When you think of valuable coins, gold and silver may come to mind. But surprisingly, some copper pennies are worth far more than you would expect.

While most copper coins in the U.S. are just one-cent pennies, there are a few rare ones that can make you a millionaire. It all comes down to scarcity, condition, and sometimes, a minting error.

The most well-known copper coin in the U.S. is the Lincoln penny, which has been in circulation since the early 1900s.

The value of these pennies can vary greatly, with the most valuable ones being worth millions of dollars. But not every penny you find will be worth much. The key is finding the right coin with rare features that collectors highly seek.

Here are five copper coins that are worth much more than their face value:

1. 1943 Wheat Penny (Bronze Cent Strike)

The 1943 Wheat Penny is arguably the rarest and most valuable copper coin in the U.S. The reason? It was mistakenly struck with bronze instead of steel, which was the intended material for pennies that year.

This error coin holds the record for the most expensive sale among wheat pennies, fetching a whopping $1.7 million. In uncirculated mint condition, it could be worth as much as $2.3 million. However, most of these pennies sell for anywhere between $14,000 to $300,000.

The rarity and unique error make this penny highly sought after by collectors. A small number of these copper pennies are in circulation, and the rest are in the hands of serious coin enthusiasts.

2. 1982-D Lincoln Penny (Copper Small Date)

The 1982-D Lincoln penny is valuable for two reasons. First, there is a significant error involving the numbers on the coin.

Second, in 1982, pennies were supposed to be made of zinc, but some leftover copper planchets were used to mint a few pennies with the wrong material. This resulted in a rare copper coin that could be worth anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000, and in some cases, even more.

Collectors highly prize this coin because it was an unintentional mistake, making it even rarer and more desirable in the market. If you come across one, you could be holding on to something quite valuable.

3. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny

The 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny is another coin that holds high value due to its rarity. After the U.S. Mint replaced the Indian Head penny with the Lincoln cent in 1909, only about 500,000 of these coins were minted with the designer’s initials (VDB) placed between two wheat stalks.

After public complaints, the Treasury Department demanded the initials be removed, and this led to an even greater demand among collectors.

In top condition, the 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny is valued at over $117,000. Its scarcity and historical significance make it a must-have for serious coin collectors.

4. 1872 Indian Head Penny

The 1872 Indian Head penny is another copper coin that can fetch a high price, particularly if it’s in excellent condition. Around 4 million of these pennies were minted, but most were put into circulation, and over time, their condition deteriorated. What makes certain 1872 pennies so valuable is their “exceptional condition,” meaning that they have been well-preserved.

Coins in mint state (such as the MS-67 condition) can be valued at $126,500 or more. These coins are highly sought after because of their rarity and excellent preservation, which helps them stand out in the market.

5. 1969-S Lincoln Penny – Doubled Die Obverse

The 1969-S Lincoln penny is another valuable coin, particularly due to a unique error in the minting process. The date and lettering on the obverse (front) of the coin were doubled, creating a distinct feature that collectors go crazy for.

When these errors were first discovered in 1970, the U.S. government mistakenly believed they were counterfeit and began confiscating them. However, it was later confirmed that these were genuine errors, making them even more valuable.

A 1969-S Lincoln penny in MS-64 condition is valued at about $126,500. Because of the error, this penny remains one of the most desirable coins among collectors.

Conclusion

Copper pennies are usually associated with low value, but these five rare coins show that there is a lot of potential for profit if you know what to look for.

Whether it’s a minting error, a unique design, or excellent preservation, these coins can fetch extraordinary prices at auctions or from serious collectors. If you come across any of these copper coins, it might be worth getting them appraised – they could be worth more than you ever imagined.