What Is An Old Penny Worth?
I do my best to try and answer your questions and comments here on The Fun Times Guide to Coins, and that is why I want to take a moment and try and address one of the most common -- and important -- questions I get here:
"What is my old penny worth?"
This is a good question, because pretty much all of us have a stash of pennies lying around somewhere, and we come across pennies everyday in our pocket change. And, yes, some old pennies can be both very rare and very valuable.
The real toughie for some of us is knowing just which old pennies are worth a lot of money and which ones are not worth a whole lot of money.
A Rule Of Thumb
There is a good rule of thumb I like to go by, though it is not perfect.
Pennies dated before 1934 are generally worth more than those dated 1934 and after.
This is generally true, especially if you consider the average values of all the pennies dated 1933 and earlier, versus those dated from 1934 on.
Some Pre-1934 Penny Values
The 1909-S V.D.B., 1909-S, 1914-D, 1922 no-mintmark (also called "plain"), and 1931-S cent are worth hundreds of dollars apiece. (Except for the 1931-S, which starts at around $125 in lower grades).
There are several "D" and "S" mintmark pennies from the 1910s and 1920s that are worth tens of dollars apiece. Be sure to check out my piece on semi-key Lincoln cents to find out more about those.
And even the "highly common" pennies of most every pre-1934 date and mintmark not mentioned here are worth at least 10 to 20 cents apiece.
Values For Some Pennies From 1934 On
The pennies made from 1934 on generally saw far higher production numbers, less circulation, and more examples being saved in quantity by collectors, hoarders, and investors than the earlier Lincoln pennies.
In fact, there really are very few pennies made since 1934 that are worth much more than face value if worn. Yes, even the old pennies with the wheat stalks on the back, if worn and from the mid-1930s on, are generally worth only a few cents apiece.
There Are Exceptions To Every Rule...
Now here is that big "but" you've been waiting for. There are a few exceptions to the rule about those post-1933 pennies I have been talking about. 
Take for example, the very rare and highly valuable 1955 doubled-die cent. The value of even the most worn specimens is now approaching $1,000.
The 1943 steel cent, though a very common piece, is worth 20 to 50 cents if worn. Thus, it is more valuable than most other worn wheat cents of the era.
The rare 1943 copper cent always brings in tens of thousands of dollars (and more!) when it goes to auction.
The 1970-S small-date Lincoln cent is now worth around $50 to $60 if uncirculated.
And there are numerous doubled-die errors and varieties from the 1960s to the present day that are worth between a few dollars apiece to hundreds of dollars.
Check out the following articles to see if you have those valuable pennies:
So, to sum up, most of the pennies you find dated 1934 to the present day are worth little more than face value if worn (but some are worth more). Also, a number of the pennies dated from 1933 and earlier are worth several times more than face value (but many are highly common and worth only 10 to 20 cents apiece if highly worn).
Be sure to check out some of the other articles here at The Fun Times Guide to see if your pennies are worth hundreds and even thousands of dollars!
Tony,
No worries! Actually, you will be surprised how many "near-Mint State" coins exist in circulation. Especially true of coins that just came fresh from the distribution banks that ship new coins.
I have actually come across (a few times) coins dating as far back as the late-1950s in pocket change with nearly full mint luster - I am betting somebody broke into someone's coin collection and spent those coins....
I'm guessing your coin, given its age, is probably pretty worn down and may grade somewhere around Good to Fine (low-end circulated grades), but still - NO question is dumb here.
Congrats on the find, by the way!
I just realized that was a dumb question, haha, i got it in my change from a store so i guess that means its was in circulation!
How do you know if its uncirculated? And yah theres no real damage and i havent touched it for cleaning.
Tony,
Yes, a 1915-D Lincoln cent is worth about $1 in the lowest circulated grades (as long as it is not damaged or cleaned) and goes up to the hundreds in uncirculated grades.
Hanging onto any mintmarked Lincoln cent from the 1910s is not a bad idea, as mintmarked Lincolns from that era are scarcer than Philadelphia pieces (typically) and have increased in value over the past few years (making no promises as to any future price increases though).
um anybody know anything about a 1915 D??????
Hi Ila,
I'm happy to help. Your cents, called "Lincoln wheat cents" (due to the two stalks of wheat on the back - or reverse - of the coin), have not been made since 1958, but it is still possible to find a few in circulation if you search hard enough.
Your 1935, 1941, 1944, and 1956-D cents are worth 5-10 cents each. I know that may not be as much as you were hoping to hear, but these Lincoln cents are actually very common in that hundreds of millions of each were made.
Because of eBay's listing fees, it would probably cost you as much or more to sell the coins than you would make off the coins themselves. If you don't want the coins, maybe you could trade them with somebody else for other dates or other coins that you want. Just an idea....
hello my name is ila i read your information displayed on this website concerning coins.However i still have a few questions i'm hopin you can answer for me.To start i have 4 pennies 1935 -1941 - 1944 - 1956 , They all have the one cent logo i would like to call it on the back however the 1956 is the only one that has the D mark under the date.So my question's are how much do you think they are worth to the best of your knowledge?And if i were to have the opprotunity to sell them how would i go about doing such without going on Ebay? I would be very grateful on any information you can offer.Thank you.Please contact me at your convienence.I look forward to hearing from you.
Hi Cole,
The 1929 cent is worth about 10 cents. your 1941-1946 silver dimes are worth somewhere between $2-3 in well-worn condition.
The silver dime with the winged head is called a "Winged Liberty Head" dime, but it is more popularly known as a "Mercury" dime.
i have a 1929 one cent in very good nik can someone tell me wat its worth and some dimes 1941to1946 one with a head with wings its not a presadint
Linda,
Assuming by "fair" you mean a coin with a lot of wear and few if any details showing, your coin is not worth more than $3-5.
You may want to keep it, as it is not worth the price of gas to drive to a dealer to sell it, and for that you might want to simply hang on to it as a novelty - if you wish. If you don't want the Indian cent, it makes a cheap (but neat) gift to give to a coin collecting friend or family member, or makes an interesting "tip" for a small bill at a restaurant....Just some thoughts.
how much is a 1902 indian head penny worth fair condition should I keep it or get rid of it
for how much i have some that you might be interested in let me kno
Hi, Tristian:
Yes, cleaning coins can and does lower the value of them. Your teacher was probably demonstrating the acidic properties of ketchup. Your teacher is right, ketchup certainly will clean a coin! However, it is still a method which, ultimately, removes toning and coloring, which collectors generally prefer.
While using ketchup to clean coins can be a fun experiment on coins with no value over face, it is important to remember that cleaning a coin is still cleaning a coin, and that will diminish the collector value of the coin.
I have a 1902 plain Indian Head cent. worn-RB est. value might be what?
umm i heard some of yall talking about cleaning some coins and one said that it messes up the vaule. i am not sure if this will mess it up but one of my teachers taught me to use ketchup. i tried it and it worked. it makes the coin shine.
thanks and good luck
I have a 1914 walking liberty half dollar. If you hold the coin in front of you, liberty side up, and then flip it over, the eagle on the back is upside down. I cannot find info on this coin. Is there any value to it?
Hi, Sonya:
Most 1858 Flying Eagle cents sell for at least $30-35 in well-worn grades, so long as the coin is not corroded, cleaned, bent, or otherwise damaged.
i have a 1858 flying eagle penny what is it worth
1909 Liberty V nickel is not worth much unless it is in great condition
1958 is the last year they made wheat cents they are worth 4 times
I buy all wheat and error cents
Mayra:
You would be best to try selling your coins either on eBay or to a coin dealer.
Good luck!
hi I HAVE PENNY FROM 1920 TO 1960 I NEED SELL
Hi, Charles:
I have not heard of that coin.... However, I can tell you that there are people in the "Exonumia" community (exonumia includes gaming chips, tokens, medals, etc.) who may find that piece valuable; you may want to check out exonumia web sites and see if you can find a picture of that piece somehwere so you can compare your piece to photos and find out more about it.
Good luck!
Joshua,
I have what I think is a novelty coin probably minted for some type of machine game possibly. the coin is unusual as it has the front of a female on one side in the nude and the back nude on the other. the sides are marked heads and tails. i doubt this has any value but if you have ever heard of such a coin please let me know. thanks
Hi, Kelly:
Pennies made during 1940-1958 will be worth 3-10 cents each in worn codition. Any pennies made after 1958 will be worth only face value if worn, however.
Do check to see if you have any pennies with doubling of any letters, numbers or parts of the design. These can be potentially worth hundreds of dollars--even in worn grades--but they are quite scarce.
If you decide to sell your coins, the best place to go would be a coin dealer.
Good luck!
I HAVE SEVERAL OLD PENNYS ANYWHERE FROM 1940 TO 2009 CAN YOU GIVE A ROUGH ESTIMENT FROM GREATER TO LESSER VALUE AND WHO OR WHERE DO I GO TO SELL THEM? THANKYOU KELLY
Lucy,
The best place to sell your coins would be your local coin dealer.
You MAY be able to get a higher price if you sell them on eBay, but then you have to deal with shipping, communicating with the seller, et. If you are comfortable with that, maybe seek out eBay, but selling your coins to a coin dealer is generally easier and results in immediate payment.
Damion and others,
While this process may make a penny brighter, it actually wears away the metal and original toning that collectors and investors LOVE. Cleaning your coins WILL reduce its value and actually damage it, so I highly recommend against doing anyhting with your coins except rinsing them in clean water to remove any loose surface dirt and debris!
how can i find out where to sell my penies?
i have a 1906 indian head penny, just wondering if i should keep it, and if it is worth anything.
JD I ALSO HAVE A PENNY LIKE THAT IF U GET A PRICE ON WHAT IT IS WORTH IF U CAN PLS LET ME KNOW .
i have a 1937 and a 1948 penny in very good condition where can i auction them?
Well, just the fact of it being a 1975 isn't really going to be at much expense. The most anyone might give for it is $0.25. The yellowish coloration is easily explained by the years of tarnish. I would soak it in red vinegar for about 5 minutes, then take it out and place it in alcohol for about 2 minutes. Dry it, and then take an eraser and scrub it with a little force. Your going to be very surprised with the outcome. This method works especially well for hose old wheat pennies. Mints he coin to a fabulous shine. Found this out when I was 8.. It's been four years since that v'e been very succesful with my collection.
I would check on ebay. Look and see what mint marks are on the pennies, such as D and S under the date. You can see what certain pennies are selling for on ebay, and give you an idea of what they are worth. Also you can buy a price guide at your local coin shop. Here are the expensive rare ones. 1909 S vdb, 1914 D, 1922 with no mint mark, 1931 S. There are many more. Anything with a double die is pretty good too. Hope this helps a little.
I have a 1976 penny with the letter D stamped on it, ans also a liberty bell and the united states with USA printed inside of picture of united states. Plus I have a 1909 nickle with the letter V printed on the back, are these rare.........
I have a penny that looks just like any other penny, except it is blank and smooth on both sides. It looks as though it was struck in
the press, but it is blank on both sides. Is it worth anything?
i have a book of pennies from 1910 all the way to 1960 and many have doubles how can i find out if any of them are worth anything?
i have a 1975 penny. it is really really yellow-ish even gold-ish in color also above the date sideways is the outline of Montana and MT in it. is it rare and is it worth anything?