Contents
What is the history of the US penny?
The penny was the first currency authorized by the United States from the Mint Act of 1792 signed by George Washington. The design for this first one-cent coin was suggested by Benjamin Franklin, and for over two centuries, the penny’s design has symbolized the spirit of the nation, from Liberty to Lincoln.
What years of US pennies are valuable?
Here’s a rundown of 10 of the most valuable pennies made since 1900:
- 1909-S Indian Cent. Image: USA CoinBook.
- 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent. 1909-S “VDB” Lincoln Wheat cent.
- 1914-D Lincoln Cent.
- 1922 Plain Lincoln Cent.
- 1931-S Lincoln Cent.
- 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent.
- 1944 Steel Lincoln Cent.
- 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent.
When was the penny invented in the US?
America’s first one-cent piece, called the “large cent,” was first struck in 1793, one year after the Mint opened. It was so big that it was hard to use, but it wasn’t replaced by a smaller penny until 1857, more than 50 years later.
Why is the 1943 penny so rare?
The Rare 1943 Penny The reason is that the 1943 copper penny is an error coin. The United States Mint accidentally used the wrong kind of planchet metal when striking the coin. But very, very few of these left the U.S. Mint facilities.
Who created the penny?
Benjamin Franklin reportedly designed the first American penny in 1787.
Why is the penny so important?
Those who favor keeping the penny believe the penny plays an important role in keeping down the costs of the goods and services we buy. If there were no pennies, stores and restaurants would round up to the nearest nickel. This means consumers would end up paying $0.55 for something that should cost only $0.51.
How much is a 2020 penny worth?
Most 2020 pennies in circulated condition are only worth their face value of $0.01. These coins can only sell for a premium in uncirculated condition. The 2020 penny with no mint mark and the 2020 D penny are each worth around $0.30 in uncirculated condition with an MS 65 grade.
What makes a 1968 penny rare?
Your 1968 pennies without a mintmark are not rare. That’s because all 1968 pennies are made from a bronze composition consisting of 95% copper, 5% zinc — and copper has really gone up in value over the years.
Has America ever made a penny?
The first U.S. cent was produced in 1787, and the cent has been issued primarily as a copper or copper-plated coin throughout its history. Its obverse has featured the profile of President Abraham Lincoln since 1909, the centennial of his birth.
When did US pennies stop being copper?
1982
The alloy remained 95 percent copper and 5 percent zinc until 1982, when the composition was changed to 97.5 percent zinc and 2.5 percent copper (copper-plated zinc). Cents of both compositions appeared in that year. The penny’s original design was suggested by Ben Franklin.
What is a 1945 penny worth?
CoinTrackers.com has estimated the 1945 Wheat Penny value at an average of 15 cents, one in certified mint state (MS+) could be worth $3.
What is the most expensive US penny?
The most expensive penny that has ever been sold at auction is a 1943-D Lincoln penny that had been struck on a bronze planchet. The penny was in uncirculated condition.
Which old pennies are the most valuable?
The 1943 copper-alloy cent is one of the most enigmatic coins in American numismatics — and reportedly the most valuable Lincoln penny of all. Just 40 of the coins — probably created by accident, on copper-alloy one-cent blanks left in the presses in the wartime years when pennies were converted to steel — are known to exist.
What is on the back of an US penny?
The shield on the reverse (tails) represents Lincoln’s preservation of the United States as a single country. The penny was one of the first coins made by the U.S. Mint after its establishment in 1792. The design on the first penny was of a woman with flowing hair symbolizing liberty.
What pennies are worth money?
Most wheat pennies are worth no more than five cents, but pennies from certain years are worth much more. Mint condition pennies from 1909, 1914, 1931, 1941, 1946, 1951, 1952, 1955, 1956, and 1958 are worth anywhere from $2 to over $1,200.