This Ordinary Penny Could Be Worth Up to $85,000 — and How to Tell If You Have One

During times of national urgency, such as wartime periods, material shortages led to adjustments in how coins were produced. These changes were practical at the time, but they also created conditions where rare exceptions could occur. A handful of coins were struck differently than intended, and those few examples quietly entered circulation, largely unnoticed for years.

Because of their potential value, imitation and altered coins are not uncommon. Some have modified dates, while others are coated to resemble more valuable versions. One simple preliminary test collectors often mention involves magnetism, since certain metals react differently. While this alone does not confirm authenticity, it can help determine whether a coin deserves closer attention.