Pennies ... (or cents to be correct) are the most popular coin to collect in numismatics.

A valid comparison???

It's what one can afford for the most part... or how much one wants to "invest" in their hobby.

Are there valuable pennies to collect? Of course ... just like there are valuable $1 chips ... most of both however are common.

Cent collectors, generally speaking, don't collect $5, $10 & $20 gold coins ... just like $1 chip collectors, generally speaking, don't collect $25 & $100 chips. It's all a matter of preferences and pocketbook.