Embracing ‘Save the Small Cent Sunday’ in My Collection Journey

There’s something special about hunting for small cents on Sundays—my little ritual I call “Save the Small Cent Sunday.” It’s not about stockpiling pennies; it’s about connecting with history, chasing rarities, and swapping stories with fellow collectors. Over time, I’ve learned this hobby keeps surprising me, whether I’m finding treasures in loose change or debating what’s next for these little copper pieces.

Why Small Cents Belong in Your Collection

For so many of us, Lincoln cents were our first love in coin collecting. What grabs me is how approachable they are—you might find one in your pocket right now—and how they weave through over a century of American life. The real fun? The hunt. Chasing that elusive 1909-S VDB (still on my wish list!) or spotting quirky errors like triple curved clips. Even with billions minted, that jolt of excitement when you find something special never gets old. Plus, they’re perfect for getting new collectors hooked without emptying their wallets.

Cents Worth Hunting For (And Why)

Based on years of searching, focusing on certain issues can turn a casual glance into something magical. Here are some of my favorites:

• 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent: Only 484,000 made—this one’s the crown jewel. I remember holding an NGC EF-40 example once; even well-worn, it’s breathtaking as the series opener.
• 1958 Lincoln Cent: Common, yes, but I’ll never forget finding one in change years back—that little coin kicked off my wheat cent obsession.
• 1856 Flying Eagle Cent: Found one in an old collection years ago. It’s not super rare, but owning the very first U.S. small cent feels like holding history.
• Low-Mintage Years: Keep an eye out for 1931-S (866,000 minted) or 1922-D (7 million). I always dig through rolls looking for pre-1959 wheat backs—mintage lists are my cheat sheet.

Modern varieties like the 1960 small/large dates are fun puzzles, but with billions minted, condition and errors matter more than rarity for recent coins.

Handy Tips for Finding and Grading Small Cents

From my own adventures, here’s what works:

• Start with Pocket Change: My coffee money often funds my hunts! Keep a loupe handy—even ordinary cents can hide doubled dies or off-center strikes.
• Grading Smart: Shoot for EF (Extremely Fine) or better. My favorite Lincoln cent? An NGC MS-63BN with crisp wheat stalks. For key dates, NGC or PCGS slabs really help with value.
• Storing Right: Acid-free albums or flips are essential—I learned the hard way after a toned beauty got ruined. Cotton gloves save surfaces.
• Error Spotting: Watch for clips, laminations, or planchet flaws. My incomplete planchet cent? Worth pennies, but always gets folks talking at shows.

What’s Happening in the Market and the Penny Cost Debate

Let’s be honest—small cents won’t make you rich, but they’re packed with stories. I’ve seen common-date rolls sell for silly prices, but unless it’s a rare date or top-grade error, don’t expect big returns. The real talk? It costs nearly 3.7 cents to make one cent! Some say scrap them, but I think the Mint should keep striking them—those costs would stick around anyway. Proof sets and special releases (like the VaultBox ones I snagged) give us stunning collectibles without the circulation headaches.

My Personal Highlights and Dream Coins

This hobby’s all about moments: finding a worn 1914-D in my change and feeling that spark, or my childhood 1955 cent still sitting on my desk. That 1909-S VDB remains a dream, but scoring an 1856 Flying Eagle last year? Pure magic. Slabbed gems or beat-up fillers—every cent has a tale that makes my collection richer.

In the end, “Save the Small Cent Sunday” taught me that even the tiniest coins hold big stories. Give it a shot—check your change, study those mintages, share your finds. You might just stumble on something that makes your next Sunday a little brighter.