Have you ever emptied your pocket change and wondered if one of those old coins could be worth a fortune? Believe it or not, a Lincoln Wheat Penny from the early 1900s could sell for millions of dollars today.
Some rare versions of these pennies have even been rumored to carry values close to $100 million because of their history, rarity, and high demand among collectors.
In this article, we’ll break down why these coins are so valuable, what makes them rare, and how you can check if you have one hiding in your coin jar.
What Is a Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first released in 1909 to celebrate 100 years since Abraham Lincoln’s birth. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person’s face.
On the back, it has two stalks of wheat, which is why it’s called the “Wheat Penny.” These pennies were minted until 1958, after which the design was changed to show the Lincoln Memorial.
Why Are Some Wheat Pennies Worth Millions?
Not every Wheat Penny is valuable, but a few rare versions are. The reasons include:
- Mint Errors – Coins that were stamped incorrectly, such as double-die pennies, are highly prized.
- Limited Production – Some pennies were made in very small numbers, making them rare.
- Historical Importance – Coins from certain years, like 1909 (the first release) or 1943 (steel pennies during World War II), carry special value.
For example, the 1943 Copper Wheat Penny is one of the most famous rare coins. Most pennies that year were made of steel, but a few were mistakenly made with copper. These can sell for hundreds of thousands—or even millions—at auction.
The $100 Million Claim
Recently, coin collectors and enthusiasts have been buzzing about whether a Lincoln Wheat Penny could really sell for $100 million. While no coin has officially reached that price, some have sold for over $2 million in major auctions.
Experts believe that if the right rare penny (such as a perfect-condition 1943 copper version) went up for sale, wealthy collectors could drive the price up to an unbelievable figure.
Key Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies and Values
Here’s a quick look at some of the rarest Wheat Pennies and what they’re worth:
| Year & Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB (San Francisco mint, with designer initials) | $1,000 – $60,000 |
| 1914-D (Denver Mint) | $300 – $25,000 |
| 1922 No D (Denver mintmark missing) | $500 – $30,000 |
| 1943 Copper Wheat Penny | $100,000 – $2,000,000+ |
| 1955 Double Die Obverse | $1,000 – $20,000 |
Note: Values depend on condition and rarity.
How to Check If You Have a Rare Penny
If you’re curious whether your Wheat Penny is valuable, here’s what to do:
- Check the Year and Mintmark – Look under the year for letters like “S” (San Francisco) or “D” (Denver). Some mintmarks are rarer than others.
- Look for Errors – Double numbers, missing letters, or strange coloring can signal an error coin.
- Condition Matters – Coins in mint or uncirculated condition are worth far more.
- Get It Appraised – A professional coin dealer can give you an accurate estimate.
The idea of finding a $100 million Lincoln Wheat Penny may sound like a dream, but the truth is, even common pennies in your pocket could be worth thousands if they’re rare.
Collectors pay top prices for unique coins, and history shows that the value of rare Wheat Pennies only continues to rise. So next time you come across an old penny, don’t ignore it—it could be a hidden treasure waiting to change your life.
FAQs
What years of Lincoln Wheat Pennies are most valuable?
The most valuable ones include the 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 No D, 1943 Copper, and 1955 Double Die.
How can I tell if my penny is rare?
Look for the year, mintmark, and any unusual features like double prints or missing letters.
Can I sell Wheat Pennies to a bank?
Banks only accept them as 1 cent. To get real value, you should sell them to a coin dealer or auction house.