With the penny no longer in circulation, many folks might be unsure about what to do with their spare change, especially as retailers start rounding up purchases to the nearest nickel.
A personal finance site recently published a list suggesting that some owners of specific copper pennies could be sitting on a small fortune.
Here are ten of the most valuable pennies to seek out, as highlighted by this site.
10. 1926-S Lincoln Penny — $149,500
This 1926 Lincoln cent, especially if in mint condition, fetched $149,500 at auction back in 2006, according to the report.
9. 1914-D Lincoln Penny — $159,000
It’s noted that 1914-D coins are quite rare, with only about 1.2 million minted. One of these also sold for $159,000.
8. 1864 Indian Head Penny “L” Ribbon — $161,000
The transition to the Indian Head penny began in 1864, after the Flying Eagle cent. One of these coins, which contains a small “L” from its designer, sold for $161,000.
If you find one in less-than-great condition, they can still be purchased for around $40.
7. 1856 Flying Eagle Cent — $172,500
Initially, around 600 of these were given to politicians during its first run, but more were produced in 1858 and 1859. Their prices vary significantly, starting from $4,500 up to $172,500.
6. 1958 Double Die Front Cent — $224,831
This mint error, created at the Philadelphia Mint, is identified by doubled lettering on “In God We Trust” and “Liberty” as well as the date. Its uncirculated version is valued at $224,831.
5. 1909 VDB Matte Proof Lincoln Penny — $258,000
This unique 1909 coin sold at auction for $258,000, noted for the designer’s initials “VDB” engraved on the base.
4. 1943-S Lincoln Cent Bronze — $282,000
The U.S. shifted away from copper in 1943, but some bronze planchets seem to have slipped through, leading to the high-value 1943 bronze penny, which sold for $282,000 in 2016.
3. 1793 Strawberry Leaf St. — $862,500
This rare penny set a record in 2009, selling for $862,000. Only four exist, featuring a unique four-leafed strawberry design.
2. 1944-S Steel Wheat Penny — $1.1 million
Only two of this San Francisco mint version are known to exist. Circulated coins go for around $408,000, while uncirculated ones can exceed $1.1 million.
1. 1943-D Lincoln Bronze Wheat Penny — $2.3 million
This penny, designed by Victor D. Brenner, is among the most valuable coins today. Produced from bronze by mistake during World War II, it was worth $1.7 million in 2010 but now stands at $2.3 million for the uncirculated version.
It recently sold for $840,000, and strikingly, only one is known to exist due to an accidental bronze strike at the Denver Mint, although other examples of the penny can still bring in over $100,000.
If you happen to have a 1943 wheat penny, it might be worth your time to visit a coin dealer to see its potential value.
