Spoiler alert: No penny has ever sold for $19.8 million. That viral claim spreading on YouTube and Facebook is completely false. But don’t worry—some U.S. pennies are genuinely worth life-changing sums, up to $1.7 million, and you could even find them in loose change or private collections. Let’s separate fact from fiction! 
The $19.8 Million Penny – Truth or Scam?
That flashy “$19.8 MILLION PENNY” post you saw online? Here’s the truth:
Likely a typo or fake listing to grab clicks
Could be a scam targeting new collectors
Impossible according to verified auction records
The highest verified penny sale? A rare 1943 bronze Lincoln cent for $1.7 million.
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 | Letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” nearly touching | $500 – $20,000+ |
Why the “$19.8 Million Penny” Claim Is Fake
- No Certification – No coin like this exists in PCGS or NGC databases
- Scam Tactics – Photoshop and fake auction screenshots are common
Misleading Hype – Even the rarest pennies peak 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 coins ($1,000+) → Use Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers
- Lower-value coins → List on eBay with accurate keywords (e.g., “1943 Copper Penny PCGS MS-64”)
Avoid Scams
- Never pay upfront “listing fees”
- Always verify sale history via PCGS CoinFacts
Common Red Flags in Viral “Million-Dollar Penny” Posts
- “ONLY ONE KNOWN” → False. The 1943 bronze penny has 20+ confirmed examples
- Typos like “STATESOF” or minor mint text errors rarely increase 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 for a spacing error between “A” and “M”
- 1974 Aluminum Penny – Experimental and illegal to own, only 10–12 exist
FAQ: Your Penny 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 trusted forums like PennyVerse
Take Action Now
Check your collection – Focus on 1909–1974 mint years
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