Collecting rare U.S. coins has long been a hobby for many enthusiasts, but did you know there are certain pennies that could actually make you rich? These special coins, known for their unique bluish hue, are the result of rare minting errors, unusual material changes, or natural aging processes.
If you’re a coin collector or just someone who enjoys a little treasure hunt, these blue-toned pennies could be the jackpot you’ve been looking for.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at six blue pennies that could significantly boost your collection — and your bank account. Keep reading to discover which coins to keep an eye out for and what makes them so valuable.
1. 1943 Steel Penny: A Wartime Mistake
Year of Mint: 1943
Estimated Value: $1,000+
Unique Feature: Steel composition due to wartime copper conservation
The 1943 Steel Penny is one of the most well-known blue pennies. It was minted during World War II when copper, the usual material for pennies, was reserved for military use. As a result, the U.S. Mint produced pennies made from steel. These steel pennies are easily identifiable by their bluish-silver color.
Not all 1943 Steel Pennies are worth a fortune, but well-preserved examples can fetch a hefty sum — often over $1,000. The historical significance and the rarity of this coin make it a highly sought-after piece for collectors. If you find one in excellent condition, you might just have a little treasure in your hands.
2. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny: A Rare Minting Error
Year of Mint: 1943
Estimated Value: $300,000+
Unique Feature: Rare bronze minting error
While most 1943 pennies were made from steel, a small number were mistakenly minted using bronze, the traditional material for pennies. These rare 1943 Bronze Lincoln Pennies are known for their striking bluish tint, which happens due to oxidation over time.
With fewer than 20 known to exist, the 1943 Bronze Penny is one of the most valuable U.S. coins. Some of these coins have sold for as much as $300,000 at auction. If you ever come across one of these, you could be looking at a life-changing find.
3. 1918-S Lincoln Wheat Penny: A Blue-Tinted Antique
Year of Mint: 1918
Estimated Value: $50,000+
Unique Feature: Blue tint from natural aging
The 1918-S Lincoln Wheat Penny is another blue-toned penny you’ll want to look for. While not a minting error, this penny often takes on a bluish hue due to the natural oxidation process that occurs over time. This coin, which was minted over a century ago, is a valuable piece for collectors, especially in pristine condition.
The 1918-S is part of the Lincoln Wheat Penny series, which has long been a favorite among collectors. If you can find one of these with its unique blue tint, its value can rise significantly, making it a prized find for any coin enthusiast.
4. 1944 Steel Penny: A Rare Mistake with a Blue Tint
Year of Mint: 1944
Estimated Value: $100,000+
Unique Feature: Leftover steel planchets from 1943
Much like the 1943 Steel Penny, the 1944 Steel Penny is a rare mistake. Due to leftover steel planchets from the previous year’s production, a small number of 1944 pennies were mistakenly minted using steel instead of the usual copper. These coins often exhibit a blue tint, making them stand out from the typical 1944 copper pennies.
Because of their rarity, 1944 Steel Pennies are extremely valuable and have been sold for more than $100,000 in some cases. If you find one, it could be worth a lot of money — and it’s definitely a coin worth holding onto.
5. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent: A Historic Coin with a Blue Glow
Year of Mint: 1909
Estimated Value: $100,000+
Unique Feature: First Lincoln penny, limited mintage
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is famous for being the first penny to feature the portrait of Abraham Lincoln. It was produced in limited quantities, making it a rare coin even without the blue tint. However, certain environmental factors have caused some of these pennies to develop a bluish glow, which makes them even more valuable.
Due to its historical significance and rarity, the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is already highly prized among collectors. If one of these coins has a unique blue tint, it could increase its value by a significant amount. A well-preserved example of this penny could easily fetch $100,000 or more.
6. 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent: A Blue-Red Error
Year of Mint: 1969
Estimated Value: $50,000+
Unique Feature: Doubling error on the obverse
The 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent is notable for its error: the “doubled die” effect, which results in a blurry or doubled image on the obverse (front) of the coin. In certain lighting conditions, this doubling error can cause the coin to have a slight bluish tint, making it even more eye-catching.
This coin is already valuable due to its rarity and the error in its production. If you happen to find one in mint or uncirculated condition with the blue tint, it could be worth $50,000 or more.
Blue Pennies to Watch For
| Coin Name | Year | Estimated Value | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Steel Penny | 1943 | $1,000+ | Steel composition due to wartime copper conservation |
| 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny | 1943 | $300,000+ | Rare minting error with blue tint |
| 1918-S Lincoln Wheat Penny | 1918 | $50,000+ | Blue tint from natural aging |
| 1944 Steel Penny | 1944 | $100,000+ | Leftover steel planchets from 1943 |
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent | 1909 | $100,000+ | First Lincoln penny, limited mintage |
| 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent | 1969 | $50,000+ | Doubling error with bluish tint |
Conclusion
Blue pennies are more than just unusual — they’re part of U.S. history. While some of these coins are still in circulation, they’re rare and hard to find. If you’re lucky enough to spot one, it could add significant value to your collection.
Whether it’s the unique bluish tint, a historical error, or a rare material change, these blue-toned pennies are a collector’s dream. Keep your eyes peeled, and you might just discover a treasure worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
FAQs
A 1943 steel penny will have a silver or bluish-silver color, while a bronze penny will have a reddish-brown hue. If your penny is from 1943 and has a unique bluish tint, you might be looking at the steel version.
Penny oxidation over time can cause a coin to develop a bluish tint. This typically happens to older pennies or those made from steel, such as the 1943 Steel Penny.
Not all blue pennies are worth a lot of money. The most valuable ones are those with rare minting errors or unique features, such as the 1943 Bronze Penny or the 1969-S Doubled Die Penny.
To preserve the value of your blue pennies, store them in a cool, dry place in protective coin holders or cases. Avoid cleaning them, as this can decrease their value.
You can sell your blue pennies to coin dealers, at coin shows, or through online auction sites like eBay. Make sure to get your coin appraised to understand its value before selling.
READ MORE: 1937-D Buffalo Nickel Three-Legged Why is this unique error valuable?
