9 Rare Penny Varieties Coin value is $345 Million USD – Do you know that a simple coin in your pocket can be worth lakhs, even crores? Coin collectors are not only in search of rare coins, but also in search of treasure.
There are many rare pennies in America, which are worth crores today. Some of these may still be in circulation, which can be identified with the right identification and knowledge. Let’s know about 9 such rare pennies, whose combined potential value is estimated to be more than $ 345 million.
1. 1943 Copper Penny: A Wartime Mistake

During World War II, considering copper an important resource, the US Mint decided to make the 1943 penny from steel. But by mistake some 1942 copper plates survived and currencies with 1943 design were minted on them.
Only 30 authenticated 1943 copper pennies have been found so far. These coins can fetch up to $1.5 million at auction. In 2010, a rare 1943 copper penny sold for $1.7 million.
In 2019, a San Diego teenager found one such coin among the things he bought in his school canteen, which later sold for $204,000.
2. 1944 Steel Penny: The opposite mistake
The US Mint began minting copper pennies in 1944, but by mistake some coins were minted on 1943 steel plates.
Less than 35 1944 steel pennies have been found so far. Their prices start at $75,000 and go up to $500,000. An easy way to identify these coins is that they stick to a magnet, whereas normal 1944 copper pennies do not.
3. 1969-S Doubled Die Penny: Rare Modern Coin

This coin, minted by the San Francisco Mint in 1969, features double printing in the numerals and letters. This coin can be identified even with the naked eye.
Only less than 100 such coins have been found and their price ranges from $25,000 to $150,000. In 2018, a plumber from Montana discovered one such coin in a roll of coins purchased for 50 cents, which later sold for $42,500.
4. 1958 Doubled Die Penny: Less popular but rare
This 1958 penny features double impressions in the letters on the front. Only 35 such coins have been authentically found.
Even if a coin is worn, it will be worth no less than $75,000, while coins in excellent condition can sell for over $150,000.
5. 1909-S VDB Penny: Most Popular Rare Coin

Although it doesn’t sell for millions, the 1909-S VDB Penny is one of the most sought-after coins in the US. The total minting was only 484,000.
It is worth between $700 and $1,500 in average condition, while in good condition it can sell for up to $25,000. In 2020, a man found it in his change and sold it for $950.
6. 1992 Close AM Reverse Penny: Undiscovered Treasure
This coin has the ‘A’ and ‘M’ in the word “AMERICA” very close together, making it rare.
Only 20 such coins have been found so far and they fetch a price of $10,000 to $25,000. In 2019, a Texas student found such a coin at her retail job, which was later sold for $12,500.
7. 1955 Doubled Die Penny: The Most Famous Coin

This coin is one of the most famous doubled die errors. Its characteristic is that the letters and numbers are very clearly in double impression.
About 20,000 such coins were made and they fetch a price of $1,500 to $25,000. In January 2024, an Illinois teacher found this coin in a roll purchased from a bank, which was sold for $1,850.
8. 1974 Aluminum Penny: The Banned Rare Coin
Due to rising copper prices, in 1974 the US Mint experimented with making coins from aluminum. However, the idea was later scrapped and almost all such coins were destroyed.
It is believed that some coins left the mint, which could be worth more than $1 million.
9. 1959-D Mule Penny: Unique Mystery

This penny is special because it was accidentally made with the Roosevelt Dime design on the back.
Only one authenticated coin has been found so far, which was sold for $250,000 in 2019. If more such coins are found, their combined value could be more than $1 million.
Conclusion: Do you also have a pennyworth crores?
Discovering these rare coins is not only exciting, but it can also make an ordinary person a millionaire.
If you have a collection of old coins or you often transact cash, the next time you find a penny, take a close look at it. It is possible that a simple coin lying in your pocket may make you a millionaire someday.
FAQs On 9 Rare Penny Varieties Coin value is $345 Million USD
Q. How to identify the 1943 Copper Penny?
A. This coin looks like a normal copper penny but is lighter than the 1943 steel penny. It does not stick to a magnet.
Q. Can rare pennies be found in a bank?
A. Yes, some people buy rolls of old coins from banks and search for rare coins in them.
Q. What is the biggest feature of the 1955 Doubled Die Penny?
A. The double print of letters and numbers is very clearly visible in this coin.