Ever thought that a penny could be worth nearly a million dollars? Sounds crazy, right? But it’s true. Some rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies are worth up to $950,000. And here’s the fun part—they might still be out there, passing from hand to hand like any regular coin.
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first made in 1909. It was a special year because it marked 100 years since Abraham Lincoln was born.
This was the first U.S. coin to show a real person. Before this, coins had symbols like eagles or Lady Liberty. But now, they put Lincoln’s face on it. The back had two wheat stalks, showing the importance of farming in America. This design stayed until 1958. After that, the Lincoln Memorial took its place.
Pennies Worth
Not every Lincoln Wheat Penny is valuable. Most are only worth a few cents. But a few special ones are super rare, and that makes them worth a lot.
The most expensive ones are rare because of mistakes during minting or limited production. The famous 1943 copper penny is one of these. During World War II, the U.S. Mint used steel instead of copper to save the metal for the war. But a few copper blanks were still in the machine, and they were used by accident.
These copper 1943 pennies are now worth more than $1.7 million!
Another rare one is the 1909-S VDB penny. The designer, Victor David Brenner, put his initials (VDB) on the coin. But people didn’t like that, so they removed the initials after only a few coins were made. That makes it rare and valuable.
Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
| Year | Mint Mark | Special Feature | Value (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 | No mark or S/D | Made of copper by mistake | $950,000 – $1.7M |
| 1909 | S | VDB initials | $700 – $100,000+ |
| 1914 | D | Rare mint location | $300 – $10,000+ |
| 1922 | No mark | Rare due to no mint mark | $500 – $10,000+ |
How to Spot a Rare Penny
Want to try your luck finding one? Here’s what to check: First, look at the date. Pennies from 1909, 1914, 1922, and 1943 are the ones to watch. Then check the mint mark below the date. “S” means San Francisco, “D” means Denver, and no mark means Philadelphia. San Francisco and Denver coins are usually more rare.
Also, the condition matters. A shiny penny with sharp details is worth more than a scratched, faded one. Coin grading services give scores to coins. Higher scores mean higher value.
The Fun of Searching
The best part? These pennies might still be in your pocket, coin jar, or an old drawer. Some people have found them in loose change, old collections, or even under couch cushions. You never know where one might pop up.
If you think you found one, handle it with care. Don’t clean it. That could ruin its value. Hold it by the edges and put it in a soft holder.
More Than Just Money
These pennies aren’t just about the cash. They are tiny pieces of history. Each rare coin tells a story—about war, about how coins were made, and about how things changed over time.
They connect us to the past. And because some are lost or damaged every year, the few that remain become even more special.
So next time you get change or look through an old piggy bank, take a closer look at those pennies. One of them could be worth a fortune.
FAQs
What is a Lincoln Wheat Penny?
It’s a penny made from 1909 to 1958 with Lincoln’s face and wheat on the back.
How can I tell if my penny is rare?
Check the year, mint mark, and if it’s in good condition.
Can I still find these pennies today?
Yes, some are still in pocket change or old jars.
Should I clean my old penny?
No, cleaning can lower its value.
Who can check my penny’s value?
A coin expert or grading service can help.
