gems vs. Modern Myths
- 1943 Bronze Penny – Mistakenly struck on copper during WWII’s steel penny era.
- 1999 Wide AM – Worth $3,000–$4,000 due to a gap between “A” and “M.”
- 1974 Aluminum Penny – Experimental and illegal to own—only 10–12 exist.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: Can a modern penny be worth millions?
A: No. Modern pennies lack rare metals and historic minting errors.
Q: Where can I verify my penny’s value?
A: Use PCGS CoinFacts or post photos on trusted forums like PennyVerse.
Take Action Now
Check your collection – Focus on 1909–1974 mint years.
Join our community – Free expert reviews at PennyVerse.info.
Stay updated – Sign up for real-time coin market alerts.
PennyVerse.info – Trusted by Collectors Since 2010
Your #1 source for accurate coin values and scam-free collecting advice.
P.S. That viral “$19.8M penny” video? Still a scam. Always stick to PCGS/NGC-certified auction records.
