Most pennies barely get a second look. They end up tossed into change jars, forgotten in drawers, or sitting in the bottom of a purse because, after all, they’re only worth a cent.
But some older pennies are worth taking a closer look at before you spend them. Certain dates, mint marks, unusual metals, and minting errors can make an otherwise ordinary-looking penny considerably more valuable to collectors.
Here are nine old pennies you may want to check for the next time you’re sorting through loose change.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny
Only 484,000 of these pennies were produced, making the 1909-S VDB one of the better-known collectible Lincoln cents. Look for an “S” beneath the date and the initials “V.D.B.” near the bottom of the reverse, as valuable examples can be worth hundreds or considerably more depending on condition.
1914-S Lincoln Wheat Penny
More than 4 million 1914-S pennies were minted, but finding one in excellent condition is much more difficult. Check underneath the date for the “S” mint mark, as particularly well-preserved examples can be worth thousands of dollars.
1922 No D Lincoln Penny
The 1922 No D penny is unusual because it doesn’t have the “D” mint mark you’d expect to see on Lincoln cents produced that year. Genuine examples are scarce and can be worth thousands, making this a penny worth having professionally authenticated if you think you’ve found one.
1924-S Wheat Penny
More than 11 million 1924-S Wheat pennies were produced, so the date alone doesn’t necessarily make one especially valuable. The harder-to-find examples are in excellent condition and can command hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Related: 17 Rare Quarters Worth Some Serious Money
1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny
Most 1943 pennies were made from zinc-coated steel because copper was needed for the war effort, but a small number were accidentally struck on leftover bronze planchets. These rare mistakes have become some of the most valuable Lincoln cents, with genuine examples selling for six figures and exceptional specimens commanding even more.
1944-D Steel Lincoln Penny
Pennies returned to a copper-based composition in 1944, but a tiny number were accidentally struck on leftover steel planchets from the previous year. A 1944-D penny that appears silver instead of copper deserves a closer look because authenticated examples can be extremely valuable.
Related: 15 Valuable Dimes You Could Find in Your Spare Change
1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny
Some 1955 pennies were struck with noticeable doubling on the front, particularly around the date and the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Genuine 1955 doubled die pennies are highly collectible and can be worth thousands depending on their condition.
1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Penny
Certain 1969-S pennies show strong doubling in the date and lettering on the front of the coin. These are exceptionally scarce, and desirable authenticated examples have sold for tens of thousands of dollars or more.
1972 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny
Some 1972 Lincoln pennies have noticeable doubling in the front lettering, with certain varieties being much more desirable than others. Strong examples in good condition can be worth considerably more than face value, so it’s worth checking a 1972 penny carefully before tossing it into the change jar.
