5 copper coins of high cash value

Given that gold and silver coins come in large denominations, the combination of “copper” and “penny” may not seem like an optimal match for precious coins. But if you find a copper coin, you can become a billionaire.

Be Aware: 8 Rare Coins Worth Millions That Are Highly Coveted by Coin Collectors

In the United States, with very few exceptions, copper coins are primarily one-cent pennies with images of Abraham Lincoln. On the collectibles market, the most valuable Lincoln pennies are priced at $2 million, and many are in the five or six figure range.

Like other currencies, the value of copper coins is determined by their rarity and quality. Rare coins in mint or near-mint condition, as well as coins with minting errors or other distinctive features, generally fetch higher prices.

Spruce Crafts pointed out that many American coin collectors started with the Lincoln cent and removed most of the coins from use. To get the best quality and rarest copies, you may need to visit a dealer or go to an auction as many are in circulation. This situation created high demand — and high prices.

Here’s a look at five copper coins worth a lot of money.

1943 Wheat Penny (Bronze Cent Strike)

According to the CoinValue website it is “the rarest and most valuable wheat penny with an error.” At $1.7 million, it is the most expensive wheat penny ever sold, while its Uncirculated Mint condition is valued at $2.3 million. Most can be bought and sold for between $14,000 and $300,000.

1982-D Lincoln Penny (Copper Small Date)

This coin is unique for two reasons. It has many numerical inaccuracies, to begin with. Secondly, according to CoinValue, the U.S. The Mint accidentally struck “leftover copper planchets” with zinc in 1982, even though the copper was not intended to be used in the minting process. Prices range from $10,000 to $30,000 and beyond.

1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny

Spruce Crafts states that in 1909 the United States Mint introduced the Lincoln cent to replace the Indian head penny. Designer Victor David Brenner’s (VDB) initials, which were placed between two wheat stalks on these pennies, totaled just under 500,000 when the Treasury Department “requested the removal of the initials,” further fueling collector interest. In excellent condition, this penny is currently worth around $117,000 dollars.

1872 Indian Head Penny

Most of the more than 4 million coins were minted. According to The Spruce Crafts, many coins of this age are unusual because of their “exceptional condition”. Some of the more valuable specimens have been kept in such good condition that the original vivid copper-copper colors are still visible. These coins are in exceptionally good shape and are valued at $126,500 (price quoted is for MS-67 or higher mint state, for example).

1969-S Lincoln Penny-Doubled Die Obverse

The coin is valued at $126,500 (in at least MS-64 condition), and the date and obverse inscription have doubled in value. These errors were initially identified in the 1970s. Spruce Crafts said U.S. authorities initially thought the coins were counterfeit and began seizing them. Before the five coins were recognized as genuine, they were taken away and burned.

(This post has been modified to clarify that the 1982 cents are Lincoln pennies rather than wheat pennies.)

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