Pennies are often overlooked, but what if one of them could be worth a small fortune? The Lincoln Wheat Penny, minted between 1909 and 1958, is a significant piece of American history. While most of these coins are only worth their face value, some rare editions have sold for as much as $100,000. Surprisingly, a few of these valuable pennies are still in circulation, meaning you might come across one without realizing its worth.
The History Behind the Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, also called the Wheat Cent, was first issued in 1909 to honor the 100th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln. It was groundbreaking because it was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person instead of the traditional Lady Liberty.
- Obverse (Front): Displays a portrait of Abraham Lincoln.
- Reverse (Back): Features two wheat stalks, which inspired its nickname, the Wheat Penny.
The design remained in use until 1958, after which the Lincoln Memorial replaced the wheat stalks. While most Lincoln Wheat Pennies are common, a few rare editions are worth a significant amount of money due to errors, low mintage, and special features.
What Makes Some Lincoln Wheat Pennies So Valuable?
Most Wheat Pennies aren’t worth much, but a few rare versions can sell for thousands—or even over $100,000. Here are the most sought-after ones:
1. The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Why it’s valuable: This was part of the first batch of Lincoln Wheat Pennies, but the San Francisco Mint only produced 484,000 coins with the designer’s initials VDB (Victor David Brenner) on the reverse.
- How much it’s worth: A well-preserved 1909-S VDB penny has been sold for over $100,000 at auctions.
2. The 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Why it’s valuable: In 1943, to preserve copper for World War II efforts, the U.S. Mint began producing pennies made of steel. However, a few pennies were accidentally struck in copper, making them extremely rare.
- How many exist? Experts estimate that only 20 to 40 copper versions were made.
- How much it’s worth: A 1943 Copper Penny has sold for over $100,000, and some even higher in pristine condition.
3. The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Why it’s valuable: A minting error caused the date and lettering to appear doubled, making this coin highly desirable among collectors.
- How to identify it: The doubling is most noticeable in the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”.
- How much it’s worth: If found in near-perfect condition, this penny can fetch up to $100,000.
Ways to Identify a Rare Lincoln Wheat Penny
If you’re curious about whether you have a valuable Wheat Penny, here’s what to check:
- Look at the Year and Mint Mark – The 1909-S, 1943 Copper, and 1955 Doubled Die are the most valuable.
- Check for Errors – Look for double lettering, off-center printing, or unusual defects.
- Inspect the Condition – Coins that are well-preserved and uncirculated are far more valuable than worn-out ones.
- Weigh the Coin – A genuine 1943 Copper Penny weighs 3.11 grams, while the common steel version weighs 2.7 grams.
- Get an Expert’s Opinion – If you think you have a rare penny, take it to a professional coin appraiser for verification.
Are These Rare Pennies Still in Circulation?
Believe it or not, some of these valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies can still be found in circulation. Many people don’t realize their worth and unknowingly spend them. That means one of these rare pennies could be hiding in:
- Pocket Change – Some have been found in everyday transactions.
- Coin Jars and Piggy Banks – Check old collections—you might find a hidden gem.
- Bank Rolls – Searching through rolls of pennies from the bank could lead to a rare discovery.
- Estate Sales and Flea Markets – Some valuable coins end up being sold unknowingly.
It’s rare, but people have found these pennies in circulation before, and it could happen again.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Discovering a Rare Penny
If you’re serious about finding one of these valuable pennies, here are some tips:
- Sort Through Your Spare Change – Always check your pennies before spending them.
- Buy Rolls of Pennies from the Bank – Searching through uncirculated rolls can increase your chances.
- Go to Estate and Garage Sales – Many old collections include coins that haven’t been properly valued.
- Use a Magnifying Glass – Some rare errors are hard to see with the naked eye.
With patience and luck, you might stumble upon a fortune in your pocket change.
Final Thoughts
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is more than just a coin—it’s a piece of history that has become a collector’s favorite. While most are only worth a cent, rare editions like the 1909-S VDB, 1943 Copper, and 1955 Doubled Die have sold for over $100,000.
Since some of these rare pennies are still in circulation, checking your spare change could lead to an exciting and valuable discovery. Next time you get a Wheat Penny, take a closer look—you might be holding a small fortune without even knowing it!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Coin values change based on market demand. Always consult a professional numismatist for accurate valuations.
