What Pennies to Look For in Pocket Change
Have you ever found yourself rummaging through your pocket change, only to realize that some of those coins are worth more than their face value? The world of collectible coins is vast and fascinating, and many of these valuable pieces can be found right in your everyday pocket change. So, what pennies should you look for in your pocket change? Let’s dive into some of the most sought-after and valuable pennies to keep an eye out for.
Lincoln Wheat Pennies (1909-1958)
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most popular and valuable types of pennies. These coins were minted from 1909 to 1958 and feature a wheat kernel design on the reverse side. The 1909-S V.D.B. (Victory over Disease) penny is particularly rare and can fetch up to $500 or more in uncirculated condition. Additionally, the 1914-D and 1916-S are also highly sought after and can be worth a substantial amount.
Lincoln Memorial Pennies (1959-2008)
After the wheat kernel design was replaced with a Lincoln Memorial in 1959, the Lincoln Memorial Penny series continued to produce some valuable coins. The 1974-D is one of the most famous and rare Lincoln Memorial Pennies, with a mintage of only 484,000. This coin can be worth anywhere from $500 to $1,000 or more in uncirculated condition.
Wheat pennies from the 1940s and 1950s
Wheat pennies from the 1940s and 1950s are another group of valuable coins to look for. The 1943 Steel Penny, which was produced due to a shortage of copper, is worth around $1,000 in uncirculated condition. The 1950-D and 1955 Double Die are also highly sought after and can be worth several hundred dollars each.
Mercury Dimes
While not technically pennies, Mercury Dimes from the 1916-1945 series are worth mentioning. These coins are known for their distinctive design featuring the profile of Mercury, the Roman god of speed. The 1916-D, 1921, and 1934 are among the most valuable Mercury Dimes, with the 1921 being worth over $1,000 in uncirculated condition.
Conclusion
When looking for valuable pennies in your pocket change, keep an eye out for the Lincoln Wheat Pennies, Lincoln Memorial Pennies, wheat pennies from the 1940s and 1950s, and Mercury Dimes. These coins may not be common, but they can be found in unexpected places and are worth their weight in gold. Happy hunting!
