Coin values
Penny value: wheat pennies, key dates and errors
Most pennies are worth one cent, but wheat cents (1909–1958), key dates, and famous errors like the 1943 copper and 1955 doubled-die cents can be worth hundreds to many thousands.
Penny composition by year
| Years | Composition | Silver content |
|---|---|---|
| 1909–1942, 1944–1982 | 95% copper (bronze) | — |
| 1943 | Zinc-coated steel (wartime) | — |
| 1982–present | Copper-plated zinc | — |
Which pennies are worth money
- Wheat pennies (1909–1958): collectible; common dates are modest, key dates are valuable.
- Key dates: 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 "plain" (no D), 1931-S.
- Famous errors: the 1943 copper cent (struck in error) and the 1944 steel cent are six-figure rarities; the 1955 and 1972 doubled-die cents are highly sought.
- Pre-1982 copper cents contain about 2 cents of copper each. That copper sets a floor, but federal rules (31 CFR Part 82) prohibit melting or exporting 1¢ and 5¢ coins, with limited exceptions.