Were you aware that a straightforward penny in your collection may be worth millions of dollars? One of the most sought coins in U.S. history, the Lincoln Wheat Penny was minted from 1909 to 1958. Some uncommon variants of these pennies are worth mind-boggling sums—up to $1 billion overall for the rarest seven!
Should you have an old jar of pennies sitting about, it could be time to look for uncommon and precious coins. Seven of the most valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies, their past, and what gives them such great value will be covered in this paper.
Lincoln Wheat Pennies are those from Lincoln’s wheat
First struck in 1909, the Lincoln Wheat Penny commemorates President Abraham Lincoln’s centennial birthday. Designed by Victor D. Brenner, these pennies have:
- The front shows Lincoln’s profile
- The back has two wheat stalks till 1958.
- Composed of 95% copper and 5% tin/zinc (except certain years)
Because of their historical relevance, design, and very uncommon variations, collectors like these pennies.
7 Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies Worth Up to One Billion Dollars
1.1943 Copper Penny—Value $1.7 Million
Most 1943 pennies were steel since World War II required copper. But some pennies were wrongly struck on copper planchets rather than steel.
- What makes it good?
- Fewer than twenty are known to exist.
- It was a minting mistake that made it quite collectible.
- At auction, it can bring more than $1.7 million!
How to spot it? A magnet will help! A common steel cent is your 1943 one if it sticks. Should it not stick, it might be a rare copper variant.
2. Valued at $800,000, 1909-S VDB Penny
Among the most well-known U.S. coins is the 1909-S VDB. Though the San Francisco Mint only made 484,000 before they were taken off because of controversy, the reverse side included the initials “VDB” (for designer Victor D. Brenner).
- What makes it important?
- It was the first Lincoln penny ever produced.
- Its limited mintage makes it quite uncommon.
- Good copies can go for more than $800,000.
How to find it? Near the bottom, on the reverse, look for the tiny “VDB” letters. Just below the year is the “S” mint mark for San Francisco.
3. 1955 Double Die Penny—Value $125,000
Among the most striking and clear minting mistakes is the 1955 Double Die penny. A very wanted mistake, the coin’s date and letters seem doubled.
- What makes it important?
- This is obviously a minting error.
- About 24,000 were let into circulation.
- Several copies have sold for more than $125,000!
How to find it? Look at the date and the phrases “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”; if they seem doubled, you could have a jackpot.
4.1944 Steel Penny—Value $110,000
The 1944 Steel Penny is a blunder just like the 1943 Copper Penny. Though some were mistakenly minted in steel, 1944 pennies were meant to be copper.
- What makes it worthwhile?
- Only roughly thirty are known to be extant.
- It is a reversal of the copper mistake from 1943.
- At auction, one instance went for $110,000.
How can one find it? Employ a magnet! A rare steel version might be yours if your 1944 penny sticks.
5. 1922 No-D Penny—Value $60,000
The 1922 No-D penny is a rare coin since the Denver Mint mistakenly created pennies lacking a “D” mint mark. Usually, every 1922 penny should have a “D” under the year.
- What makes it worthwhile?
- It’s a remarkable error that enthusiasts cherish.
- There are only a few of high-quality items.
- Some of the best-selling ones go for more than $60,000.
How to find it? Look for a missing “D” mint mark beneath the date.
6.1931-S Wheat Penny – Value $40,000
Only 866,000 were produced—a low quantity for a Lincoln cent—the 1931-S penny was struck during the Great Depression.
- What makes it worthwhile?
- Its rarity comes from very little production.
- Though collectors salvaged many, good-quality copies are still few.
- The top-graded ones go for as much as $40,000.
How to find it? Check under the year for a “S” mint mark.
7.1914-D Lincoln Penny—Value $25,000
Collectors also value the 1914-D penny. Only 1.2 million were made at the Denver Mint; very few remain in decent shape.
- What makes it worthwhile?
- A low mintage makes it unusual.
- Many were quite utilized, thus locating one in decent shape is not simple.
- Its price has reached $25,000.
How to find it? Look under the date for a “D” mint mark.
Conclusion
Discovering a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny in your collection can indicate a great payout! Although not every penny is precious, these seven uncommon coins have fetched hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. Should you own an ancient coin collection, it’s really worth looking at your pennies since you could find a concealed wealth.