Collectors Guide

How to tell if your penny is valuable

1. Check the Date and Mint Mark

Some years and mint marks are rare. Look under the year on the front of the coin:

  • No letter = Philadelphia Mint

  • D = Denver Mint

  • S = San Francisco Mint

Valuable dates to watch for:

  • 1909-S VDB – Extremely rare!

  • 1914-D

  • 1943 copper penny (test with a magnet — if it sticks, it’s not copper)

  • 1955 doubled die (the date and letters look doubled)

2. Check the Condition (Grade)

A penny in better shape is worth more. Here are basic grading levels:

  • Good – Very worn, date still visible

  • Fine – Some detail, less wear

  • Uncirculated – Sharp details, looks brand new

Clean, shiny pennies are usually worth more, especially if they’re rare.

3. Look at the Back – Wheat Pennies Are Older

If your penny has two wheat stalks on the back, it’s a “Wheat Penny.” These were made before 1959 and are often worth more.

4. Check for Errors or Weird Details

Coin errors can make a penny very valuable. Look for:

  • Doubled letters or numbers

  • Off-center design

  • Cracks, die breaks, or blobs of extra metal

  • Missing parts

These “mint errors” can sell for $50 to $1,000+ depending on rarity.

5. Use a Coin Guide or Ask an Expert

If your penny seems rare or unusual:

  • Look it up on eBay, coinvaluechecker.com, or PCGS

  • Take it to a coin shop or ask a collector online

Even common-looking pennies might surprise you.