How to Find an $800K Penny: 3 Markings to Look for in Your Change Jar!

The US Mint's discontinuation of the penny has led to a surge in value for certain rare coins.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:38am

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An extreme close-up of a shiny, metallic coin surface with intricate textures and patterns, conceptually representing the hidden value and historical significance of rare coins in the modern era.The discontinuation of the penny has created a new market for rare and valuable coins, with some final-edition pennies selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars, exposing the potential value hidden in people's change jars.Denver Today

With the recent discontinuation of the penny, certain rare coins are now fetching astronomical prices. A collection of special, final-edition pennies reportedly sold for $16.76 million at a California auction. Experts believe the value of these coins is justified by their historical significance and rarity. The article provides three key tests to help identify potentially valuable pennies, including looking for the Greek letter Omega (Ω) symbol, an 'S' mint mark, and the magnet test for 1943 and 1944 pennies.

Why it matters

The discontinuation of the penny has created a new market for rare and valuable coins, with some final-edition pennies selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars. This highlights the potential value hidden in people's change jars and the importance of coin collecting as a hobby.

The details

The highlight of the $16.76 million auction was several sets of 232 three-coin collections, each including a 2025-D penny minted in Denver, a standard 2025 penny, and a historic 2025 penny struck from pure 24-karat gold. These coins featured the Greek letter Omega (Ω), symbolizing the end of the penny's two-century legacy. The auction saw intense bidding, with each set averaging around $72,000 and 17 individual lots selling for over $100,000 each. The final set, designated #232, ultimately sold for $800,000.

  • The US Mint officially ceased production of pennies in November of 2025.
  • In 2021, a 1931-S Lincoln cent in good condition sold for $18,600.

The players

Stack's Bowers Galleries

The auction house that handled the sale of the rare 2025 pennies, which marked the highest value auction of special coins sold on behalf of the US Mint.

Donald Trump

The former US president who directed the halt of penny production, citing the fact that it cost more to produce a penny than its face value.

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What they’re saying

“For far too long, the United States has minted pennies which literally cost us more than 2 cents. This is so wasteful! I have instructed my Secretary of the U.S. Treasury to stop producing new pennies.”

— Donald Trump, Former US President

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.