Two tiny copper coins — each no bigger than a fingernail — currently battle for the crown of most valuable penny in the U.S., with one trading hands for $5.1 million in 2024 and another commanding $4.2 million in early 2025. The undisputed heavyweight champion is the unique 1793 Flowing Hair Chain Cent (Sheldon-1 with “AMERICA” and periods), while its closest rival is the finest-known 1943-D Bronze Lincoln Cent — the only Denver-mint bronze example in existence.
Here’s the head-to-head breakdown of these multi-million dollar pennies, why they dominate every “most valuable U.S. penny” list, current 2025 values, and what it means for collectors chasing the ultimate one-cent treasures.
The $5.1 Million King: 1793 Flowing Hair Chain Cent (S-1)
- Why it’s #1: The very first large cent pattern struck for circulation in 1793 — only 36,103 total Chain cents were made across all varieties, and the S-1 with periods and full “AMERICA” is the rarest die marriage.
- Finest known: PCGS MS-66+ Brown, ex-Bhutan Royal Collection
- Record sale: $5,100,000 private treaty (June 2024) — highest price ever for any U.S. copper coin
- Population: Believed only 3–4 exist in all grades; this is the single finest
- 2025 estimate: $6–$8 million if re-offered
The $4.2 Million Challenger: 1943-D Bronze Lincoln Cent
- Why it’s legendary: The only known Denver-mint 1943 bronze cent — all others are Philadelphia or San Francisco. A wartime accident that should never have happened.
- Grade: PCGS MS-64 Brown, ex-“Denver Collection”
- Record sale: $4,200,000 at Heritage Auctions (January 2025) — new all-time high for any Lincoln cent
- Population: Exactly 1 known (no others have ever surfaced)
- 2025 estimate: $5–$7 million if it ever comes back to market
Side-by-Side: The Ultimate Most Valuable U.S. Penny Showdown
| Feature | 1793 Chain Cent (S-1) | 1943-D Bronze Cent | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sale Price | $5.1 million (2024) | $4.2 million (2025) | 1793 |
| Rarity (known examples) | 3–4 total | 1 total | 1943-D |
| Historical significance | First year of U.S. cent | Only Denver bronze wartime | Tie |
| Grade | MS-66+ Brown | MS-64 Brown | 1793 |
| Eye appeal | Chain reverse, stunning detail | Classic Lincoln wartime story | Subjective |
| Future upside | $6–$8M+ | $5–$7M+ | 1793 |
Other Contenders in the Million-Dollar Penny Club (2025 Values)
| Rank | Coin | Best Known Sale / 2025 Est. |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1943-S Bronze Cent (MS-63 Brown) | $1.7M → $2.5M+ |
| 4 | 1958 Doubled Die Obverse (PCGS AU-58) | $1.14M → $2M+ |
| 5 | 1944-S Steel Cent (MS-66) | $1M+ → $1.8M+ |
| 6 | 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent (MS-68 Red) | $168K → $400K+ |
What This Means for Collectors in 2025
The $5 million vs. $4 million penny battle proves copper remains king in ultra-rare U.S. coinage — outpacing even many gold coins when true one-of-a-kind status is involved. With only a handful of seven-figure pennies known, every new discovery or ownership change sends shockwaves through the market. While most of us will never own either coin, the surge has lifted all rare Lincoln cents — even a nice 1909-S VDB now pushes $200,000 in gem red.
Wrapping Up: Two Pennies, Nine Figures, One Crown
The most valuable pennies in the U.S. aren’t just metal — they’re American history you can hold in your hand. The 1793 Chain Cent wears the crown today at $5.1 million, but the lone 1943-D bronze at $4.2 million is breathing down its neck and could reclaim the title the next time it trades. Until then, both remind us why coin collectors still lose sleep over a single cent.
Dreaming of your own million-dollar penny? Keep checking those wheat cent rolls — stranger things have happened.
