Rare American Coins: 1 Cent Dollar

So keep reading and discover with us which are the most valuable cents, among all the coins that have been minted in the numismatic auctions. Prices range from 100 thousand euros to almost 1.5 million euros, so hold on tight.

PS: We have included the value in euros for easier consultation even though the reference auctions are in dollars. Always remember that the value of a coin depends only on its rarity but especially on its condition. (consult the numismatic glossary to study the various quality states).

1 Cent of Dollar 1914-S (Lincoln Penny)

This is a 1 cent of dollar with Lincoln from 1914, minted in over 4 million pieces but still in excellent condition. It is precisely the quality that distinguishes this coin and elevates its economic value. Coins that are 100 years old and preserved with such care are a small treasure for numismatic collectors.

Value: $105,800 (Heritage Auction 2006) – About 95 thousand euros
Quality: PCGS MS-66 Red

1 Cent of Dollar 1944-D (Lincoln Penny on Steel)

Minted in over 430 million pieces, this coin does not seem to have anything special. What makes it rare is the fact that it was minted in steel instead of the usual copper. In fact, from 1944 onwards, the classic use of copper was resumed. For this reason, these American steel pennies are highly sought after and fetch high prices from collectors.

Value: $115,000 (Heritage Auction 2007) – About 103 thousand euros
Quality: NGC MS-63

1 Cent of Dollar 1909-S (Lincoln VDB)

This coin replaces the cent with the Indian head and represents President Lincoln. The designer, Victor David Brenner, placed his signature, or rather his initials, under the two ears of wheat on the reverse (V.D.B.)

Since it was not possible to put 3 initials to sign the coin, but at most 2, the American treasury department requested its withdrawal and the removal of the initials. However, about 500,000 coins had already been minted and are now highly sought after by collectors for this small peculiarity.

Value: $117,500 (Heritage Auction 2014) – About 105 thousand euros
Quality: PCGS MS-67 Red

1 Cent 1872 (Indian Head Penny)

4 million of these coins were minted, but since it was the period of the economic collapse that was just about to begin, people did not save coins nor did they keep them for collecting. Therefore, it is the exceptional condition of this coin and its perfect color that make it extremely rare and of great value.

The same coin from the previous year, that is from 1871, is also rare although it has a much lower value, you can find it further down this page.

Value: $126,500 (Heritage Auction 2007) – About 113 thousand euros
Quality: PCGS MS-67 Red

1 Cent of Dollar 1969-S (Lincoln Penny–Doubled)

A truly special coin, so special that when it was discovered (in 1970), the federal government of the United States thought it was a counterfeit coin. But that was not the case. Unfortunately, they realized it too late and began to confiscate the coins, believing they were counterfeit. In the end, 5 of these rare (and legitimate) coins were confiscated and destroyed before they realized the mistake.

The peculiarity lies in the fact that the inscriptions on the obverse of the coin are doubled, it is very clear in the word “Liberty.” The date is also doubled but requires a magnifying glass to see it. Whether circulated or not, these are always coins of great value.

Value: $126,500 (Heritage Auction 2008) – About 113 thousand euros
Quality: PCGS MS-64 Red

1 Cent of Dollar 1926-S (Lincoln Penny)

Among rare American coins, this is a coin that seems to have nothing particularly interesting. However, since it was minted in small quantities (it is the second coin with the lowest mintage) and since it is extremely rare to find an uncirculated specimen, things change.

If the coin is in perfect condition and has maintained its original color, it is worth a lot of money.

Value: $149,500 (Heritage Auction 2006) – About 134 thousand euros
Quality: PCGS MS-65 Red

1 Cent of Dollar 1877 (Indian Head Penny)

We are in the midst of the economic collapse that had hit the American States since 1873. Families struggled to make ends meet and there was no room to save even a few coins, let alone to keep them for numismatic purposes.

During this period, here is the rarest 1 cent of dollar with the Indian head ever minted. The penny of 1877 was minted in small quantities and finding an uncirculated coin is truly a rarity.

Value: $149,500 (Heritage Auction 2007) – About 134 thousand euros
Quality: PCGS MS-66 Red

However, the same coin from the year 1873 is also very rare and highly sought after. The American penny 1873 reaches auction prices around 9000 euros in valuation.

1 Cent of Dollar 1914-D (Lincoln Penny)

We are in the period of the First World War, when the United States, despite everything, faces a favorable and flourishing economic period. They contribute to the supply of weapons and ammunition for the allied countries, especially for England and France, both involved in the conflict that began precisely during that specific period.

This particular penny from 1914, if uncirculated and in perfect and original condition, both in quality and color, is highly valued. Many specimens were preserved in the 30s and 40s, and that is why an uncirculated specimen is very rare and sought after.

Value: $152,750 (Heritage Auction 2017) – About 137 thousand euros
Quality: PCGS MS-66+ Red

1 Cent of Dollar 1864 (Indian Head Penny–”L” on Ribbon)

In a period of uncertain economy and continuous clashes and battles in the midst of the civil war of 1864, the United States went through a difficult time even just to procure the metal necessary for minting coins.

The penny with the Indian head has been minted since 1859, and from 1864 an “L” was added on the obverse. 5 million were printed, but very few are in mint condition, which greatly increases their value.

Value: $161,000 (Heritage Auction 2011) – About 145 thousand euros
Quality: PCGS PR-65 Red & Brown

1 Cent of Dollar 1943 (Lincoln Cent Struck on Bronze Alloy)

These rare American 1 cent coins were supposed to be minted in steel instead of copper. This error, probably caused by some copper plates left in the printing machinery by mistake, produced a highly sought-after specimen even though, as seen from the conditions, it is very circulated.

Value: $164,500 (Heritage Auction 2013) – About 148 thousand euros
Quality: PCGS MS-63 Red

1 Cent of Dollar 1856 (Flying Eagle)

In 1856, there was a rise in the price of copper in the United States, which made the minting of 1 cent coins cost more than the value of the coin itself. However, the 1 cent coins were much larger than today, so it was simply thought to reduce their size to solve the problem.

A batch of 800 reduced-size cents was minted and presented for approval, and today it is extremely rare and valuable.

Value: $172,500 (Heritage Auction 2004) – About 155 thousand euros
Quality: PCGS MS-66

1 Cent 1909 VDB (Matte Proof)

We have already talked about this coin with the three initials of the author VDB at the bottom. This specimen is even more special and extremely rare because, although the coin has been preserved for over 100 years, its colors are still extraordinary and perfect.

Value: $258,500.00 (Heritage Auction 2014) – About 231 thousand euros
Quality: PCGS PR-67 Red & Brown

1 Cent 1943-S (Bronze)

One of the most valuable copper cents. In this case, the coin was supposed to be minted in steel and instead was minted in bronze by the San Francisco mint in 1943. This fact, combined with the low number of coins minted, has contributed to skyrocketing its value.

In this case, we are also facing a pure incident that occurred at the Mint, an error possibly due to copper plates left over from 1942 that got stuck in the minting press system. Mints print millions of coins every year, and such errors can happen.

Another hypothesis is that a mint employee intentionally minted some coins in copper instead of steel and that somehow these managed to evade the mint's control systems that must follow strict specifications dictated by current regulations.

One can never be 100% sure of the cause, but one thing is certain, they are incredibly sought after coins by collectors. A kind of “holy grail” considering the fact that today only 5 known copies exist.

Value: $282,000 (Heritage Auction 2016) with quality PCGS AU-58
1 million Dollars (Auction 2012) paid by collector Bob R. Simpson with quality MS62

1 Cent 1944-S Lincoln

In 1944, the 1 cent of dollar coins were supposed to be minted in bronze and not in steel. It is unknown how these zinc-coated steel pennies came out of the San Francisco mint. Since it is the only specimen and the coin is of very high quality, its value has been affected, ranking it second among the most valuable pennies in the world.

Value: $373,750.00 (Heritage Auction 2008) – About 335 thousand euros
Quality: NGC MS-66

1 Cent 1943-D Lincoln in Bronze

We are in the period of the world war, but this coin was discovered only in 1979. This is the only 1 penny 1943 with Lincoln minted by the Denver mint in bronze alloy instead of zinc-coated steel. Other identical bronze coins were minted at the San Francisco and Philadelphia mints, but only 1 known specimen comes from Denver.

For this reason, among rare American coins, the penny in question was sold for the equivalent of over 1.5 million euros, a sale that undoubtedly elevated it to the most valuable 1 cent coin in the world.

Value: $1,700,000 (Heritage Auction 2010) – About 1 million 522 thousand euros
Quality: PCGS MS-64BN

We have listed the rarest and most valued coins among the cent coins, but there are many others that, even if they do not reach stratospheric figures, are still highly valued.

1917 S “Wheat Penny”

The cent of 1917 S “Wheat Penny”. Produced in 32 million pieces, if circulated it is worth less than 1 €, but if in perfect condition it is worth over 620 euros (700 dollars at an auction with MS+ quality).

1869 Indian Head Penny

The cent of 1869 “Indian Head Penny”. Produced in 6,420,000 pieces, if well kept it is worth over 50€ and if in perfect condition it can reach a valuation of even 670 euros.

1916 S Wheat Penny

The cent of 1916 S “Wheat Penny”. Produced in 22,510,000 copies, if kept in normal and good conditions it is worth 6€, and if in perfect condition it can reach a valuation at auction of 715 euros.

1921 S Wheat Penny

The cent of 1921 S “Wheat Penny”. Produced in 15,274,000 copies, if kept in good conditions it is worth 1.5 euros, but if in excellent condition it is valued at over 760 euros.

1871 Indian Head Penny

The 1 cent coin with the Indian head, of 1871 “Indian Head Penny” was produced in 3,929,000 copies. It is an interesting American coin that is worth from 50 euros up to over 780 euros if in excellent condition and auctioned.

1920 S Wheat Penny

Similar in every way to the coin of 1921, the cent of 1920 S “Wheat Penny”. Produced in 46,220,000 copies, if circulated it is worth only 50 miserable cents of euro, but if in excellent condition it can reach at auction even 800 euros.

1918 D Wheat Penny

The 1 cent coin of 1918 “Wheat Penny” was produced in 47,830,000 pieces. It is not the mintage that makes it interesting but the quality: if circulated it is worth 1€, if perfect it can also be worth 800€.

1870 Indian Head Penny

Another cent with the Indian head that is highly sought after.
The coin of 1870 “Indian Head”. Produced in 5,275,000 copies, if circulated it is worth 35 euros and if auctioned in perfect condition it is worth almost 900 euros. Other similar coins are:

1872 “Indian Head Penny” – Value 1200€
1909 S “Indian Head Penny” – Value 2000€
1877 “Indian Head Penny” – Value 2800€

1927 Wheat Penny

The 1 cent coin of 1927 “Wheat Penny” was produced in many pieces, precisely 144,440,000. Circulated coins therefore have no value, except for a few cents of euro. However, those in uncirculated condition can be estimated at auction at even 900€.

1923 Wheat Penny (and similar)

The coin of 1923 “Wheat Penny”. Produced in 74,723,000 copies, if circulated it is worth no more than 50 cents, but if you auction an example in excellent condition you can take home one that is worth almost 900 euros. Other similar 1 cent coins are the following (the values are relative to excellent quality).

• 1915 S “Wheat Penny” – Value 1050 euros
• 1924 D “Wheat Penny” – Value 1050 euros
• 1923 “Wheat Penny” – Value 890 euros
• 1925 S “Wheat Penny” – Value 1600 euros
• 1924 S “Wheat Penny” – Value 1343 euros
• 1926 “Wheat Penny” – Value 1164 euros
• 1922 D “Wheat Penny” – Value 4500 euros