You might think of pennies as just spare change, but some rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies are worth small fortunes. While the idea of a “$1 billion Lincoln Wheat Penny” is an exaggeration, there are real coins out there that have sold for over a million dollars.
If you’ve ever wondered whether that old penny in your drawer could be valuable, you’re in the right place. Let’s look into the most valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies, what makes them special, and how to spot one in your collection.
History
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Designed by Victor David Brenner, the coin features Lincoln’s portrait on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person, replacing the Indian Head Penny.
Minted from 1909 to 1958, the Lincoln Wheat Penny became one of the most recognizable coins in American history. Over the years, some rare variations and minting errors have made certain editions highly collectible.
Value
Not all Lincoln Wheat Pennies are valuable, but some stand out due to rarity, condition, and unique minting errors.
- 1943-D Bronze Penny – A rare mistake during the transition to steel pennies, one sold for $1.7 million.
- 1944-S Steel Penny – Leftover steel planchets from 1943 were mistakenly used, making this coin worth thousands.
- 1955 Doubled Die Penny – A misalignment during minting caused the date and letters to appear doubled, making these worth up to $17,000.
- 1914-D Penny – With only 1.2 million minted, this coin in top condition can sell for $159,000.
- 1922 No D Penny – A die error caused some 1922 pennies to be struck without a mint mark, increasing their value to $5,000 or more.
- 1909-S VDB Penny – The first Lincoln Penny featured the designer’s initials (VDB) on the back. A rare San Francisco version can fetch up to $2,200.
- 1926-S Penny – With only 1.5 million produced, this coin in good condition is worth up to $1,500.
Rare
Here’s a closer look at the rarest Lincoln Wheat Pennies.
1943-D Bronze Penny
- In 1943, pennies were made of steel to save copper for the war.
- A few bronze planchets from 1942 were accidentally used, creating one of the rarest pennies ever.
- A 1943-D bronze penny sold for $1.7 million at auction.
1944-S Steel Penny
- The U.S. Mint returned to copper in 1944, but some leftover steel blanks from 1943 were used by mistake.
- These rare coins can sell for tens of thousands of dollars.
1955 Doubled Die Penny
- A misalignment in the minting process caused the date and inscriptions to appear doubled.
- Depending on condition, these coins can sell for $784 to $17,000.
1914-D Penny
- One of the lowest-mintage Lincoln Pennies, with only 1.2 million made.
- A high-grade specimen sold for $159,000.
1922 No D Penny
- Due to excessive die polishing, some 1922-D pennies were struck without a mint mark.
- In top condition, these coins can be worth over $5,000.
1909-S VDB Penny
- The first year of the Lincoln Penny featured designer Victor David Brenner’s initials (VDB) on the reverse.
- The San Francisco version had a limited mintage, making it one of the most sought-after Lincoln Pennies.
1926-S Penny
- With only 1.5 million minted, this is one of the rarest Lincoln Wheat Pennies.
- In top condition, it can sell for $1,500 or more.
Care
Keeping your coins in top condition is crucial to maintaining their value. Here’s how to preserve them properly:
- Handle with Care – Always hold coins by the edges to avoid fingerprints.
- Store Properly – Use acid-free holders or coin slabs to prevent damage.
- Keep Dry – Humidity can cause coins to corrode, so store them in a climate-controlled environment.
- Avoid Cleaning – Cleaning can scratch the surface and lower a coin’s value.
Sell
If you think you have a valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny, here’s where to sell it:
- Online Auctions – Platforms like eBay, Heritage Auctions, and GreatCollections attract collectors worldwide.
- Coin Dealers – Certified dealers can offer a professional appraisal and competitive prices.
- Coin Shows & Conventions – Events where serious buyers and collectors gather.
- Numismatic Groups – Online communities and forums can connect you with potential buyers.
Rare coins aren’t just collector’s items—they can be a serious investment. Some Lincoln Wheat Pennies have appreciated in value over time, making them a hidden treasure in the world of numismatics. Who knows? Your next penny could be worth a fortune.
FAQs
What is the rarest Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The 1943-D Bronze Penny is the rarest, selling for $1.7 million.
How can I tell if my penny is valuable?
Check the year, mint mark, condition, and look for errors like doubling.
Why is the 1955 Doubled Die Penny valuable?
It has a minting error that causes the date and letters to appear doubled.
Should I clean my old pennies?
No, cleaning can damage the surface and reduce the coin’s value.
Where can I sell rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies?
Online auctions, coin dealers, and numismatic conventions are great options.
