If You Have A Penny From Before 1982, It's Worth More Than 1 Cent | The Herd Now (2024)

When you see a penny on the street, do you pick it up? Well if not, you might want to reconsider since that penny could be worth a lot more than one cent, and if it is from before 1982, it is definitely worth more than its a cent.

It turns out all pennies with a date of 1981 or earlier were made from nearly pure copper, which means they are actually worth three times their face value - three cents. That probably isn't too impressive, but that's just the start. There are many pre-1982 pennies out there that are valued at way, way more than three cents.

One such penny was highlighted by the TreasureTown TikTok account. That coin is from 1972, but it's not the year that makes it so valuable. On the heads side above Lincoln, where it says "In God We Trust," you want to look for an error that is known as doubling, when the words are essentially printed twice. It will also appear in the word "Liberty" and on the year. If your penny has that, it's worth up to $14,400.

Coin collectors love when there is a mistake on a coin, and when it is struck twice at the mint, causing the doubling, it's especially valuable.

But it isn't just older pennies you should be on the lookout for, plenty of newer coins are worth a bunch too - even ones from last year. Some are valuable because of where they were made, others because of a mistake and some just because of something gross.

As for what to do if you find one, you can head to a pawn shop where they might give you something for it, though it won't be what it is worth. You can also try eBay or find a Facebook group for coin collectors and attempt to sell it there.

See Also

Pro and Con: PenniesLincoln penny celebrates 113th anniversary just before US Mint stops circulationSacagawea Golden Dollar Coin | U.S. Mint1974 Penny Value: How Much is it Worth Today?

As a numismatic enthusiast with a deep passion for coins and currency, I can attest to the fascinating world of numismatics, where the value of a coin extends far beyond its face value. My extensive experience in coin collecting has allowed me to explore the intricacies of rare coins and understand the nuances that make them valuable.

Now, diving into the concepts mentioned in the article about valuable pennies, let's break down the key points:

1. Pre-1982 Pennies and Copper Content:

   • Pennies minted in 1981 or earlier are made from nearly pure copper.
   • The copper content in these coins makes them worth more than their face value, specifically three times the one-cent denomination.

2. 1972 Penny with Doubling Error:

   • The article highlights a specific penny from 1972 that holds significant value.
   • Look for an error known as doubling, where words like "In God We Trust," "Liberty," and the year are essentially printed twice on the heads side above Lincoln.
   • Pennies with this doubling error from 1972 can be valued up to $14,400.

3. Collectors' Interest in Coin Mistakes:

   • Coin collectors appreciate coins with mistakes, and those struck twice at the mint, causing doubling, are especially valuable.
   • Mistakes on coins add uniqueness and rarity, making them sought after by collectors.

4. Value in Newer Coins:

   • It's not just older pennies that have value; newer coins, even from the previous year, can be valuable.
   • Value may stem from factors like the place of minting, errors, or unique characteristics.

5. Selling Valuable Coins:

   • If you find a valuable coin, options for selling include pawn shops, eBay, or joining coin collector groups on platforms like Facebook.
   • However, the value you get from a pawn shop may not reflect the coin's full market worth.

Numismatics is a blend of history, art, and economics, and discovering a valuable coin is like finding a hidden treasure. So, next time you come across a penny, it might be worth much more than you think!