Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $100,000 Could Be Hiding in Your Change
That ordinary-looking penny in your pocket might be far more valuable than just one cent. Some Lincoln Wheat Pennies—those coins with the two stalks of wheat on the back—are worth up to $100,000 today. These rare pennies are still out there, possibly sitting unnoticed in your piggy bank, change jar, or wallet. Collectors and coin dealers are always on the lookout, and some lucky people have already struck gold—well, copper—in their everyday change. Could you be next?
What Makes the Lincoln Wheat Penny Valuable?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was minted from 1909 to 1958 and features Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat stalks on the back. While most are common and worth just a few cents, some versions are incredibly rare and can sell for tens of thousands of dollars or more. The value of a wheat penny depends on several factors:
- Year and mint mark (like 1909-S or 1943-D)
- Minting errors (such as double dies or off-center strikes)
- Metal composition
- Condition and grade
One of the most valuable is the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny. During World War II, pennies were supposed to be made from steel to save copper for the war. But a few bronze pennies were accidentally made and released. These have sold for up to $100,000 or more at auctions.
Rare Dates and Mint Marks to Look For
Some Lincoln Wheat Pennies are far more valuable than others. If you spot one of these, don’t spend it:
- 1909-S VDB: The very first Lincoln penny. Only 484,000 were made.
- 1914-D: Hard to find in good condition, making it extremely collectible.
- 1922 No D: A Denver-minted coin with a missing mint mark.
- 1943 Bronze: A rare mistake made during the wartime switch to steel.
- 1955 Doubled Die: Features doubled letters, especially noticeable in “LIBERTY” and the date.
Even in worn condition, these coins can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars.
How to Check If You Have a Rare Penny
Want to know if your wheat penny is special? Follow these steps:
- Check the date and mint mark. Look under the year for letters like “S” (San Francisco), “D” (Denver), or no mark (Philadelphia).
- Look for errors. Use a magnifying glass to check for doubled letters, missing details, or unusual markings.
- Weigh it. A regular wheat penny weighs about 3.11 grams. If it’s lighter or heavier, it might be a mistake coin.
- Don’t clean it. Cleaning a coin can damage it and lower its value.
- Get it appraised. If you think your coin might be rare, have it evaluated by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Why People Are Paying So Much
Coin collectors love rare and historic coins, especially ones with mistakes or unique features. The Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most popular coins among collectors because of its age, design, and the many valuable variations that exist. As fewer rare pennies remain in circulation, the demand (and price) continues to rise. Some people collect them for history, others for investment—but everyone dreams of finding a hidden gem.
What to Do If You Find One
If you discover a potentially valuable penny, handle it carefully. Store it in a protective sleeve or coin holder and contact a professional to verify its value. If it’s a high-value penny, you could sell it at auction or through a reputable coin dealer. Even if it’s not worth six figures, some wheat pennies can still bring in $10 to $1,000, depending on rarity and condition.