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Looking for a side hustle to make extra money that gives you a little extra coin, both literally and figuratively? Then you'll want to pay attention here. For coin collectors, the penny is both the lowest coin on the totem pole and one that could be worth thousands.
Your average penny is worth just its face value: one cent. But, occasionally, there are rare coins, often created by misprints and errors, that could sell for a small fortune. And, when they're in mint condition, they could be worth even more.
To get your coin collection started, here are seven 1900s pennies to keep an eye out for. They could be worth far more than a pretty penny.
1. 1909 S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny
Estimated market value: $800
There were 484,000 of the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat pennies made with the initials of the man who designed the penny, Victor David Brenner. "V.D.B." appeared on the back of these pennies, right at the bottom of the two wheat sheaves, but the U.S. Mint quickly removed them from circulation. This led to their relative rarity and their value, which could be $800 for more worn pennies and as high as $168,000 for those in pristine condition.
And, don't worry, Brenner's initials made it back onto the penny in 1918.
2. 1914 S Lincoln Penny
Estimated market value: $13,375
While the 1914-S Lincoln penny isn't as rare as other 1900s pennies, there are over 4,000,000 in mintage, it's one of the most valuable for its condition rarity. If you have one of these pennies in mint condition, with Lincoln on one side and wheat on the other, then you could get as much as $13,375.
But the record for the highest price ever is $105,700 at auction.
3. 1922 No D Lincoln Penny
Estimated market value: $25,000
The No D 1922 Lincoln penny is exactly what it sounds like. There's no "D" where there should be one to signify that it came from the Denver Mint. This was due to wear and tear on the machine, so there are not a significant number of this error penny in circulation. Mint condition 1922 No D Lincoln pennies could be worth as much as $25,000, while the all-time record is $57,500 at auction.
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4. 1924 S Wheat Penny
Estimated market value: $725
If you find a 1924 S Wheat penny, you're looking at a penny with an "S" for the San Francisco Mint. There were just over 11 million of these pennies minted, and they're a sought-after penny at a lower price point than some of the other collectibles. If you have one in mint condition, you could expect to get around $725 today, though the record is much higher at $45,600.
5. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny
Estimated market value: $151,444
Machinery is not immune to error, particularly when there's a human running the show. In 1943, pennies were being made from zinc-coated steel rather than copper due to industrial needs during World War II. But a handful of bronze planchets, the material on which pennies are struck, was accidentally loaded into the machine, and the 1943 Bronze Lincoln pennies were struck.
Today, these error coins are worth up to $151,444 in mint condition, and the record is $1.7 million, a number that makes sense when you find out only a few dozen were made.
6. 1944 D Lincoln Penny on a Zinc-Coated Steel Planchet
Estimated market value: $36,447
On the opposite end of the spectrum, in 1944, pennies were going to revert back to copper. But, again, the planchets were misplaced, and seven pennies were struck on the zinc-coated steel planchets from 1943. If you track down one of these 1944-D Lincoln pennies on steel, you could get up to $36,447 in mint condition, though the auction record is $115,000.
7. 1969 S Lincoln Penny-Doubled Die Obverse
Estimated market value: $10,000
There are likely only 40 to 50 of the 1969-S Lincoln Penny-Doubled Die Obverse in circulation, and that's why this penny fetches more than a pretty penny. The text on the obverse, which is the front of the penny, has a doubling effect, think of a drop shadow in Photoshop, on the date and inscription, as well as "Liberty."
If this penny is found in mint condition, it's worth $10,000 today, but the auction record is $126,500.
Bottom line
When you're looking for an alternative way to start investing, coin collecting is a great place to start. The barrier to entry is generally low, especially if you begin by collecting pennies. It turns into a fun hobby and, if you strike it right, you could end up with a rare coin that's worth significantly more than its face value. Then it's up to you to time it right, knowing when to keep it and when to sell.
