Many coin collectors and curious individuals have heard stories about rare coins being worth a fortune. One such coin that keeps popping up in headlines is the Lincoln Wheat Penny, with reports claiming it’s worth up to $999,000 and still possibly out there in circulation. This might sound unbelievable, but there’s a fascinating history behind this humble one-cent coin that could actually be worth a small fortune.
What Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a one-cent coin that was minted in the United States from 1909 to 1958. It gets its name from the two wheat stalks on the reverse side of the coin. The front of the coin shows the face of President Abraham Lincoln. These pennies were made mostly of copper and are known for their classic design.
Coin collectors love these old pennies, especially rare ones from specific years or with unique errors.
Why Some Lincoln Wheat Pennies Are Worth So Much
Most Lincoln Wheat Pennies are worth only a few cents or maybe a few dollars. But some rare ones, especially from the 1909 and 1943 mint years, can fetch thousands — or even hundreds of thousands — of dollars at auctions.
For example:
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most valuable coins ever. During World War II, pennies were supposed to be made from steel to save copper for war use. But a few bronze (copper) pennies were accidentally struck in 1943. These error coins are incredibly rare and have sold for as much as $999,000 at auctions.
Can These Rare Pennies Still Be Found in Circulation?
While extremely unlikely, the answer is technically yes. Some rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies could still be out there in pockets, jars, or old piggy banks. Because millions were produced, it’s not impossible for one of these rare coins to have slipped through unnoticed over the years.
Most likely, if you find a Lincoln Wheat Penny today, it’s only worth face value or slightly more — but checking the mint year and condition is always a smart idea. You never know!
Key Dates to Look Out For
Here are some of the most valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies to watch for:
- 1909-S VDB: The first year of production; rare due to the low number of coins made with designer initials “VDB.”
- 1914-D: Rare due to limited mintage in Denver.
- 1922 No D: Some pennies from 1922 were struck without the “D” mint mark.
- 1943 Bronze Penny: Accidentally made in bronze instead of steel — worth up to $999,000.
- 1955 Double Die: A misprint that caused the letters to appear doubled — highly valuable.
How to Check If Your Penny Is Valuable
If you find a Lincoln Wheat Penny, here’s what to do:
- Check the date and mint mark (look below the date for letters like “S,” “D,” or no mark).
- Look for errors — double letters, wrong material, or off-center strikes.
- Examine the condition — mint-condition coins are worth more.
- Compare with coin value guides or get it looked at by a professional appraiser or coin shop.
- You can also post a clear photo online in collector forums to get opinions from experienced collectors.
Where Can You Sell a Rare Penny?
If you think you’ve found a valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny, you can:
- Visit a local coin dealer
- Submit it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC
- Sell it at a coin show or auction
- Use trusted online marketplaces like eBay, but beware of scams
The Lincoln Wheat Penny may seem like an ordinary coin, but some rare versions — like the 1943 Bronze Penny — have sold for nearly $1 million. While the chances of finding one in your pocket are slim, they’re not zero. Keep your eyes open, especially when going through old jars, rolls of coins, or inherited collections. That one-cent coin could turn out to be a life-changing discovery.
FAQ
What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a one-cent coin produced from 1909 to 1958, featuring Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat stalks on the back. It was made mostly from copper and is now a favorite among coin collectors.
Why is the 1943 Lincoln Penny so valuable?
The 1943 Lincoln Penny is valuable because a few were mistakenly struck in bronze instead of steel during World War II. These rare error coins have sold for up to $999,000.
Can valuable Lincoln Pennies still be found in circulation?
Yes, while rare, some valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies may still exist in coin jars, old collections, or circulation. It’s always worth checking your change.
What are some other rare Lincoln Penny dates to look for?
Other rare dates include 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 No D, and the 1955 Double Die. These coins are highly sought after by collectors.
How can I sell a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny?
You can sell a rare penny by visiting a certified coin dealer, submitting it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC, or selling through reputable auction houses or online marketplaces.