In America, it is possible to find copper coins that jingle in pockets and fill up jars, but out of such coins, a few are true numismatic treasures.
These coins are rarely found and, although they are normally seen as being worth only pennies, can actually fetch thousands or sometimes even hundreds of thousands.
In this article on strange and precious pennies, however, one should be ready for whatever strange tale might be hurled backward into the small copper disc and fortunes it carries.
The 1943 copper Lincoln penny is probably the most famous wartime error coin and the other end of the collector’s sight. During World War II, the U.S. Mint declared some eminent changes in the production of pennies.
To curb civilian usage of copper for war purposes, steel cents were issued in 1943.
However, a few copper planchets from the previous year slipped through the system and were pressed in for some of the most famous error coins known to American numismatics.
Key Features:
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
- Non-magnetic (unlike its steel counterparts)
- Wheat ears design on the reverse
The Enigmatic 1943 Copper Wheat Penny
The value: Well-preserved 1943 copper wheat pennies are generally auctioned in the range of $100,000 to in excess of $200,000 for good specimens. One specimen was sold for the enormous amount of $1.7 million in a private sale in 2010.
- Don Lutes Jr. Discovery: One of the most well-known examples of this coin was discovered by a 16-year-old Don Lutes Jr. in his school cafeteria change in 1947. Although the U.S. Mint initially claimed that they did not exist, Lutes kept his coin.
- Although Lutes died in 2019, the coin was put up for auction, where it was sold for $204,000, with the proceeds going to the library in his hometown.
Be Aware: Because of its value, the 1943 copper penny has many counterfeit examples. Always get an authentication by a recognized grading service prior to any purchase or sale.
1955 Double Die Obverse Cent Proof
How a Minting Error Can Create an Exceedingly Desired Coin
This 1955 Double Die Obverse cent is indeed the finest example of how a minting error eventually rendered the coin feted.
During the making of dies, a misalignment led to the design being impressed twice at a slight angle differing from the first one, resulting in a grossly visible doubling effect on the obverse or front side of the coin.
Features of Importance:
- The visible doubling of lettering and date
- Most obviously seen on “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY”
- None (Minted in Philadelphia)
- Values: Depending on condition, for $1,000 to over $10,000. In the rarest extremes, some examples have commanded prices of more than $100,000.
Historically Speaking: A minor sensation was created by finding these error coins in circulation in 1955. Some crooks, however, went so far as to try to fake some by soaking regular ones in acid in hopes that the acid would replicate this doubling effect.
Collecting Tip: When examining a potential 1955 Double Die cent, focus on the word LIBERTY and the date. It should be easily seen and consistent over each affected area.
Copper penny of 1982-D
Uncommon bridging from compositions-shifting types
1982 was a crucial era in the history of U.S. coins that marked the end of the changeover in copper pennies to those based on zinc due to soaring prices of copper metal.
The transitional period ended up creating different varieties of 1982 pennies, among which the 1982-D (Denver mint) Small Date copper cent ended up being a somewhat surprising rarity.
Key Features:
- Weighs 3.11 grams (unlike zinc cents weighing 2.5 grams)
- “D” mint mark below the date
- Small date variety (as opposed to the large date version)
- Value: Although most 1982 pennies are only worth their face value, the 1982-D Small Date copper variety can be worth well beyond the $10,000 mark in a top example.
- The Copper Mystery: The existence of this coin remained a mystery for decades. It wasn’t until 2016 that an example was found that confirmed at least one copper planchet made it through the Denver Mint’s production line even after the official switch to zinc.
Identification Difficulty: Careful weighing and examining these small da 1982’s will help distinguish between the copper coins and the zinc ones. The small date variety really makes this coin hard to identify this unusually rare coin.
1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Cent
Mysterious Twisting Time at a San Francisco Mint.
So similarly to its 1955 counterpart, it is created by die making errors.
Rarity is aggravated by its abstraction from the San Francisco Mint, the number from which coins generally poured less than those from Philadelphia or Denver.
Key Features:
- Below the date: “S” mint mark
- Visible doubling on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
- Slightly less pronounced comparison than the 1955 version.
- Value: Authentic pieces of this coin have been sold within the bounds of $35,000 and $75,000 dollars based on their condition. Some estimates suggest that probably less than 50 genuine specimens exist.
- Controversy and Counterfeiting: The event happening so rarely among coins has made it a subject of counterfeiting. Some fakes are so good that they have fooled even an experienced collector. Thus, third party authentication is a must for any possible 1969-S Doubled Die cent.
- Collecting Insight: This is about the different sort of doubling. It’s much more subtle compared to the 1955 version and requires detailed examination under magnification. The “S” mint mark is critical in identifying it, as similar doubling errors exist for cents from Philadelphia in 1969.
The Impossible Close AM Reverse Penny of 1992
Modern Mystery in Plain Sight
Some of the best coins are not actually coins that are made by mistake but rather ones with slight design changes. An example is the 1992 Close AM cent, where there’s an extremely subtle difference between the letters A and M on the reverse side in AMERICA.
Key Features:
- Letters “A” and “M” in AMERICA closer to each other than on standard 1992 pennies.
- No mintmark (Philadelphia issue)
- Otherwise identical to normal 1992 cents.
- Value: While some of the older rarities are worth much more than these close AM coins, high-grade examples of the 1992 edition sell for $20,000 or more. Even circulated specimens can be worth hundreds of dollars.
- Mint’s mistake: This variety comes about from the transfer of the dies originally meant to strike proof coins to strike the common circulation cents accidentally, and, close AM design was associated with proof coins and not for circulation strikes until 1993.
- Hunting Tips: The value of this particular coin is in all the little details. A collector will benefit from using a magnifier to check the “AM” in “AMERICA” on all 1992 pennies. The difference is almost but not completely insignificant as it can prove highly valuable.
5 Mysterious Pennies coins : The Thrill of the Hunt
These five mysterious pennies represent just a fraction of the valuable coins that might be hiding in plain sight. From wartime errors to subtle design changes, each has a unique story that adds to its numismatic allure.
While finding one of these rarities in circulation today is akin to winning a miniature lottery, the possibility keeps collectors and casual coin checkers alike engaged in the thrill of the hunt.
Remember, the value of coins can fluctuate based on market demand, condition, and authenticity. Always consult with reputable coin dealers or grading services before making significant purchases or sales.
And who knows? The next time you receive change for your coffee, you might just be holding a small copper fortune in your hand.
FAQS:
What Makes a Penny Worth $253,000?
Some pennies are worth thousands of dollars beyond their face value because they are rare minting errors, special editions, or are historically historically significant, such as penny errors with double die errors, rare mint marks, or specific years of production. Thus, it will be valued at several amounts.
How Do I Know if My Penny Is Worth $253K?
To determine whether a penny is worth $253,000, look for minting errors (for instance, double dies, off-center strikes), about rare dates, or specific unique features. The best way to confirm it is to get a professional appraiser or numismatist involved.