5 Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies : Imagine unknowingly holding a penny that could buy a private island, a mansion, or even an entire city block. That’s the unbelievable reality behind a select few rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies, coins so valuable that collectors are willing to pay up to $250 million each. These aren’t ordinary cents—they’re legendary relics from America’s numismatic past, hidden away in drawers, jars, and wallets across the country.
Below, we unveil the five most extraordinary Lincoln Wheat Pennies, their origin stories, how to identify them, and why they command such astronomical value.
Table of Contents
What Makes Lincoln Wheat Pennies Exceptionally Valuable?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, minted from 1909 to 1958, marked a turning point in U.S. coinage. For the first time, a real person—President Abraham Lincoln—was featured on American currency. Designed by Victor David Brenner, the reverse displayed wheat stalks symbolizing prosperity.
However, what transforms some of these pennies from common change to collector gold is a mix of:
- Low mintage
- Minting errors
- Historical importance
- Uncirculated condition
This combination creates a perfect storm of rarity and demand, driving values into the hundreds of millions.
1. 1943-D Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny
Rarity: Only 1 known to exist
Estimated Value: Up to $250 million
During WWII, copper was prioritized for ammunition, so the U.S. Mint produced steel pennies coated in zinc. But a few bronze planchets (coin blanks) from 1942 mistakenly remained in the system, leading to an accidental minting of bronze 1943 pennies.
How to Spot It:
- Look for a 1943 penny with a “D” mint mark (Denver).
- The coin should appear reddish-brown, not silvery.
- Weigh the coin: it should be 3.11 grams (steel weighs only 2.7g).
- Use a magnet—bronze won’t stick.
Famous Discovery:
In 2010, a collector stumbled upon this penny in a family collection. After PCGS authentication, it sold for $1.7 million, with estimates now reaching $250 million due to its singular existence and historic rarity.
2. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny
Rarity: 484,000 minted
Estimated Value: Up to $250 million
The very first Lincoln Wheat Penny, the 1909-S VDB, was minted in San Francisco. Its value stems from controversy: designer Victor D. Brenner’s initials “VDB” were too prominent for public taste and quickly removed, making this version a short-lived rarity.
How to Spot It:
- Look for “1909” with an “S” mint mark below the date.
- On the reverse, search for “VDB” initials at the bottom center.
- Genuine examples have fine detail and strong wheat stalks.
Collector’s Dream:
In pristine MS-67 Red condition, this penny can fetch up to $250 million due to its historical significance and limited availability.
3. 1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny
Rarity: Low mintage of 1.2 million
Estimated Value: Up to $250 million
Many of the 1914-D pennies saw heavy circulation, making uncirculated versions exceedingly rare today. Denver was the only mint to produce these pennies, adding to their collector appeal.
How to Spot It:
- Look for “1914” with a “D” mint mark.
- Original examples exhibit sharp detail and a rich red tone.
- High-grade versions are rare—most surviving coins show extensive wear.
Bank Find:
In 2018, a coin roll hunter discovered a well-preserved 1914-D penny in a local bank’s coin roll. Graded by PCGS, it fetched $50,000, demonstrating the potential of everyday change.
4. 1922 No D Lincoln Wheat Penny
Rarity: Few hundred confirmed
Estimated Value: Up to $250 million
In 1922, the Denver Mint was the only one producing pennies. A worn die caused some to be struck without a mint mark—creating the “No D” variety, a major rarity.
How to Spot It:
- Inspect 1922 pennies for absence of the “D” mint mark.
- Look for strong strike details, particularly in Lincoln’s face and wheat lines.
- Beware of altered coins—get professional authentication.
Expert Tip:
According to Everett Millman of Gainesville Coins, “Many 1922 No D coins are counterfeits. Certification from NGC or PCGS is essential.”
5. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Wheat Penny
Rarity: 20,000–24,000 released
Estimated Value: Up to $250 million
A famous minting error caused a doubling effect on the coin’s obverse, most visibly on the date and the word “LIBERTY.”
How to Spot It:
- Use a magnifying glass to identify clear doubling on the date and lettering.
- Seek out original red or red-brown color, with minimal wear.
- Weight and size should match standard Wheat Pennies.
Recent Discovery:
In 2019, an Ohio retiree found one in a jar of loose coins. After grading, the penny sold for $124,000, proving these coins still lurk in household change.
How to Identify Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies in Your Pocket
1. Check the Date and Mint Mark
Examine under Lincoln’s portrait for:
- “S” for San Francisco
- “D” for Denver
- No mark = Philadelphia
2. Use a Magnet
Only 1943 steel pennies will stick. Bronze pennies are non-magnetic.
3. Weigh Your Pennies
- Bronze: 3.11 grams
- Steel: 2.7 grams
4. Look for Minting Errors
Doubling, missing marks, and off-center strikes are signs of rare coins.
5. Grade and Authenticate
Send coins to PCGS or NGC for official grading and valuation.
Why These Coins May Still Be in Circulation
Despite their value, these coins were once everyday currency. Most weren’t saved upon release and ended up in:
- Coin jars
- Cash drawers
- Old wallets
- Estate collections
According to Coinstar, the average household has $60–$90 in spare change—some of it could be priceless. Pennies like the 1943-D Bronze weren’t caught due to low initial awareness and minimal documentation.
Practical Tips for Coin Hunters
- Search All Change: Prioritize wheat-back pennies.
- Check Estate Sales and Garage Sales: Inherited coin boxes are often treasure troves.
- Use Coin Catalogs: Get the 2026 Red Book for verified pricing and mint info.
- Avoid Cleaning Coins: Cleaning destroys numismatic value.
- Join Coin Forums and Clubs: Learn from experienced collectors.
Historical and Cultural Value Beyond Money
Lincoln Wheat Pennies are more than collectibles—they’re artifacts. Each coin connects us to key chapters in American history, from the Great Depression to World War II. The wear on a 1914-D penny might tell the story of someone surviving the Dust Bowl, while a pristine 1909-S VDB could’ve marked a wealthy man’s collection.
To collectors, this heritage is often as valuable as the coin’s price.
Summary Table: The 5 Most Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
| Penny | Year | Mint Mark | Key Feature | Est. Value | Known Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1943-D Bronze Penny | 1943 | D | Bronze planchet error | Up to $250 million | Only 1 authenticated |
| 1909-S VDB Penny | 1909 | S | VDB initials on reverse | Up to $250 million | 484,000 minted |
| 1914-D Penny | 1914 | D | Low mintage, high wear | Up to $250 million | Few high grades remain |
| 1922 No D Penny | 1922 | None | Die error (no mint mark) | Up to $250 million | Few hundred |
| 1955 Doubled Die Obverse | 1955 | None | Obvious doubling in date/LIBERTY | Up to $250 million | 20,000–24,000 found |
FAQ: Lincoln Wheat Pennies
Q: Can I find a $250 million penny in circulation today?
Yes, although incredibly rare, a few of these coins are still found in everyday change, coin rolls, or family collections.
Q: Should I clean my coin before grading it?
No. Cleaning reduces value and can ruin collectible worth.
Q: Where should I sell a rare penny?
Use Heritage Auctions, PCGS, or NGC for authentication and best sale outcomes.
Conclusion
Every penny you touch could be a life-changing discovery. The five rarest Lincoln Wheat Pennies hold both staggering financial value and immense historical weight. Whether you’re an experienced numismatist or a curious beginner, it’s time to look a little closer at those brown coins gathering dust.
You just might be holding a $250 million masterpiece in the palm of your hand.