The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first introduced in 1909 to honor President Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. Designed by Victor David Brenner, it was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person instead of Lady Liberty. The coin’s reverse side shows two stalks of wheat, giving it the name Wheat Penny. This design was used until 1958, after which the Lincoln Memorial design replaced it.
Why Are Some Lincoln Wheat Pennies Worth $100,000?
Not all Lincoln Wheat Pennies are valuable, but certain rare versions can be worth up to $100,000 due to their limited mintage, minting errors, or unique features. Here are three of the most valuable ones:
1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Features the initials “VDB” of designer Victor David Brenner.
- Minted in San Francisco (S mint mark) with only 484,000 coins produced.
- In perfect condition, this penny can sell for over $100,000.
1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny
- During World War II, pennies were made of steel to save copper.
- A few 1943 pennies were mistakenly struck in copper instead of steel.
- Only about 20 to 40 of these exist, and they have been sold for over $100,000.
1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Wheat Penny
- A minting error caused the letters and date to appear doubled.
- Collectors highly seek this error, making the coin very valuable.
- In excellent condition, it can be worth $100,000 or more.
How to Identify a Rare Lincoln Wheat Penny
If you want to check whether you own a valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny, look for:
- Mint Mark – The letters S (San Francisco), D (Denver), or no mint mark (Philadelphia) can indicate rarity.
- Minting Errors – Look for doubled letters, misaligned strikes, or other unusual markings.
- Year of the Coin – The most valuable pennies are from 1909-S, 1943 (copper), and 1955 (doubled die).
- Condition – Uncirculated or well-preserved coins are worth much more.
Are These Rare Pennies Still in Circulation?
Despite being 60 to 100 years old, some rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies may still be in circulation. Many people are unaware of their value and use them as regular pennies. Coin collectors continue to search in loose change, bank rolls, and old collections in hopes of finding these valuable coins.
How to Find a Rare Lincoln Wheat Penny
If you want to try your luck, here are some ways to find one:
- Check your pocket change for old pennies.
- Get rolls of pennies from banks and search through them.
- Look at estate sales, flea markets, and garage sales for old coin collections.
- Use a magnifying glass to spot rare minting errors.
Conclusion
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a historic coin, and some rare versions can be worth up to $100,000. Whether it’s the 1909-S VDB, 1943 Copper, or 1955 Doubled Die, these coins are highly valuable. Since they may still be hiding in everyday pocket change, checking your old pennies could lead to an exciting discovery. If you think you have a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny, it’s worth getting it appraised—you might be holding a small fortune!
Disclaimer: The prices mentioned for rare coins, including the Lincoln Wheat Penny, are not guaranteed and may not be entirely accurate due to market fluctuations and varying appraisals.