Most pennies are worth exactly one cent, but a handful of rare examples have become some of the most valuable coins ever discovered. Collectors are willing to pay astonishing sums for certain pennies because of their rarity, historical significance, and unique production errors. Among the most sought-after are rare Lincoln cents that have sold for tens of thousands of dollars at auction.

One of the biggest prizes for collectors is the 1943 bronze Lincoln penny. During World War II, the U.S. Mint produced most 1943 pennies from steel coated with zinc to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a small number of bronze coin blanks were accidentally left in the presses, creating an extremely rare error coin that is now highly prized.

If you think you may have a valuable penny, start by checking the date and the material. A genuine 1943 bronze penny has the familiar copper color and, unlike the common steel version, it will not stick to a magnet. Other valuable pennies include certain 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, and 1955 doubled-die cents, all of which are highly sought after by collectors.

Because rare coins can be worth thousands—or even much more—experts recommend having any unusual-looking penny professionally authenticated before selling it. Factors such as condition, mint mark, and authenticity can dramatically affect its value, making an expert evaluation an important step.

Although finding one of these rare pennies in everyday circulation is uncommon, it is not impossible. Taking a few extra moments to examine old coins before spending them could reveal a remarkable collectible that is worth far more than its face value.