5 Pennies That Could Suddenly Be Worth Big Dollars If Trump Has His Way
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Tobi Opeyemi Amure
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Amber Barkley
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In February, CNN reported that President Trump ordered the Treasury to halt penny production, potentially ending a 230-year tradition dating back to 1793. This dramatic policy shift has sent ripples through the numismatic community and could transform ordinary pennies into valuable collectibles. While millions of Americans view pennies as mere pocket change, certain rare dates and varieties already command impressive premiums in today’s market.
GOBankingRates interviewed two coin experts to get insights on what these coins could be worth if production permanently ceases. These five pennies could see substantial value increases if the humble one-cent piece becomes a relic of American monetary history.
2025 Lincoln Penny
While 2025 pennies entered circulation before March’s production halt, their future value remains uncertain at face value today. However, if Trump has his way, they could be worth big dollars.
Couch Collectibles shared how boxes of these pennies are already selling for thousands of dollars in eBay auctions. Ted Ancher, APMEX director of numismatics, said, “2025 pennies, if truly the last year of issue, could always carry some type of premium.”
This will be largely due to their status as potential “last minted” coins. People are hoarding 2025 Lincoln pennies to look for error coins, which could hold significant value in the future. If collectors perceive these coins as historical artifacts rather than mere currency, their desirability may increase significantly over time.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez, senior editor of The Fun Times Guide to Coins, said, “I think scarcer dates like the 1909-S VDB would increase in value the most.”
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent, minted in San Francisco with a tiny production run of 484,000, features designer Victor David Brenner’s controversial initials on the reverse. Currently valued between $850 and $2,442, per USA Coin Book, experts predict it could potentially exceed $5,000 if Lincoln penny production ceases.
The significance of this coin extends beyond its rarity; it represents a pivotal moment in American numismatics and history. Collectors often seek this coin not just for its monetary value but also for its historical context.
1931-S Lincoln Cent
The 1931-S Lincoln Cent, with a mintage of just 866,000, represents a pivotal moment in American economic history. Struck during the depths of the Great Depression, this coin’s scarcity stems from reduced production due to economic constraints. USA Coin Book estimates uncirculated examples to typically sell for $90 to $151, while uncirculated specimens can fetch $213 or more.
The coin’s historical significance as a tangible link to the 1930s economic struggles adds to its appeal. While future values remain speculative, the 1931-S continues to be a cornerstone for Lincoln Cent collectors and Depression-era numismatic enthusiasts alike.
1955 Doubled Die Obverse
The 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent, created by a misaligned hub during striking, is one of the most famous error coins in U.S. history. Ancher explained that its low mintage and survival rates are what keep both demand and its value high.
Circulated examples typically sell for $773 to $1,638, while mint-state specimens can command over $10,000.
In January 2024, an MS-64 Red-Brown example fetched $24,000 at auction. Higher-grade examples in MS-65 or better have fetched upwards of $40,000 in recent years. This error coin’s rarity and historical significance make it a cornerstone of any serious collection.
1914-D Lincoln Cent
The 1914-D Lincoln Cent, with a mintage of 1.19 million, stands as a key date in the series due to its scarcity and historical significance. Struck during the Denver Mint’s early years, it represents the expansion of U.S. coinage production into the American West.
Current market values, according to USA Coin Book, range from $200 for well-worn examples to over $3,000 for mint state coins.
Ancher noted that the 1914-D Lincoln Cent is a key date, and as such “keep demand and value high” regardless of policy changes. The coin’s rarity is further evidenced by its low survival rate in high grades.
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