Imagine flipping through your pocket change and stumbling upon a penny—just a simple coin, right? But what if that ordinary-looking cent was actually worth a jaw-dropping $55 million? That’s exactly the case with one of the most valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies ever known. Let’s cut into what makes these old coins so special and how you can spot one in your spare change.
Table of Contents
Origins
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first minted in 1909 and continued until 1958. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real historical figure—Abraham Lincoln—on the obverse side. On the reverse, you’ll see two wheat stalks, giving it the nickname “Wheat Penny.” Most of these coins were made of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, except for one unique year that makes all the difference.
Rarity
So, how does a penny jump from being worth one cent to $55 million? It all comes down to rarity, historical quirks, and a bit of minting magic.
1943 Copper Penny
This is the holy grail. During World War II, copper was reserved for wartime production. In 1943, the Mint switched to zinc-coated steel for pennies. But a few copper planchets from the previous year accidentally made it into the machines. The result? A tiny handful of genuine 1943 Lincoln pennies made of copper. If you find one and it doesn’t stick to a magnet, you could be holding a multi-million dollar coin.
1909-S VDB Penny
This was the very first Lincoln Wheat Penny, and the initials “VDB” (for Victor David Brenner, the coin’s designer) appear prominently on the back. The rare San Francisco version, marked with an “S” under the date, was pulled from circulation early on, making it extremely rare today.
Mint Errors That Add Value
Sometimes mistakes pay off—literally. A few Lincoln Wheat Pennies have noticeable errors like:
- Double-die strikes (look for shadow-like doubling on letters or numbers)
- Off-center prints
- Overstruck dates
These quirks can push the coin’s value through the roof.
Features
Not sure how to tell if your penny is rare? Here’s a quick guide:
| Feature | What to Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Date & Mint Mark | 1943 copper or 1909-S with VDB | Most valuable editions |
| Magnetic Test | Copper pennies won’t stick to magnets | Easy test for 1943 copper |
| Visible Errors | Double letters or off-center images | Indicates minting mistakes |
| Authentication | Verified by PCGS or NGC | Confirms genuine rare coin |
Circulation
It might sound crazy, but yes—some of these rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies are still out there. Millions were minted, and plenty have ended up in jars, drawers, or passed around unknowingly. People have found them in old piggy banks and even as change from a store. So, the next time you get a handful of coins, give them a closer look—you might strike gold.
Finding a valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny is like winning a mini lottery you didn’t even know you entered. While most of these coins are only worth face value, the rare ones can fetch life-changing sums. The 1943 Copper Penny and the 1909-S VDB are the crown jewels, but even error pennies can be worth thousands. The best part? You don’t need to be a professional collector—just a little curiosity could turn a penny into a fortune.
FAQs
What years are valuable Lincoln Pennies?
1909-S VDB, 1943 copper, 1914-D, and 1955 double die.
How do I test a 1943 penny?
Use a magnet—if it sticks, it’s steel; if not, it might be copper.
Where is the VDB on a penny?
Look beneath the wheat stalks on the reverse of a 1909 penny.
Can I still find rare pennies in circulation?
Yes, rare Wheat Pennies occasionally show up in loose change.
Should I clean my old penny?
No, cleaning can reduce its value. Leave it as is.
