You might not associate copper coins—especially pennies—with massive payouts. After all, when people think of valuable coins, they usually think of rare gold or silver pieces. But don’t overlook copper. Some of these humble-looking coins could turn you into a millionaire.
In the U.S., copper coins are almost always one-cent pieces—typically those bearing Abraham Lincoln’s profile. The most valuable of them all? A Lincoln penny that fetched a staggering $2 million, with others valued well into the five- or six-figure range.
Like all collectible coins, the value of copper pennies hinges on rarity and condition. Coins with mint errors or those in pristine condition command the highest prices at auctions and among collectors.
According to The Spruce Crafts, many coin enthusiasts start their collections with Lincoln cents. That means a significant number have already been pulled from circulation, leaving fewer in the wild—and increasing demand. If you want to get your hands on high-grade examples, your best bet is to search through dealers or auctions.
Here are five standout copper coins that could be worth big money:
1943 Wheat Penny (Bronze Cent Strike)
Known as one of the rarest and most valuable wheat pennies ever made, this coin holds the record for the most expensive sale in its class—selling for $1.7 million. In uncirculated mint condition, its value jumps to $2.3 million. The reason? In 1943, pennies were supposed to be made of steel due to wartime metal shortages. A few bronze planchets were struck by mistake, creating this ultra-rare error coin. Most sell for $14,000 to $300,000 depending on their condition, according to CoinValue.
1982-D Lincoln Penny (Copper Small Date)
This unusual penny stands out for two reasons. First, it features a “small date” error in the year marking. Second, it was accidentally minted with copper, even though the U.S. Mint had already transitioned to zinc that year. A few leftover copper planchets slipped through, leading to this error coin. Today, it’s valued anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 and up.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
The year 1909 marked the end of the Indian Head penny and the debut of the Lincoln cent. Early versions of the new penny included the initials “VDB” (for designer Victor David Brenner) between the wheat stalks on the reverse. However, the Treasury demanded the initials be removed shortly after minting began. Only about 484,000 coins were produced before the change, making the 1909-S VDB incredibly desirable. In excellent condition, it’s worth over $117,000.
1872 Indian Head Penny
Though over 4 million of these were produced, most ended up in circulation. What makes some examples especially valuable today is their exceptional preservation. In the rarest cases, coins still display their original bright red-copper color, indicating minimal handling. Coins in top mint-state condition (such as MS-67) can fetch up to $126,500.
1969-S Lincoln Penny – Doubled Die Obverse
This penny owes its high value to a striking error: doubled text and date on the front side. When first discovered in 1970, the U.S. government suspected counterfeiting and began seizing and destroying these coins. According to The Spruce Crafts, five were confiscated before the Mint confirmed they were authentic. Today, a 1969-S doubled die penny in MS-64 condition can be worth at least $126,500.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting started, these copper coins are a powerful reminder: treasure doesn’t always glitter. Sometimes, it hides in plain sight—right at the bottom of your pocket change.
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