It’s easy to overlook the humble penny. Often tossed into jars, left in car cup holders, or forgotten in the bottom of a drawer, these small copper coins rarely get a second glance. But some of them could be worth far more than their face value — and they might be hiding in plain sight.
Lincoln pennies, especially certain rare and error-struck varieties, have become hot commodities among collectors. Some are worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars today. Here are five Lincoln pennies that might be hiding in your change — and could deliver a surprise payday.
1. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny
One of the most legendary coins in American numismatic history, the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny wasn’t supposed to exist. During World War II, the U.S. Mint used zinc-coated steel to save copper for the war effort. But a few bronze planchets from 1942 accidentally got mixed into the production line.
If you happen to find a 1943 penny that sticks to a magnet — it’s steel and common. But if it doesn’t stick, you might be holding a bronze version worth upwards of $100,000. Only a handful are known to exist.
2. 1955 Doubled Die Penny
Known among collectors as the “King of Lincoln Cent Errors,” the 1955 Doubled Die is one of the most dramatic and easily identifiable coin errors.
What makes it special? The date and the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” appear doubled — as if they were printed twice but slightly off. It’s not subtle either; even the casual observer can see it with the naked eye.
In decent condition, this penny can fetch anywhere from $1,000 to $15,000 depending on grade.
3. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse
Much like the 1955 penny, this 1969-S Lincoln cent shows dramatic doubling — but this time, it’s limited to coins minted in San Francisco.
The doubling on this penny affects the date and inscriptions on the front of the coin. Only a few hundred examples are known, making it extremely valuable. A high-grade example once sold for over $35,000 at auction.
Be cautious, though — many counterfeits are out there. Authentic versions have specific die markers and need verification from experts.
4. 1972 Doubled Die Penny
Another doubled die Lincoln cent that shows clear doubling in the inscriptions and date, the 1972 version is more common than the 1955 or 1969-S versions, but it’s still worth a closer look.
In circulated condition, these can go for a few hundred dollars, while mint-condition examples can reach values above $1,000. The doubling is most noticeable on the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
5. 1992 Close AM Penny
Here’s a modern sleeper: the 1992 Lincoln penny with a rare reverse design error. Normally, there’s a noticeable space between the “A” and the “M” in “AMERICA” on the back of the coin. But in this error, the letters are almost touching — a design intended for proof coins only.
Only a few dozen have been found, making it extremely rare. One example sold for over $20,000. If you have a jar full of 1990s pennies, this one might be worth sorting through carefully.
Final Thoughts
It’s amazing what might be hiding in plain sight. While the odds of stumbling upon one of these valuable Lincoln pennies aren’t high, they’re not zero — and countless stories prove that rare coins are still being discovered in everyday pocket change.
So next time you get a handful of coins back at the store or clean out that old change jar, don’t just toss the pennies aside. Take a closer look — one of them might just be worth a small fortune.