COINHUB COLLECTOR RESOURCES
50 Most Valuable U.S. Pennies
From early large cents to exceptional Lincoln cents, explore the varieties and grades behind remarkable one-cent auction sales.
Five landmark auction sales
Pennies- 01
$2,585,0001792 Birch cent pattern, Two-Star Lettered Edge (Judd-4)Jan 8, 2015 - 02
$2,520,0001792 Silver Center cent pattern (Judd-1)Jan 20, 2021 - 03
$2,350,0001793 Philadelphia Chain cent, AMERICA with Periods (S-4)Jan 7, 2015 - 04
$1,500,0001793 Chain cent, AMERI. (S-1)Jan 10, 2019 - 05
$1,265,0001795 Liberty Cap cent, Reeded Edge (S-79)Sep 2009
Top 50 pennies
50 coinsActual sales in U.S. dollars. Each price belongs to the named specimen, not every coin of that date.
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01
1792 Birch cent pattern, Two-Star Lettered Edge (Judd-4)1 cent
Notable auction sale$2,585,000
NGC MS65*RB, CAC
Representative same-issue specimen, PCGS certificate 28585697; NOT identified as the listed auction specimen. Grade and color may differ from the benchmark. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1792 Birch cent pattern, Two-Star Lettered Edge (Judd-4)
This 1792 one-cent pattern has two stars in the edge inscription. The selected sale was the Garrett-Partrick specimen.
What makes this one different
Verify both the dies and the complete edge inscription; Judd-3, Judd-4 and Judd-5 are distinct patterns, not color variants.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$2,585,000- Grade at sale
- NGC MS65*RB, CAC
- Sold
- Auction house
- Heritage Auctions
- Specimen / lot
- The NGC MS65*RB, CAC specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. The original auction lot supplies the sold date.
Heritage Auctions: 1792 Birch cent pattern, Two-Star Lettered Edge (Judd-4)No later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
Further readingPCGS Auction Prices: 1792 Birch cent pattern, Two-Star Lettered Edge (Judd-4) Heritage Auctions: original auction lot for 1792 Birch cent pattern, Two-Star Lettered Edge (Judd-4) PCGS certificate 28585697: TrueView gallery verified PCGS CoinFacts: matching-issue reference photographLink to this coin -
02
1792 Silver Center cent pattern (Judd-1)1 cent
Notable auction sale$2,520,000
PCGS SP67BN, CAC
PCGS certificate 40274274, matched to the benchmark auction lot by its certificate number. The gallery was explicitly labeled TrueView. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1792 Silver Center cent pattern (Judd-1)
The silver plug in a copper body was an early experiment in giving a small one-cent coin its intended metal value.
What makes this one different
The plug, dies and construction must all be authenticated. A silver-colored insert in a replica is not evidence of an original pattern.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$2,520,000- Grade at sale
- PCGS SP67BN, CAC
- Sold
- Auction house
- Heritage Auctions
- Specimen / lot
- The PCGS SP67BN, CAC specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. The original auction lot supplies the sold date.
Heritage Auctions: 1792 Silver Center cent pattern (Judd-1)No later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
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03
1793 Philadelphia Chain cent, AMERICA with Periods (S-4)1 cent
Notable auction sale$2,350,000Newer sale: $85,400 (Jan 8, 2026)
PCGS MS66BN, CAC
PCGS service photograph of certificate 29829944, identified in CoinFacts as the MS66BN Parmelee-Naftzger benchmark specimen. NOT the newer XF45 Ellsworth specimen. Photo: PCGS CoinFacts / TrueView 1793 Philadelphia Chain cent, AMERICA with Periods (S-4)
The Chain cent belongs to the first regular-issue United States cents. This benchmark concerns an exceptionally preserved S-4 example with AMERICA spelled out on the reverse.
What makes this one different
S-4 has periods after LIBERTY and the date, plus a chain reverse. Other 1793 cent designs, different Chain varieties, and heavily worn examples are not equivalent to the MS66BN specimen.
Penny errors & varietiesEarlier documented sale
$2,350,000- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS66BN, CAC
- Sold
- Auction house
- Heritage Auctions, FUN, auction 1216, lot 4011
- Specimen / lot
- Parmelee-Naftzger specimen, PCGS certificate 29829944. This is not the circulated Ellsworth specimen in the newer sale.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium; corroborated by NGC Auction Central, whose stated convention is hammer plus auction-house commission.
PCGS APR: 1793 Chain S-4, MS66BNNewer documented sale
$85,400- Grade at sale
- PCGS XF45BN
- Sold
- Auction house
- Heritage Auctions, FUN Special Sessions: Ellsworth & Jacobson, auction 1389, lot 2004
- Specimen / lot
- COL Steven K. Ellsworth Collection, PCGS certificate 44238817; different, circulated S-4 specimen, not the MS66BN benchmark. Selected newer comparison, not the latest known appearance of the issue.
PCGS APR includes buyer's premium. Heritage's public lot gives January 8 as the sold date and states a 22% buyer's premium.
PCGS APR: 1793 Chain S-4, XF45BN -
04
1793 Chain cent, AMERI. (S-1)1 cent
Notable auction sale$1,500,000
PCGS MS64+BN, CAC
PCGS certificate 35744104, matched to the benchmark auction lot by its certificate number. The gallery was explicitly labeled TrueView. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1793 Chain cent, AMERI. (S-1)
The abbreviated AMERI. reverse identifies the first Chain-cent variety. The selected auction concerned a high-grade S-1 specimen.
What makes this one different
Confirm the AMERI. ending, not the fully spelled AMERICA, and have the dies and surfaces authenticated; replicas and repaired early copper require special care.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$1,500,000- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS64+BN, CAC
- Sold
- Auction house
- Heritage Auctions
- Specimen / lot
- The PCGS MS64+BN, CAC specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. The original auction lot supplies the sold date.
Heritage Auctions: 1793 Chain cent, AMERI. (S-1)No later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
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05
1795 Liberty Cap cent, Reeded Edge (S-79)1 cent
Notable auction sale$1,265,000
PCGS VG10
Representative same-issue PCGS G04BN specimen; no identity match to the benchmark sale is asserted. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1795 Liberty Cap cent, Reeded Edge (S-79)
The reeded-edge variety commanded a seven-figure auction result even in VG10 condition.
What makes this one different
The unusual edge is essential, but added reeding is possible. Professional die and edge authentication is necessary.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$1,265,000- Grade at sale
- PCGS VG10
- Sold
- Auction house
- Goldberg Auctioneers
- Specimen / lot
- The PCGS VG10 specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. Month precision retained because the exact lot-closing day was not independently established.
PCGS Auction Prices: 1795 Liberty Cap cent, Reeded Edge (S-79)No later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
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06
1958 Lincoln cent, Doubled Die Obverse1 cent
Notable auction sale$1,136,250
PCGS MS65RD, CAC
PCGS certificate 44549597, matched to the benchmark auction lot by its certificate number. The gallery was explicitly labeled TrueView. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1958 Lincoln cent, Doubled Die Obverse
The major 1958 doubled obverse is a rare die variety, not an ordinary 1958 wheat cent. The benchmark comes from the Stewart Blay collection auction.
What makes this one different
Look for substantial, correctly placed doubling on the obverse inscriptions and confirm the recognized die. Minor machine doubling does not identify this variety.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$1,136,250- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS65RD, CAC
- Sold
- Auction house
- GreatCollections
- Specimen / lot
- Stewart Blay / Red Copper Collection, PCGS certificate 44549597, identified in the GreatCollections original lot.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium, corroborated by GreatCollections' published January 22, 2023 sale results.
PCGS CoinFacts: 1958 Lincoln cent, Doubled Die Obverse, dated GreatCollections saleNo later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
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07
1793 Chain cent, AMERICA without Periods (S-2)1 cent
Notable auction sale$998,750Newer sale: $528,000 (Jan 2022)
PCGS MS65BN, CAC
Representative same-issue specimen, PCGS certificate 25338681; NOT identified as the listed auction specimen. Grade and color may differ from the benchmark. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1793 Chain cent, AMERICA without Periods (S-2)
This S-2 sale represents a different die marriage from both the AMERI. cent and the S-4 Periods variety.
What makes this one different
AMERICA is fully spelled out, but a complete die attribution is needed to separate S-2 from S-3 and S-4; the name Chain cent alone is insufficient.
Penny errors & varietiesEarlier documented sale
$998,750- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS65BN, CAC
- Sold
- Auction house
- Stack's Bowers
- Specimen / lot
- The PCGS MS65BN, CAC specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. Month precision retained because the exact lot-closing day was not independently established.
PCGS Auction Prices: 1793 Chain cent, AMERICA without Periods (S-2)Newer documented sale
$528,000- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS64BN
- Sold
- Auction house
- Heritage Auctions, Arizona Collection, lot 3002
- Specimen / lot
- Starr-Holmes-Jung-Arizona specimen as cataloged by PCGS, different from the MS65BN Cardinal benchmark. Only the month is retained because the census has a malformed day value.
PCGS reported auction realization, including buyer's premium under APR's published convention. Month precision retained.
PCGS CoinFacts: S-2 condition-census auction historyFurther readingPCGS Auction Prices: 1793 Chain cent, AMERICA without Periods (S-2) Stack's Bowers: original auction lot for 1793 Chain cent, AMERICA without Periods (S-2) PCGS certificate 25338681: TrueView gallery verified PCGS CoinFacts: matching-issue reference photograph PCGS CoinFacts: S-2 condition-census auction historyLink to this coin -
08
1799 Draped Bust cent, Normal Date1 cent
Notable auction sale$977,500
NGC MS62
Representative same-issue PCGS MS61BN specimen; no identity match to the benchmark sale is asserted. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1799 Draped Bust cent, Normal Date
The normal-date 1799 cent is a major early-date rarity. This auction involved an NGC MS62 specimen.
What makes this one different
Confirm the date is genuine and is not the 1799/8 overdate; repaired surfaces and altered final digits require specialist examination.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$977,500- Grade at sale
- NGC MS62
- Sold
- Auction house
- Goldberg Auctioneers
- Specimen / lot
- The NGC MS62 specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. Month precision retained because the exact lot-closing day was not independently established.
PCGS Auction Prices: 1799 Draped Bust cent, Normal DateNo later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
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09
1793 Philadelphia Liberty Cap cent (S-13)1 cent
Notable auction sale$940,000Newer sale: $13,200 (Nov 2025)
PCGS AU58BN
PCGS service photograph of certificate 32189845, the AU58BN Pogue benchmark specimen. NOT the G4BN specimen sold in 2025. Photo: PCGS CoinFacts / TrueView 1793 Philadelphia Liberty Cap cent (S-13)
The first-year Liberty Cap cent followed the Chain and Wreath designs in 1793. The Pogue S-13 benchmark illustrates the premium attached to an unusually well-preserved early copper specimen.
What makes this one different
Confirm the 1793 date, Liberty Cap design and S-13 attribution. A later Liberty Cap cent or a worn 1793 example is not comparable to the AU58BN Pogue coin.
Penny errors & varietiesEarlier documented sale
$940,000- Grade at sale
- PCGS AU58BN
- Sold
- Auction house
- Stack's Bowers with Sotheby's, D. Brent Pogue Collection V, lot 5090
- Specimen / lot
- Brand-Husak-Pogue specimen, PCGS certificate 32189845; not the G4BN specimen in the newer comparison.
PCGS APR reported realization includes the final bid plus buyer's premium.
PCGS APR: 1793 Liberty Cap S-13, AU58BNNewer documented sale
$13,200- Grade at sale
- PCGS G4BN
- Sold
- Auction house
- Stack's Bowers, November 2025 Showcase U.S. Coins, lot 2016
- Specimen / lot
- PCGS certificate 21682706, cataloged S-13/B-20; a different, well-circulated specimen from the AU58BN Pogue benchmark. Exact session day not verified.
PCGS APR reported realization includes buyer's premium; only the sale month is established by the cited record.
PCGS APR: 1793 Liberty Cap S-13, G4BN -
10
1794 Liberty Cap cent, Head of 1793 (S-18b)1 cent
Notable auction sale$881,250
PCGS MS64BN, CAC
Representative same-issue PCGS MS64BN specimen; no identity match to the benchmark sale is asserted. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1794 Liberty Cap cent, Head of 1793 (S-18b)
The S-18b cent combines the 1794 date with the earlier head style. This price belongs to a high-grade example, not the entire date.
What makes this one different
Use portrait and die details to confirm Head of 1793. The 1794 date by itself does not identify this variety.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$881,250- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS64BN, CAC
- Sold
- Auction house
- Stack's Bowers
- Specimen / lot
- The PCGS MS64BN, CAC specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. Month precision retained because the exact lot-closing day was not independently established.
PCGS Auction Prices: 1794 Liberty Cap cent, Head of 1793 (S-18b)No later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
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11
1793 Wreath cent, Strawberry Leaf1 cent
Notable auction sale$862,500
NGC F12
Representative same-issue PCGS VG10BN specimen; no identity match to the benchmark sale is asserted. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1793 Wreath cent, Strawberry Leaf
The Strawberry Leaf variety is distinguished by its unusual sprig below Liberty. A circulated F12 example generated this major auction result.
What makes this one different
Attribute the leaf arrangement with a specialist; wear, damage and tooling can make the sprig misleading.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$862,500- Grade at sale
- NGC F12
- Sold
- Auction house
- Stack's
- Specimen / lot
- The NGC F12 specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. Month precision retained because the exact lot-closing day was not independently established.
PCGS Auction Prices: 1793 Wreath cent, Strawberry LeafNo later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
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12
1943-D Bronze Lincoln cent1 cent
Notable auction sale$840,000
PCGS MS64BN
PCGS certificate 40273607, matched to the benchmark auction lot by its certificate number. The gallery was explicitly labeled TrueView. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1943-D Bronze Lincoln cent
This Denver cent was struck on a bronze planchet during the steel-cent year. The benchmark is an actual public auction, not the often-repeated private-sale figure.
What makes this one different
A genuine bronze example should not respond to a magnet, but plated steel cents and altered dates remain common traps. Metal testing and certification are essential.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$840,000- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS64BN
- Sold
- Auction house
- Heritage Auctions
- Specimen / lot
- The PCGS MS64BN specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. The original auction lot supplies the sold date.
Heritage Auctions: 1943-D Bronze Lincoln centNo later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
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13
1796 Liberty Cap cent (S-84)1 cent
Notable auction sale$705,000Newer sale: $427,500 (Sep 7, 2025)
PCGS MS66+RB
PCGS certificate 32189856, matching the listed newer auction specimen. Identity with the earlier benchmark is not assumed. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1796 Liberty Cap cent (S-84)
This Liberty Cap issue is separate from the Draped Bust cents introduced during the same year.
What makes this one different
First distinguish Liberty Cap from Draped Bust, then confirm S-84. The MS66+ red-brown benchmark is a particular high-grade specimen.
Penny errors & varietiesEarlier documented sale
$705,000- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS66+RB
- Sold
- Auction house
- Stack's Bowers
- Specimen / lot
- The PCGS MS66+RB specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. Month precision retained because the exact lot-closing day was not independently established.
PCGS Auction Prices: 1796 Liberty Cap cent (S-84)Newer documented sale
$427,500- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS66+RB, CAC
- Sold
- Auction house
- GreatCollections
- Specimen / lot
- PCGS certificate 32189856. Pogue Collection attribution appears in the auction title; no independent certificate link to the 2017 benchmark is asserted.
Realized price including buyer's premium, cross-checked against GreatCollections' published realized-price list or sale-results article; not the hammer bid alone.
GreatCollections: 1796 Liberty Cap Cent Sheldon 84 PCGS MS-66+ RB (CAC Green) (Pogue Collection)Further readingPCGS Auction Prices: 1796 Liberty Cap cent (S-84) Stack's Bowers: original auction lot for 1796 Liberty Cap cent (S-84) GreatCollections: realized prices including buyer's premium GreatCollections: auction or published sale results PCGS certificate 32189856: TrueView gallery verifiedLink to this coin -
14
1804 Draped Bust cent, Original Issue1 cent
Notable auction sale$661,250
PCGS MS63BN
Representative same-issue PCGS AU58BN specimen; no identity match to the benchmark sale is asserted. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1804 Draped Bust cent, Original Issue
The original 1804 cent is a scarce date in the Draped Bust series. The selected sale was for a Mint State specimen.
What makes this one different
Distinguish an original 1804 cent from later restrikes and altered dates; certification and die attribution are important.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$661,250- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS63BN
- Sold
- Auction house
- Goldberg Auctioneers
- Specimen / lot
- The PCGS MS63BN specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. Month precision retained because the exact lot-closing day was not independently established.
PCGS Auction Prices: 1804 Draped Bust cent, Original IssueNo later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
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15
1792 Birch cent pattern, Plain Edge (Judd-3)1 cent
Notable auction sale$660,000
PCGS AU58
PCGS certificate 13996074, matched to the benchmark auction lot by its certificate number. The gallery was explicitly labeled TrueView. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1792 Birch cent pattern, Plain Edge (Judd-3)
Judd-3 is an explicit one-cent pattern with a plain edge, distinct from the two lettered-edge Birch varieties.
What makes this one different
The edge is decisive. A filed lettered edge does not create a genuine Judd-3, and the pattern requires specialist authentication.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$660,000- Grade at sale
- PCGS AU58
- Sold
- Auction house
- Stack's Bowers
- Specimen / lot
- The PCGS AU58 specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. Month precision retained because the exact lot-closing day was not independently established.
PCGS Auction Prices: 1792 Birch cent pattern, Plain Edge (Judd-3)No later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
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16
1794 Liberty Cap cent, Starred Reverse (S-48)1 cent
Notable auction sale$632,500
PCGS AU50
Representative same-issue PCGS XF40BN specimen; no identity match to the benchmark sale is asserted. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1794 Liberty Cap cent, Starred Reverse (S-48)
Small stars around the reverse border make S-48 a distinctive early large-cent variety. The selected sale was for an AU50 coin.
What makes this one different
Look for the tiny reverse stars under magnification, then verify the full die marriage; worn borders may hide them.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$632,500- Grade at sale
- PCGS AU50
- Sold
- Auction house
- Heritage Auctions
- Specimen / lot
- The PCGS AU50 specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. The original auction lot supplies the sold date.
Heritage Auctions: 1794 Liberty Cap cent, Starred Reverse (S-48)No later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
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17
1792 cent pattern, Judd-2 (Traditionally Fusible Alloy)1 cent
Notable auction sale$603,750
PCGS VF30
Representative same-issue PCGS SP53BN specimen; no identity match to the benchmark sale is asserted. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1792 cent pattern, Judd-2 (Traditionally Fusible Alloy)
Judd-2 belongs to the early small-cent experiments. The auction catalog did not establish the precise alloy of this individual specimen.
What makes this one different
Do not assume every Judd-2 contains silver. Metallurgical testing and die authentication are needed; the traditional variety name is not an assay result.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$603,750- Grade at sale
- PCGS VF30
- Sold
- Auction house
- Heritage Auctions
- Specimen / lot
- The PCGS VF30 specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. The original auction lot supplies the sold date.
Heritage Auctions: 1792 cent pattern, Judd-2 (Traditionally Fusible Alloy)No later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
Further readingPCGS Auction Prices: 1792 cent pattern, Judd-2 (Traditionally Fusible Alloy) Heritage Auctions: original auction lot for 1792 cent pattern, Judd-2 (Traditionally Fusible Alloy) PCGS certificate 35744101: verified TrueView photograph PCGS CoinFacts: matching issue photograph referenceLink to this coin -
18
1969-S Lincoln cent, Doubled Die Obverse1 cent
Notable auction sale$601,875
PCGS MS66RD, CAC
Representative same-issue PCGS MS66RD specimen; no identity match to the benchmark sale is asserted. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1969-S Lincoln cent, Doubled Die Obverse
This San Francisco doubled-die obverse is distinct from ordinary 1969-S cents. The selected result was a high-grade red specimen.
What makes this one different
Match the dramatic doubling on the date and lettering to the genuine variety. Shelf-like machine doubling, including doubled-looking mintmarks, is not enough.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$601,875- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS66RD, CAC
- Sold
- Auction house
- GreatCollections
- Specimen / lot
- Stewart Blay / Red Copper Collection, PCGS certificate 09175865, identified in the GreatCollections original lot.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium, corroborated by GreatCollections' published January 22, 2023 sale results.
PCGS CoinFacts: 1969-S Lincoln cent, Doubled Die Obverse, dated GreatCollections saleNo later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
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19
1794 Liberty Cap cent, Head of 1794 (S-28), Double Struck1 cent
Notable auction sale$588,000
NGC MS66BN
Exact benchmark specimen: NGC certificate 8209146-001, 1794 Head of 94 S-28, Mint Error MS66BN, DBL STRK-Both Off Center. The Heritage lot's certification link establishes the match. Photo: NGC Imaging 1794 Liberty Cap cent, Head of 1794 (S-28), Double Struck
This benchmark is for an exceptional double-struck mint error on an S-28 cent. Both its condition and the dramatic second strike are material to the price.
What makes this one different
Do not apply this result to an ordinary 1794 cent. A specialist must distinguish a genuine second strike from die doubling, damage or fabricated errors.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$588,000- Grade at sale
- NGC MS66BN
- Sold
- Auction house
- Heritage Auctions
- Specimen / lot
- The NGC MS66BN specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. The original auction lot supplies the sold date.
Heritage Auctions: 1794 Liberty Cap cent, Head of 1794 (S-28), Double StruckNo later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
Further readingPCGS Auction Prices: 1794 Liberty Cap cent, Head of 1794 (S-28), Double Struck Heritage Auctions: original auction lot for 1794 Liberty Cap cent, Head of 1794 (S-28), Double Struck NGC certificate 8209146-001 and NGC Imaging photographs NGC 2026 auction-results report corroborating the $588,000 cent saleLink to this coin -
20
1792 Birch cent pattern, One-Star Lettered Edge (Judd-5)1 cent
Notable auction sale$564,000
NGC MS61BN
Representative same-issue specimen, PCGS certificate 65868731; NOT identified as the listed auction specimen. Grade and color may differ from the benchmark. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1792 Birch cent pattern, One-Star Lettered Edge (Judd-5)
Judd-5 is the one-star lettered-edge Birch cent pattern. The benchmark is the Partrick MS61 brown specimen.
What makes this one different
Confirm the single star after USEFUL on the edge. Obverse and reverse photographs alone cannot distinguish it from Judd-4.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$564,000- Grade at sale
- NGC MS61BN
- Sold
- Auction house
- Heritage Auctions
- Specimen / lot
- The NGC MS61BN specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. The original auction lot supplies the sold date.
Heritage Auctions: 1792 Birch cent pattern, One-Star Lettered Edge (Judd-5)No later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
Further readingPCGS Auction Prices: 1792 Birch cent pattern, One-Star Lettered Edge (Judd-5) Heritage Auctions: original auction lot for 1792 Birch cent pattern, One-Star Lettered Edge (Judd-5) PCGS certificate 65868731: TrueView gallery verified PCGS CoinFacts: matching-issue reference photographLink to this coin -
21
1793 Wreath cent, Vine and Bars edge (S-9)1 cent
Notable auction sale$558,125
PCGS MS69BN
Representative same-issue PCGS MS65+BN specimen; no identity match to the benchmark sale is asserted. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1793 Wreath cent, Vine and Bars edge (S-9)
The Wreath reverse replaced the Chain design during 1793. This sale featured an unusually high-grade S-9 specimen.
What makes this one different
Inspect the edge as well as both faces. Vine-and-bars edging is distinct from the lettered-edge Wreath cents, and the benchmark is not an ordinary worn example.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$558,125- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS69BN
- Sold
- Auction house
- Stack's Bowers
- Specimen / lot
- The PCGS MS69BN specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. Month precision retained because the exact lot-closing day was not independently established.
PCGS Auction Prices: 1793 Wreath cent, Vine and Bars edge (S-9)No later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
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22
1943-S Bronze Lincoln cent1 cent
Notable auction sale$504,000
PCGS MS63BN, CAC
PCGS certificate 40273637, matched to the benchmark auction lot by its certificate number. The gallery was explicitly labeled TrueView. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1943-S Bronze Lincoln cent
The San Francisco bronze error is a different mint issue from the Philadelphia and Denver 1943 bronze cents.
What makes this one different
Check composition, the S mintmark and the shape of the date. A nonmagnetic response alone does not authenticate the coin.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$504,000- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS63BN, CAC
- Sold
- Auction house
- Heritage Auctions
- Specimen / lot
- The PCGS MS63BN, CAC specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. The original auction lot supplies the sold date.
Heritage Auctions: 1943-S Bronze Lincoln centNo later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
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23
1794 Liberty Cap cent, Head of 1795 (S-67)1 cent
Notable auction sale$499,375
PCGS MS67RB
Representative same-issue PCGS MS64BN specimen; no identity match to the benchmark sale is asserted. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1794 Liberty Cap cent, Head of 1795 (S-67)
S-67 carries the later head style on a 1794-dated cent. The selected sale involved an exceptionally preserved example.
What makes this one different
Confirm the S-67 die marriage and head style; neither the date nor a red-brown surface color is a separate rare variety by itself.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$499,375- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS67RB
- Sold
- Auction house
- Stack's Bowers
- Specimen / lot
- The PCGS MS67RB specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. Month precision retained because the exact lot-closing day was not independently established.
PCGS Auction Prices: 1794 Liberty Cap cent, Head of 1795 (S-67)No later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
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24
1811 Classic Head cent, Normal Date1 cent
Notable auction sale$493,500
PCGS MS65RD
Representative same-issue PCGS MS65RD specimen; no identity match to the benchmark sale is asserted. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1811 Classic Head cent, Normal Date
This sale highlights an unusually preserved red example of the short-lived Classic Head design.
What makes this one different
Separate the normal date from the 1811/0 overdate. Original red copper and altered color can be difficult to distinguish without expert inspection.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$493,500- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS65RD
- Sold
- Auction house
- Stack's Bowers
- Specimen / lot
- The PCGS MS65RD specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. Month precision retained because the exact lot-closing day was not independently established.
PCGS Auction Prices: 1811 Classic Head cent, Normal DateNo later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
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25
1944-S San Francisco steel Lincoln cent1 cent
Notable auction sale$490,500Newer documented sale
PCGS MS66, CAC Green
PCGS service photograph of certificate 18523808, the SAME Simpson MS66 specimen sold in both listed auctions. Photo: PCGS CoinFacts / TrueView 1944-S San Francisco steel Lincoln cent
A steel blank left from 1943 was struck with 1944-S dies after regular cent production returned to a copper alloy. Both prices document the same high-grade Simpson specimen at different auctions.
What makes this one different
The 1944 date, S mintmark and genuine steel planchet must agree. Ordinary copper 1944-S cents and common 1943-S steel cents are different issues; magnetism alone does not establish authenticity.
Penny errors & varietiesEarlier documented sale
$408,000- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS66, CAC
- Sold
- Auction house
- Heritage Auctions, Bob R. Simpson Collection Part VI, auction 1333, lot 3002
- Specimen / lot
- Bob R. Simpson specimen, PCGS certificate 18523808. The newer GreatCollections sale is a resale of this same coin.
Heritage's published sold realization includes its stated 20% buyer's premium. August 18 is the actual sold day, not the August 22 auction end date.
Heritage 1333/3002: 1944-S steel cent, MS66Newer documented sale
$490,500- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS66, CAC Green
- Sold
- Auction house
- GreatCollections, Lincoln Collection of Lincoln Cents, item 1575500
- Specimen / lot
- Same Simpson specimen and PCGS certificate 18523808 as the 2021 benchmark; not a different or lower-grade coin. GreatCollections item 1575500.
Published auction realization. The lot states 12.5% standard buyer's premium, discounted to 10% for check/eCheck/wire. The public lot masks the hammer price; a payment-specific settlement total was not independently verified or substituted.
GreatCollections archive: 1944-S steel cent -
26
1807/6 Draped Bust cent, Large 7 (S-273)1 cent
Notable auction sale$470,000
PCGS MS66RD, CAC
Representative same-issue PCGS MS63+RB specimen; no identity match to the benchmark sale is asserted. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1807/6 Draped Bust cent, Large 7 (S-273)
This sale involved a highly preserved Large 7 overdate, not the scarcer Small 7 variety.
What makes this one different
Check the large overpunched 7 and pointed 1 of S-273. Do not infer variety or original color from a low-resolution photograph.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$470,000- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS66RD, CAC
- Sold
- Auction house
- Stack's Bowers
- Specimen / lot
- The PCGS MS66RD, CAC specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. Month precision retained because the exact lot-closing day was not independently established.
PCGS Auction Prices: 1807/6 Draped Bust cent, Large 7 (S-273)No later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
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27
1792 cent pattern, Without Silver Plug (Judd-1a)1 cent
Notable auction sale$446,500
NGC MS62RB
Exact benchmark specimen: NGC certificate 2048716-002, 1792 J-1a STRUCK WITHOUT PLUG 1C, MS62RB. The Heritage lot's certification link establishes the match. Photo: NGC Imaging 1792 cent pattern, Without Silver Plug (Judd-1a)
This separate pattern was struck with a center opening but without the silver plug used in Judd-1.
What makes this one different
Distinguish a coin struck without its plug from a damaged Judd-1 whose plug was removed. Specialist study of the opening is necessary.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$446,500- Grade at sale
- NGC MS62RB
- Sold
- Auction house
- Heritage Auctions
- Specimen / lot
- NGC certificate 2048716-002, MS62RB, the Donald G. Partrick specimen identified in Heritage lot 5502.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. The original auction lot supplies the sold date.
Heritage Auctions: 1792 cent pattern, Without Silver Plug (Judd-1a)No later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
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28
1919 Philadelphia Lincoln cent1 cent
Notable auction sale$421,875Newer sale: $298,125 (Aug 30, 2026)
PCGS MS69RD, CAC
PCGS certificate 9762887, matched to the benchmark auction lot by its certificate number. The gallery was explicitly labeled TrueView. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1919 Philadelphia Lincoln cent
An exceptionally preserved common-date cent, rather than a rare date or mint error, produced this result. Its later repeat sale demonstrates that auction prices can fall.
What makes this one different
An ordinary 1919 cent is not comparable to an MS69 red specimen. Original surfaces, color and extremely high certified grade drive this benchmark.
Penny errors & varietiesEarlier documented sale
$421,875- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS69RD, CAC
- Sold
- Auction house
- GreatCollections
- Specimen / lot
- PCGS certificate 9762887. Stewart Blay / Red Copper sale.
Realized price including buyer's premium, cross-checked against GreatCollections' published realized-price list or sale-results article; not the hammer bid alone.
GreatCollections: 1919 Lincoln Cent PCGS MS-69 RD (CAC Green) OGH (Red Copper Collection)Newer documented sale
$298,125- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS69RD, CAC
- Sold
- Auction house
- GreatCollections
- Specimen / lot
- PCGS certificate 9762887. Same certificate as the benchmark; selected observed repeat sale.
Realized price including buyer's premium, cross-checked against GreatCollections' published realized-price list or sale-results article; not the hammer bid alone.
GreatCollections: 1919 Lincoln Cent PCGS MS-69 RD (CAC Green) OGH (Ex. Stewart Blay / Red Copper) -
29
1794 Liberty Cap cent, No Fraction Bar (S-64)1 cent
Notable auction sale$381,875
PCGS MS64RB
Representative same-issue PCGS MS65BN specimen; no identity match to the benchmark sale is asserted. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1794 Liberty Cap cent, No Fraction Bar (S-64)
S-64 is identified by the missing bar in the reverse fraction. The auctioned coin also retained red-brown color.
What makes this one different
A missing-looking bar on a worn coin is not enough. Check the other S-64 die diagnostics and rule out damage.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$381,875- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS64RB
- Sold
- Auction house
- Heritage Auctions
- Specimen / lot
- The PCGS MS64RB specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. The original auction lot supplies the sold date.
Heritage Auctions: 1794 Liberty Cap cent, No Fraction Bar (S-64)No later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
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30
1823 Matron Head cent, Original Issue (N-2)1 cent
Notable auction sale$376,000
PCGS MS66BN
Representative same-issue PCGS MS66BN specimen; no identity match to the benchmark sale is asserted. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1823 Matron Head cent, Original Issue (N-2)
The N-2 original issue is distinct from both the 1823/2 overdate and later 1823 restrikes.
What makes this one different
Authentication must establish the original dies and normal date. A genuine later restrike is still not the same issue as this benchmark.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$376,000- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS66BN
- Sold
- Auction house
- Stack's Bowers
- Specimen / lot
- The PCGS MS66BN specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. Month precision retained because the exact lot-closing day was not independently established.
PCGS Auction Prices: 1823 Matron Head cent, Original Issue (N-2)No later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
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31
1839/6 Modified Matron Head cent (N-1)1 cent
Notable auction sale$376,000
PCGS MS65+BN
Representative same-issue PCGS MS65+BN specimen; no identity match to the benchmark sale is asserted. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1839/6 Modified Matron Head cent (N-1)
The overdate is a distinct variety within the changing cent designs of 1839.
What makes this one different
Confirm the underlying 6 and N-1 die diagnostics; the many 1839 head styles should not be treated as interchangeable.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$376,000- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS65+BN
- Sold
- Auction house
- Stack's Bowers
- Specimen / lot
- The PCGS MS65+BN specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. Month precision retained because the exact lot-closing day was not independently established.
PCGS Auction Prices: 1839/6 Modified Matron Head cent (N-1)No later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
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32
1943 Philadelphia bronze Lincoln cent (no mintmark)1 cent
Notable auction sale$372,000Newer sale: $312,000 (Apr 30, 2025)
PCGS MS62BN, CAC
PCGS service photograph of certificate 40273606, the MS62BN Beyer-Simpson benchmark specimen. NOT the AU55 Sherman specimen. Photo: PCGS CoinFacts / TrueView 1943 Philadelphia bronze Lincoln cent (no mintmark)
A bronze planchet was struck with 1943 Philadelphia cent dies during the year regular cents used zinc-coated steel. The benchmark and comparison concern two separately identified wrong-metal survivors.
What makes this one different
A copper-colored 1943 cent is not enough: plated steel and altered dates exist. Genuine bronze is nonmagnetic, but that test alone cannot authenticate this no-mintmark Philadelphia error.
Penny errors & varietiesEarlier documented sale
$372,000- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS62BN, CAC
- Sold
- Auction house
- Heritage Auctions, Bob R. Simpson Collection Part IV, auction 1327, lot 3008
- Specimen / lot
- Marvin Beyer discovery, later Benson and Bob R. Simpson collections; PCGS certificate 40273606. Different specimen from the newer Sherman AU55 sale.
PCGS APR includes buyer's premium. Heritage's lot establishes February 23 as the actual sold date and states a 20% premium; February 25 is the overall auction end date.
PCGS APR: 1943 bronze cent, MS62BNNewer documented sale
$312,000- Grade at sale
- PCGS AU55, CAC
- Sold
- Auction house
- Heritage Auctions, Bruce S. Sherman Collection Part II, auction 1383, lot 3018
- Specimen / lot
- Bruce S. Sherman Collection Part II, PCGS certificate 26441689; a different, circulated Philadelphia bronze cent, not the MS62BN Beyer-Simpson benchmark.
Heritage's published sold realization includes its stated 20% buyer's premium. Actual sold day is April 30, not the multi-day auction's May 4 end date.
Heritage 1383/3018: 1943 bronze cent, AU55 -
33
1799/8 Draped Bust cent1 cent
Notable auction sale$368,000
PCGS XF45
Representative same-issue PCGS AU58BN specimen; no identity match to the benchmark sale is asserted. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1799/8 Draped Bust cent
This overdate is a separate die variety from the normal-date 1799 cent.
What makes this one different
Look for the underlying 8 beneath the final 9 and authenticate the entire die pairing; altered dates are a serious concern.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$368,000- Grade at sale
- PCGS XF45
- Sold
- Auction house
- Goldberg Auctioneers
- Specimen / lot
- The PCGS XF45 specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. Month precision retained because the exact lot-closing day was not independently established.
PCGS Auction Prices: 1799/8 Draped Bust centNo later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
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34
1909 VDB Lincoln cent, Matte Proof1 cent
Notable auction sale$365,625Newer sale: $275,625 (Jun 29, 2025)
PCGS PR67+RD, CAC Gold
PCGS certificate 08328793, matched to the benchmark auction lot by its certificate number. The gallery was explicitly labeled TrueView. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1909 VDB Lincoln cent, Matte Proof
This is the Philadelphia matte-proof VDB issue, not the regular-strike 1909-S VDB key date.
What makes this one different
Matte proof attribution depends on die markers and manufacture, not a dull finish. Confirm VDB on the reverse and the absence of an S mintmark.
Penny errors & varietiesEarlier documented sale
$365,625- Grade at sale
- PCGS PR67+RD, CAC Gold
- Sold
- Auction house
- GreatCollections
- Specimen / lot
- PCGS certificate 08328793.
Realized price including buyer's premium, cross-checked against GreatCollections' published realized-price list or sale-results article; not the hammer bid alone.
GreatCollections: 1909 Lincoln Cent V.D.B. PCGS Proof-67+ RD (CAC Gold)Newer documented sale
$275,625- Grade at sale
- PCGS PR67+RD, CAC Gold
- Sold
- Auction house
- GreatCollections
- Specimen / lot
- PCGS certificate 08328793. Same certificate as the 2022 benchmark; this is an observed repeat sale.
Realized price including buyer's premium, cross-checked against GreatCollections' published realized-price list or sale-results article; not the hammer bid alone.
GreatCollections: 1909 Lincoln Cent V.D.B. PCGS Proof-67+ RD (CAC Gold) (Ex. Stewart Blay / Red Copper)Further readingPCGS Auction Prices: 1909 VDB Lincoln cent, Matte Proof Heritage Auctions: original auction lot for 1909 VDB Lincoln cent, Matte Proof GreatCollections: realized prices including buyer's premium GreatCollections: auction or published sale results GreatCollections: auction or published sale results PCGS certificate 08328793: TrueView gallery verifiedLink to this coin -
35
1909-S San Francisco VDB Lincoln cent1 cent
Notable auction sale$345,375Newer sale: $7,338.30 (May 1, 2026)
PCGS MS67RD, CAC Green
Representative same-issue PCGS MS67RD photograph, certificate 54991050. NOT a sold-specimen illustration; no identity match to either listed auction lot is asserted. Photo: PCGS CoinFacts / TrueView 1909-S San Francisco VDB Lincoln cent
San Francisco's short-lived first-year VDB issue had a mintage of 484,000. Exceptional red Mint State survivors bring much more than ordinary circulated examples of this recognized Lincoln cent key date.
What makes this one different
Both the S below the date and VDB on the reverse are essential. Philadelphia VDB cents, 1909-S cents without VDB, and circulated examples are not equivalent to a certified MS67RD specimen.
Penny errors & varietiesEarlier documented sale
$345,375- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS67RD, CAC Green
- Sold
- Auction house
- GreatCollections, Stewart Blay Red Copper Collection, item 1272808
- Specimen / lot
- Stewart Blay Red Copper Collection, old green PCGS holder, certificate 2594746 as transcribed by GreatCollections. Distinct from the newer MS65+RB specimen.
Published auction realization, also reported by PCGS. The lot states 12.5% standard buyer's premium, discounted to 10% for check/eCheck/wire. The public lot masks the hammer price; no payment-specific settlement total is asserted.
GreatCollections archive: 1909-S VDB red centNewer documented sale
$7,338.30- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS65+RB, CAC
- Sold
- Auction house
- Heritage Auctions, CSNS, auction 1393, lot 3604
- Specimen / lot
- PCGS certificate 35055273. Different specimen, numerical grade and red-brown color designation from the Blay MS67RD benchmark; not a like-for-like price change.
Heritage's exact published sold total is $7,338.30, including its stated 22% buyer's premium. Do not round it to the APR table's whole-dollar display.
Heritage 1393/3604: 1909-S VDB, MS65+RB -
36
1856 Flying Eagle cent, Business Strike1 cent
Notable auction sale$343,125Newer sale: $192,000 (Nov 21, 2024)
PCGS MS66, CAC
PCGS certificate 81467176, matched to the benchmark auction lot by its certificate number. The gallery was explicitly labeled TrueView. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1856 Flying Eagle cent, Business Strike
The 1856 Flying Eagle cent predates regular small-cent production. This record uses a specimen certified as a business strike.
What makes this one different
Expert attribution is needed to distinguish business strikes from proofs and restrikes; the date alone cannot establish the strike classification.
Penny errors & varietiesEarlier documented sale
$343,125- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS66, CAC
- Sold
- Auction house
- GreatCollections
- Specimen / lot
- PCGS certificate 81467176.
Realized price including buyer's premium, cross-checked against GreatCollections' published realized-price list or sale-results article; not the hammer bid alone.
GreatCollections: 1856 Flying Eagle Cent PCGS MS-66 (CAC Green)Newer documented sale
$192,000- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS66
- Sold
- Auction house
- Heritage Auctions
- Specimen / lot
- The PCGS MS66 specimen sold by Heritage on November 21, 2024; no identity match to the GreatCollections benchmark is assumed.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. The original auction lot supplies the sold date.
Heritage Auctions: 1856 Flying Eagle cent, Business StrikeFurther readingPCGS Auction Prices: 1856 Flying Eagle cent, Business Strike Heritage Auctions: original auction lot for 1856 Flying Eagle cent, Business Strike GreatCollections: realized prices including buyer's premium GreatCollections: auction or published sale results GreatCollections: auction or published sale results PCGS certificate 81467176: TrueView gallery verifiedLink to this coin -
37
1877 Indian Head cent1 cent
Notable auction sale$340,875
PCGS MS66+RD, CAC
PCGS certificate 6615669, matched to the benchmark auction lot by its certificate number. The gallery was explicitly labeled TrueView. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1877 Indian Head cent
The key-date Indian Head cent is represented by a highly preserved red specimen from the Stewart Blay sale.
What makes this one different
Authenticate the date and original surfaces. Altered dates, counterfeits and color enhancement can make comparisons with a certified red gem misleading.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$340,875- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS66+RD, CAC
- Sold
- Auction house
- GreatCollections
- Specimen / lot
- PCGS certificate 6615669. Stewart Blay / Red Copper sale.
Realized price including buyer's premium, cross-checked against GreatCollections' published realized-price list or sale-results article; not the hammer bid alone.
GreatCollections: 1877 Indian Cent PCGS MS-66+ RD (CAC Green)No later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
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38
1802 Draped Bust cent, Normal Reverse1 cent
Notable auction sale$333,500Newer sale: $141,000 (Mar 2017)
PCGS MS67RB
Representative same-issue PCGS MS67RB specimen; no identity match to the benchmark sale is asserted. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1802 Draped Bust cent, Normal Reverse
This high-grade 1802 cent is cataloged separately from the No Stems and fraction-error varieties.
What makes this one different
Identify the reverse variety before comparing prices. The benchmark is for an unusually well-preserved regular-reverse coin, not every 1802 cent.
Penny errors & varietiesEarlier documented sale
$333,500- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS67RB
- Sold
- Auction house
- Goldberg Auctioneers
- Specimen / lot
- The PCGS MS67RB specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. Month precision retained because the exact lot-closing day was not independently established.
PCGS Auction Prices: 1802 Draped Bust cent, Normal ReverseNewer documented sale
$141,000- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS67RB
- Sold
- Auction house
- Stack's Bowers and Sotheby's, Pogue V, lot 5118
- Specimen / lot
- The CoinFacts condition census records both the 2009 Goldberg benchmark and this Pogue sale in the same specimen history.
PCGS reported auction realization, including buyer's premium under APR's published convention. Month precision retained.
PCGS CoinFacts: 1802 cent auction history -
39
1796 Draped Bust cent, Reverse of 1794 (S-110)1 cent
Notable auction sale$329,000
PCGS MS66+BN
Representative same-issue PCGS MS66+BN specimen; no identity match to the benchmark sale is asserted. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1796 Draped Bust cent, Reverse of 1794 (S-110)
The reverse style provides a distinct variety within the first year of Draped Bust cents.
What makes this one different
Compare the wreath and lettering with an attributed S-110; the portrait and date alone do not establish the reverse style.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$329,000- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS66+BN
- Sold
- Auction house
- Stack's Bowers
- Specimen / lot
- The PCGS MS66+BN specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. Month precision retained because the exact lot-closing day was not independently established.
PCGS Auction Prices: 1796 Draped Bust cent, Reverse of 1794 (S-110)No later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
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40
1955 Philadelphia doubled die obverse Lincoln cent (FS-101)1 cent
Notable auction sale$320,625Newer documented sale
PCGS MS65+RD, CAC
PCGS service photograph of certificate 44549582, the Blay MS65+RD specimen in the 2023 benchmark and February 2025 GreatCollections repeat sale. NOT the Whispering Pines MS65RD specimen in the January 2025 comparison retained under additionalSales. Photo: PCGS CoinFacts / TrueView 1955 Philadelphia doubled die obverse Lincoln cent (FS-101)
This widely collected die variety shows dramatic doubling of the date and obverse inscriptions. The Blay auction demonstrates the premium for a particularly well-preserved red example, rather than the value of every 1955 cent.
What makes this one different
FS-101 shows broad doubling of the date, LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST. A normal 1955 cent or weak isolated doubling is not equivalent; grade and red versus brown color also matter.
Penny errors & varietiesEarlier documented sale
$287,156.25- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS65+RD, CAC
- Sold
- Auction house
- GreatCollections, Stewart Blay Red Copper Collection, item 1272982
- Specimen / lot
- Stewart Blay Red Copper Collection, PCGS certificate 44549582; different from the later Whispering Pines MS65RD specimen.
Exact published realization from the PCGS condition census; the PCGS press release rounds it to $287,156. GreatCollections specifies 12.5% standard buyer's premium, discounted to 10% for qualifying payment. Hammer and payment-specific settlement were not independently exposed on the public lot.
PCGS CoinFacts: 1955 doubled die red, condition censusNewer documented sale
$320,625- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS65+RD, CAC
- Sold
- Auction house
- GreatCollections
- Specimen / lot
- PCGS certificate 44549582. Ex. Stewart Blay / Red Copper. Same certificate as the 2023 benchmark.
Realized price including buyer's premium, cross-checked against GreatCollections' published realized-price list or sale-results article; not the hammer bid alone.
GreatCollections: 1955 Lincoln Cent Doubled Die Obverse PCGS MS-65+ RD (CAC Green) (Ex. Stewart Blay / Red Copper)Further readingPCGS CoinFacts: 1955 doubled die red GreatCollections 1272982: Blay MS65+RD lot PCGS: Stewart Blay auction results Heritage 1380/4671: Whispering Pines MS65RD sale GreatCollections: realized prices including buyer's premium GreatCollections: auction or published sale resultsLink to this coin -
41
1856 Flying Eagle cent, Proof1 cent
Notable auction sale$312,000
PCGS PR67+, CAC
PCGS certificate 40323017, matched to the benchmark auction lot by its certificate number. The gallery was explicitly labeled TrueView. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1856 Flying Eagle cent, Proof
The proof classification is a genuine strike distinction from the business-strike 1856 entry.
What makes this one different
The cited Snow-3 proof attribution must be verified professionally. Bright or polished surfaces do not by themselves make a coin a proof.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$312,000- Grade at sale
- PCGS PR67+, CAC
- Sold
- Auction house
- Heritage Auctions
- Specimen / lot
- The PCGS PR67+, CAC specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. The original auction lot supplies the sold date.
Heritage Auctions: 1856 Flying Eagle cent, ProofNo later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
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42
1807/6 Draped Bust cent, Small 7 (S-272)1 cent
Notable auction sale$305,500
PCGS AU55BN
Representative same-issue PCGS AU55BN specimen; no identity match to the benchmark sale is asserted. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1807/6 Draped Bust cent, Small 7 (S-272)
The Small 7 overdate is distinct from the Large 7 overdate of the same year.
What makes this one different
Confirm the small overpunched 7 and blunt 1 associated with S-272; the two overdate varieties have different sale histories.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$305,500- Grade at sale
- PCGS AU55BN
- Sold
- Auction house
- Stack's Bowers
- Specimen / lot
- The PCGS AU55BN specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. Month precision retained because the exact lot-closing day was not independently established.
PCGS Auction Prices: 1807/6 Draped Bust cent, Small 7 (S-272)No later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
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43
1793 Wreath cent, Lettered Edge1 cent
Notable auction sale$293,750
PCGS MS64BN
Representative same-issue PCGS MS62BN specimen; no identity match to the benchmark sale is asserted. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1793 Wreath cent, Lettered Edge
Lettered-edge Wreath cents form a separate early-cent variety from the vine-and-bars-edge coins.
What makes this one different
A photograph of the obverse and reverse alone cannot establish the edge variety. Confirm the edge lettering and certified attribution.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$293,750- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS64BN
- Sold
- Auction house
- Legend Rare Coin Auctions
- Specimen / lot
- The PCGS MS64BN specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. Month precision retained because the exact lot-closing day was not independently established.
PCGS Auction Prices: 1793 Wreath cent, Lettered EdgeNo later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
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44
1803 Draped Bust cent, Small Date and Large Fraction (S-257)1 cent
Notable auction sale$282,000
PCGS MS67RB
Representative same-issue PCGS MS63+BN specimen; no identity match to the benchmark sale is asserted. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1803 Draped Bust cent, Small Date and Large Fraction (S-257)
The date size and reverse fraction together identify the selected S-257 variety.
What makes this one different
Both sides matter: confirm the small-date obverse and large-fraction reverse rather than identifying it from a single numeral.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$282,000- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS67RB
- Sold
- Auction house
- Stack's Bowers
- Specimen / lot
- The PCGS MS67RB specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. Month precision retained because the exact lot-closing day was not independently established.
PCGS Auction Prices: 1803 Draped Bust cent, Small Date and Large Fraction (S-257)No later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
Further readingPCGS Auction Prices: 1803 Draped Bust cent, Small Date and Large Fraction (S-257) Stack's Bowers: original auction lot for 1803 Draped Bust cent, Small Date and Large Fraction (S-257) PCGS certificate 32782995: verified TrueView photograph PCGS CoinFacts: matching issue photograph referenceLink to this coin -
45
1922 No D Lincoln cent, Strong Reverse1 cent
Notable auction sale$253,125Newer sale: $241,875 (Mar 9, 2025)
PCGS MS64RD, CAC
PCGS certificate 5332444, matched to the benchmark auction lot by its certificate number. The gallery was explicitly labeled TrueView. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1922 No D Lincoln cent, Strong Reverse
The Strong Reverse No D variety is distinct from weak-mintmark and weak-reverse 1922 cents.
What makes this one different
A missing-looking D is not enough. Confirm the recognized strong-reverse die pairing and rule out wear or removal of the mintmark.
Penny errors & varietiesEarlier documented sale
$253,125- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS64RD, CAC
- Sold
- Auction house
- GreatCollections
- Specimen / lot
- PCGS certificate 5332444. Stewart Blay / Red Copper sale.
Realized price including buyer's premium, cross-checked against GreatCollections' published realized-price list or sale-results article; not the hammer bid alone.
GreatCollections: 1922-No D Lincoln Cent Strong Reverse PCGS MS-64 RD (CAC Green) OGH (Red Copper Collection)Newer documented sale
$241,875- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS64RD, CAC
- Sold
- Auction house
- GreatCollections
- Specimen / lot
- PCGS certificate 5332444. Same certificate as the benchmark; selected observed repeat sale.
Realized price including buyer's premium, cross-checked against GreatCollections' published realized-price list or sale-results article; not the hammer bid alone.
GreatCollections: 1922-No D Lincoln Cent Strong Reverse PCGS MS-64 RD (CAC Green) (Ex. Stewart Blay / Red Copper) -
46
1802 Draped Bust cent, No Stems1 cent
Notable auction sale$241,500
PCGS MS66
Representative same-issue PCGS MS64+RB specimen; no identity match to the benchmark sale is asserted. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1802 Draped Bust cent, No Stems
The missing wreath stems define this reverse variety, separate from the normal-reverse 1802 issue.
What makes this one different
Check both stem locations and the full die pairing; worn or tooled stems can imitate the feature.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$241,500- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS66
- Sold
- Auction house
- Goldberg Auctioneers
- Specimen / lot
- The PCGS MS66 specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. Month precision retained because the exact lot-closing day was not independently established.
PCGS Auction Prices: 1802 Draped Bust cent, No StemsNo later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
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47
1796 Draped Bust cent, Reverse of 1795 (S-92)1 cent
Notable auction sale$235,000
PCGS MS66RB, CAC
Representative same-issue PCGS MS65+BN specimen; no identity match to the benchmark sale is asserted. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1796 Draped Bust cent, Reverse of 1795 (S-92)
S-92 pairs the Draped Bust portrait with the Reverse of 1795. The selected result is for an MS66 red-brown specimen.
What makes this one different
Verify the reverse style and S-92 die marriage. Surface color is a grade designation, not an extra issue.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$235,000- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS66RB, CAC
- Sold
- Auction house
- Stack's Bowers
- Specimen / lot
- The PCGS MS66RB, CAC specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. Month precision retained because the exact lot-closing day was not independently established.
PCGS Auction Prices: 1796 Draped Bust cent, Reverse of 1795 (S-92)No later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
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48
1795 Liberty Cap cent, Lettered Edge (S-75)1 cent
Notable auction sale$223,250
PCGS MS65+RB
Representative same-issue PCGS MS65BN specimen; no identity match to the benchmark sale is asserted. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1795 Liberty Cap cent, Lettered Edge (S-75)
The lettered edge distinguishes this 1795 cent from the plain- and reeded-edge issues.
What makes this one different
The edge must be visible and correctly attributed. Do not transfer the result to a common plain-edge coin of the same date.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$223,250- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS65+RB
- Sold
- Auction house
- Stack's Bowers
- Specimen / lot
- The PCGS MS65+RB specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. Month precision retained because the exact lot-closing day was not independently established.
PCGS Auction Prices: 1795 Liberty Cap cent, Lettered Edge (S-75)No later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
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49
1813 Classic Head cent (S-293)1 cent
Notable auction sale$211,500
PCGS MS65BN, CAC
Representative same-issue PCGS MS64RB specimen; no identity match to the benchmark sale is asserted. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1813 Classic Head cent (S-293)
The selected result is for a high-grade S-293 example of the Classic Head series.
What makes this one different
Check the date, die marriage and surfaces; ordinary circulated Classic Head cents are not comparable to this MS65 specimen.
Penny errors & varietiesNotable auction sale
$211,500- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS65BN, CAC
- Sold
- Auction house
- Stack's Bowers
- Specimen / lot
- The PCGS MS65BN, CAC specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. Month precision retained because the exact lot-closing day was not independently established.
PCGS Auction Prices: 1813 Classic Head cent (S-293)No later auction result is included for this issue. That does not establish that no later sale occurred.
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50
1798 Draped Bust cent, Second Hair Style (S-179)1 cent
Notable auction sale$207,000Newer sale: $69,000 (Mar 2020)
PCGS MS65
Representative same-issue PCGS MS65+BN specimen; no identity match to the benchmark sale is asserted. Photo: PCGS TrueView 1798 Draped Bust cent, Second Hair Style (S-179)
The selected S-179 sale illustrates the premium for exceptional preservation in an early large cent.
What makes this one different
Confirm the second hair style and S-179 die pairing. A worn 1798 cent should not be compared directly with this MS65 sale.
Penny errors & varietiesEarlier documented sale
$207,000- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS65
- Sold
- Auction house
- Goldberg Auctioneers
- Specimen / lot
- The PCGS MS65 specimen in the cited auction result. No unverified pedigree or certificate identity is inferred.
Reported auction realization including buyer's premium under PCGS Auction Prices' stated convention. Month precision retained because the exact lot-closing day was not independently established.
PCGS Auction Prices: 1798 Draped Bust cent, Second Hair Style (S-179)Newer documented sale
$69,000- Grade at sale
- PCGS MS65+BN, CAC
- Sold
- Auction house
- Stack's Bowers, March 2020 Baltimore, lot 7007
- Specimen / lot
- Garrett-Pogue S-179, PCGS certificate 32219412; the catalog traces it through the September 2008 Goldberg lot 178.
PCGS reported auction realization, including buyer's premium under APR's published convention. Month precision retained.
PCGS APR: March 2020 S-179 cent
No matching coins. Try another date or category.
Good research starts with the sale.
Compare the same date, mint mark, variety, strike and grade before comparing prices. A spectacular auction result is evidence of one transaction, not an appraisal or a promise.
How this list is put together
Seven denomination lists contain 50 distinct coin issues each, for 350 researched entries. The overall top 50 is drawn from that collection. Lists are ordered by the highest documented sale included for each entry, not a current price estimate. This is a curated selection of notable U.S. and early American auctions, not an exhaustive census of every transaction or a live auction feed. Distinct dates, mint marks, varieties and strike types can appear separately; different grades of the same issue do not fill extra places. Museum-only coins, unsold bids, estimates and private transactions are excluded from the ranking.
Each sale links to its auctioneer or a grading-service record, with the grade reported at that sale. Newer documented sales appear separately when verified; they can involve another specimen or grade and do not show a like-for-like price change. Sorting by newest uses the newest sale included in each entry, not a claim that every auction has been searched.
Buyer-premium treatment is stated with each result. Historical dollars are not adjusted for inflation; taxes and shipping are not assumed included. Sources can report an auction's closing date instead of the individual session date. We use the session date where established and otherwise show the verified month.
Why isn't the unique 1849 double eagle ranked?
A museum rarity can attract large estimates without a comparable public sale. This resource ranks documented auction transactions, so it does not turn an estimate for a Smithsonian-held coin into a sold price.
Is my coin worth the price shown?
Not necessarily. The precise variety, authenticity, surfaces, grade and provenance matter. Many similar-looking coins are common. Do not clean a possible rarity; compare its details and get an independent authentication or appraisal before treating a headline result as your coin's value.
Photographs & corrections
These are real coin photographs, credited to their sources in every entry. The caption identifies the exact sold specimen where established; otherwise it identifies a reference example. No AI-generated coin details are used. CoinHub's editorial selections and descriptions are independent of the grading services and auction houses.
Have a newer public sale or a correction? Send CoinHub the auction link and lot number. The checked date changes only after editorial review, not automatically when the calendar changes.