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Rare pennies are easily split into two groups. Classic, spanning the years 1793 to 1954, and Modern, from 1955 to the present.

Finding rare pennies in your box of old coins is... rare. However, don't let that stop you from looking. Twenty different dates spanning the Classic years are considered rare and valued accordingly. The total mintage of the top 20 is a surprising 5,720,028 coins.

Even more fascinating, the number of modern rarities, those minted since 1955, is unknown due to the fact most are minting errors. Determining the actual number of these rare pennies is never more than an educated guess.

With 5,720,028 classic rare pennies made, why are they rare and what are your chances of finding one? These are both good questions.

Pennies are the staple of commerce and after decades of use, they simply wear out. Remember at the time no one knew these coins where rare. Many more suffered bad luck... lost, destroyed by fire, swept away by floods, not to mention buried in a jar in the yard and forgotten.

Then after 1857 the size of the penny was reduced to reflect the rising cost of copper. Mass melting accrued, further destroying countless common and rare pennies.

Add to all this the relative few coin collectors of the time saving coins for future generations. The result, rare pennies, here are the top twenty coins and their values.

Note: The coin values are wholesale values for coins in Good condition. This represents a well worn but undamaged, wholesome coin.

Rare Pennies The Classic Top 20

Half Cent Coin Values
1793 $1,500
1794 $300
1795 $300
1796 RARE - seldom encountered
1797 $300
1802 $370
1852 RARE true mintage totals unknown

Large Cent Values
1793 Chain Type $3,000
1793 Wreath Type $1,300
1793 Liberty Cap $1,750
1794 | 1795 | 1796 minimum value $265 each
1799 $1,200 the key to the series, exact mintage unknown
1804 $600

Indian Head Cent Rare Pennies Value
1877 $600
1909-S $ 350

Lincoln Cent Values
1909-S VDB $550 One of the most popular of all coins.
1914-D $125
1922 Plain $390 exact mintage unknown

Find any one of these in your group of old coins and you have discovered a valuable part of history. Despite the high odds against finding a rare classic. By knowing the truly rare coins, the odds are, one will never slip past you.

Finding Modern Rare Pennies

Following the Classics, we enter the Modern era. From 1955 to the present, happily most dates after 1958 are found in circulation.

Does it get easier to find something of value? The answer lies in are you willing to search through thousands of pennies? Are you willing to study and learn which coins collectors seek?

The majority of the modern rarities are minting errors. They create lots of excitement as discovered. With some becoming favorites of collectors and maintaining their value and others fading from memory.

In order to attract lots of attention and value the error must be striking in appearance. The spectacular 1955/55 Doubled-Die error is easily the most famous eye catching minting error.

The second feature necessary to win the hearts of collectors, is the coin must be uncirculated thus realizing the most value. Many folks search uncirculated rolls of pennies as a hobby, hoping to find modern rare pennies. Additionally, they spend an equal amount of time keeping up to date with the latest minting error discoveries.

Here are a few modern rare pennies and their retail value. It is important to note the coin values are for Gem Uncirculated Coins. They are best described as like new, very bright and virtually mark free.

Modern Lincoln Cent Rare Pennies

1955/55 Doubled-Die Obverse $11,000 the most famous and valuable
1960-D over D $300
1972/72 Doubled-Die Obverse $700
1984 Doubled Ear $200
1990 Proof - No S mintmark $3,000

The above are the most celebrated, numerous other minting errors with values ranging from a few dollars and up are in circulation today. Start by searching for information... Strike it Rich with Pocket Change by Ken Potter and Brian Allen is the latest book dealing with the subject.

Additionally, many rare coin dealers web sites list modern rare pennies in their price lists. Searching for rare pennies is exciting when it leads to a find and it is always interesting.

Dan Harris publishes Coin Values Discovery.
If you are curious a few rare pennies are in your old coin box, or before you sell... discover the value of your coins.
Visit http://www.CoinStudy.com/old-coin-value.html