Penny collecting is a hobby that has been enjoyed by many for decades. While most pennies are worth their face value of one cent, there are some rare varieties that can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars to collectors. In this listicle, we will explore 10 rare penny varieties that are highly sought after by coin enthusiasts.
1. 1943 Bronze Penny:
The 1943 bronze penny is perhaps one of the most famous and valuable pennies in existence. During World War II, copper was needed for the war effort, so the U.S. Mint switched to making pennies out of steel.
However, a few bronze pennies were mistakenly minted that year, making them extremely rare and valuable. A 1943 bronze penny can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
2. 1955 Double Die Penny:
The 1955 double die penny is another rare variety that is highly sought after by collectors. This penny was struck with a double die error, which means that the design was stamped onto the coin twice, creating a slightly blurry effect.
This error is easily visible to the naked eye, making it a valuable find for collectors. A 1955 double die penny can be worth hundreds of dollars.
3. 1909-S VDB Penny:
The 1909-S VDB penny is a rare variety that was minted in San Francisco. It features the initials “VDB” on the reverse side of the coin, which are the initials of the coin’s designer, Victor David Brenner.
This penny is highly sought after by collectors due to its low mintage and historical significance. A 1909-S VDB penny can be worth hundreds of dollars.
4. 1943 Copper Penny:
Similar to the 1943 bronze penny, the 1943 copper penny is a rare variety that was mistakenly minted during World War II. Most pennies from 1943 are made of steel, but a few copper pennies were accidentally produced.
These copper pennies are incredibly valuable, with some selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction.
5. 1992 Close AM Penny:
The 1992 close AM penny is a rare variety that features a close spacing between the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” on the reverse side of the coin. This error was quickly corrected by the U.S. Mint, making the 1992 close AM penny a valuable find for collectors.
A 1992 close AM penny can be worth hundreds of dollars.
6. 1972 Double Die Penny:
The 1972 double die penny is a rare variety that features a double die error similar to the 1955 double die penny. This error creates a blurry effect on the coin’s design, making it easily recognizable to collectors.
A 1972 double die penny can be worth hundreds of dollars.
7. 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Penny:
The 2004-D Wisconsin extra leaf penny is a rare variety that features an extra leaf on the ear of corn on the reverse side of the coin. This error was caused by a die variety, making it a valuable find for collectors.
A 2004-D Wisconsin extra leaf penny can be worth hundreds of dollars.
8. 1983 Double Die Penny:
The 1983 double die penny is a rare variety that features a double die error on the obverse side of the coin. This error creates a slightly blurred effect on the coin’s design, making it a valuable find for collectors.
A 1983 double die penny can be worth hundreds of dollars.
9. 1958 Double Die Penny:
The 1958 double die penny is a rare variety that features a double die error on the obverse side of the coin. This error creates a slightly blurred effect on the coin’s design, making it highly sought after by collectors. A 1958 double die penny can be worth hundreds of dollars.
10. 1914-D Lincoln Penny:
The 1914-D Lincoln penny is a rare variety that was minted in Denver. This penny is highly sought after by collectors due to its low mintage and historical significance.
A 1914-D Lincoln penny can be worth hundreds of dollars.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, these 10 rare penny varieties are a coin collector’s dream. From the famous 1943 bronze penny to the lesser-known 2004-D Wisconsin extra leaf penny, each of these varieties is highly sought after by collectors due to their rarity and historical significance.
So next time you come across a penny in your pocket change, be sure to take a closer look – you never know, it could be worth hundreds of dollars!