Most of us toss our spare change into a jar without a second thought. But for one man, a casual glance at three forgotten pennies turned into a life-changing discovery worth over a million dollars. These weren’t just any coins—they were rare U.S. pennies with unique features that collectors across the country are desperate to own. Here’s what made them so valuable and how you might be holding a hidden fortune, too.
1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny
This is one of the most famous rare coins in American history. During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to making pennies out of steel coated with zinc to save copper for the war effort. However, a few bronze planchets (blanks) were mistakenly used in 1943. Only a few of these coins exist, and one sold for over $500,000 at auction. The lucky owner found it mixed in with everyday change and had no idea it was one of the rarest coins ever minted.
1955 Double Die Lincoln Cent
At first glance, it looks like a regular penny—but a closer inspection reveals something extraordinary. The 1955 Double Die features clear doubling of the date and the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” This error occurred during the minting process, and only a limited number were released before the mistake was caught. One pristine version of this coin fetched over $125,000 due to its rarity and demand from collectors.
1992 Close AM Penny
This modern rarity is often overlooked because it looks just like a typical penny. But the secret lies in the space (or lack thereof) between the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” on the reverse side. The 1992 Close AM Penny was mistakenly struck with a proof-style reverse die, making it extremely rare. Fewer than 20 authentic examples are known, and one recently sold for nearly $250,000—a small fortune for something you could easily find in circulation.
One man’s change jar became his ticket to a millionaire lifestyle—all because he recognized the value of three rare pennies. If this story tells us anything, it’s that treasure might be hiding in plain sight. So before you spend that next penny, take a closer look—you could be holding history in your hand.
FAQ’s:
1. How can I tell if my 1943 penny is a rare bronze version?
Use a magnet—steel pennies stick to magnets, but the rare bronze ones do not. Also, weigh it; the bronze version is slightly heavier.
2. What should I look for in a 1955 Double Die penny?
Look closely at the inscriptions and date. The doubling effect is obvious even without a magnifying glass on authentic coins.
3. How do I find a 1992 Close AM penny?
Check the reverse side under “AMERICA”—if the “A” and “M” are very close together or touching, it might be the rare version.
4. Are these coins still being found today?
Yes! Coin collectors and even casual change-checkers still report finding rare coins in circulation, coin rolls, and old jars.
5. What should I do if I think I found one of these rare pennies?
Do not clean it. Take it to a reputable coin dealer or get it certified by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC for verification and valuation.
