5 Pennies from the 1970s might be worth over $10,000.

Collecting coins can sometimes lead to exciting discoveries, especially when a seemingly ordinary penny could be worth a lot of money. Some pennies from the 1970s, often overlooked, are now highly valuable due to their rarity or errors made during their production. If you have old pennies lying around, it might be time to take a closer look. This article will explore five different pennies from the 1970s that could be worth more than $10,000.

1. 1972 Double Die Penny

One of the most famous error coins is the 1972 Double Die Penny. This penny was produced with a mistake during the minting process, where the image on the coin was struck twice. As a result, the letters and numbers on the coin appear doubled, particularly in the word “Liberty” and the date “1972.”

• Estimated Value: These pennies can be worth up to $10,000 if they are in excellent condition.
• What to Look For: Check for visible doubling on the lettering.

2. 1970-S Small Date Penny

Another valuable penny to keep an eye out for is the 1970-S Small Date Penny. There were two variations of the 1970-S penny, one with a small date and one with a large date. The small date variety is much rarer and is considered highly valuable by collectors.

• Estimated Value: A 1970-S Small Date Penny in pristine condition can be worth over $5,000.
• What to Look For: The “7” in the date is much higher than on the large date version, and the “S” mint mark is located under the date.

3. 1971 Double Die Penny

Similar to the 1972 Double Die, the 1971 Double Die Penny was created due to a mistake where the image was struck twice. Although not as well-known as the 1972 version, it can still fetch a hefty price among collectors.

• Estimated Value: These coins can reach values of up to $3,500 depending on their condition.
• What to Look For: Doubling on the date and letters is a key feature to watch for.

4. 1974 Aluminum Penny

The 1974 Aluminum Penny is extremely rare and unique. The U.S. Mint experimented with using aluminum to make pennies in 1974 to cut down on costs. However, the plan was abandoned, and almost all of the aluminum pennies were destroyed. Only a few were saved, making this penny one of the rarest out there.

• Estimated Value: Some 1974 Aluminum Pennies have sold for over $250,000.
• What to Look For: If you ever come across an aluminum penny, it could be one of the rarest finds ever.

5. 1979 Wide AM Penny

Lastly, the 1979 Wide AM Penny is another coin that collectors seek out. The spacing between the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” is slightly wider than on regular pennies. This subtle error makes it a valuable collector’s item.

• Estimated Value: In mint condition, this penny can be worth around $1,000.
• What to Look For: Check the spacing between the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA.”

Table of 5 Valuable Pennies from the 1970s

Penny	Key Feature	Estimated Value
1972 Double Die Penny	Doubling on letters and numbers	Up to $10,000
1970-S Small Date Penny	Small date, with distinct mint mark “S”	Over $5,000
1971 Double Die Penny	Doubling on date and letters	Up to $3,500
1974 Aluminum Penny	Made of aluminum (extremely rare)	Over $250,000
1979 Wide AM Penny	Spacing between letters “A” and “M” is wide	Around $1,000

Conclusion

While most pennies are worth only a single cent, certain coins from the 1970s can be incredibly valuable due to errors or unique features. From double die strikes to rare aluminum pennies, these coins are worth much more than their face value. It’s always a good idea to check your old coin collections, as you might just find a penny worth thousands of dollars.

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