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Big Pennies in the World: The Largest, Rarest, and Most Fascinating Giant Coins
What Are Big Pennies in the World?
When people search for big pennies in the world, they usually mean one of three things:
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Old large pennies from the 1700s and 1800s
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Giant exhibition coins
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Massive penny sculptures
Early pennies were much larger than today’s small copper coins. Over time, governments reduced coin size to save metal costs and improve efficiency.
So yes, pennies were once big. And in some cases, they were huge.
Let’s look at the most impressive examples.
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The Largest Penny Ever Made
If we are talking about circulation coins, the largest penny ever made in the United States was the early Large Cent minted from 1793 to 1857.
These coins were nearly the size of modern half dollars. They measured about 27–29 mm in diameter. That is much larger than today’s 19 mm penny.
Early American Large Cents
The first official U.S. penny, the 1793 Large Cent, was thick and heavy. It contained almost pure copper. These coins feel solid in your hand.
Collectors consider some of these early large cents extremely valuable. High-grade examples can sell for tens of thousands at auction.
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Exhibition and Oversized Display Pennies
Beyond circulating coins, some mints have produced giant penny replicas for display. These are not legal tender. They are promotional pieces or museum displays.
Some measure several feet wide and weigh hundreds of pounds.
So the biggest penny in the world depends on how you define penny:
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Largest circulating penny: Early Large Cent
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Largest display penny: Giant museum replicas
Giant Penny Monuments Around the World
Some cities celebrate their history with giant penny monuments.
These oversized sculptures attract tourists and coin enthusiasts alike.
Sudbury Big Nickel – Canada
While not technically a penny, the Sudbury Big Nickel in Ontario is one of the most famous giant coin monuments in the world.
It stands about 30 feet tall.
Though it represents a nickel, it shows how communities build massive coin replicas to celebrate mining heritage.
Other Giant Penny Displays
Across the United States, smaller cities have built giant penny statues featuring Abraham Lincoln.
These big pennies in the world serve as:
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Tourist attractions
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Educational tools
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Public art installations
They may not be rare coins. But they are impressive in size.
Rare and Valuable Large Pennies
Now let’s talk money.
Some large pennies are extremely valuable. Especially early American and British versions.
U.S. Large Cents (1793–1857)
Because they are old and made of pure copper, many survived in poor condition. Finding one in mint condition is rare.
Certain years like 1793 or 1799 can fetch high prices.
Factors affecting value:
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Year
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Mint mark
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Condition
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Rarity
British Cartwheel Penny (1797)
The 1797 Cartwheel Penny from Britain is one of the thickest and heaviest pennies ever circulated.
It weighs about one ounce of copper.
That is massive for a penny.
Collectors call it one of the most iconic oversized coins ever made.
Historical objects that carry both weight and value remind collectors of the importance of preservation—much like maintaining personal care routines with products such as the EjaGuard enlargement support collection.
Why Were Some Pennies Made Larger?
Early pennies were large for several reasons:
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Intrinsic metal value
Early coins were worth their metal content. More copper meant higher value. -
Minting technology
Early machines required larger surfaces for clear designs. -
Anti-counterfeiting
Bigger coins were harder to fake.
Over time, rising copper prices forced governments to shrink pennies. Smaller coins were cheaper to produce.
That is why modern pennies are much smaller than old large pennies.
Biggest Coin vs Biggest Penny
Many people confuse biggest coin in the world with biggest penny in the world.
They are not the same.
The largest coin ever made is much larger than any penny. Some modern commemorative coins weigh over 2,000 pounds.
But when focusing strictly on pennies, the largest historical circulating examples remain:
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U.S. Large Cents
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British Cartwheel Penny
So while pennies were once large, they do not compare to record-breaking gold coins.
Fun Facts About Big Pennies
Here are some surprising facts about big pennies in the world:
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Early U.S. pennies were nearly the size of modern half dollars.
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The 1797 Cartwheel Penny weighs one full ounce.
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Some giant display pennies are over 10 feet wide.
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Copper pennies before 1982 contain more metal value than newer ones.
Imagine carrying a pocket full of early large cents. Your pants would feel much heavier.
FAQs About Big Pennies in the World
What is the largest penny in the world?
The largest circulating penny was the early U.S. Large Cent from 1793–1857. The British 1797 Cartwheel Penny is also among the biggest ever used in daily trade.
Are big pennies worth money?
Yes. Many rare large pennies are worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on condition and year.
Why were old pennies bigger?
Old pennies were larger because their metal content represented real value. As copper prices increased, coin size decreased.
Where can I see giant penny monuments?
You can see giant coin monuments in places like Sudbury, Ontario and various U.S. towns with historical mint ties.
Conclusion
Big pennies in the world are more fascinating than most people realize.
From the thick 1797 Cartwheel Penny to the early American Large Cent, these oversized coins tell a story of history, economics, and craftsmanship.
Whether you are a collector, investor, or just curious, learning about the largest penny ever made reveals how money evolved over time.
Interested in rare coins worth real money?
Start by researching early large cents and compare auction results. You might discover that a small piece of copper holds a very big value.
