Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $151 Million – Rare Collectible Still in Circulation

Published On: April 10, 2025

Coins are like tiny time machines—little pieces of history that have passed through countless hands. But sometimes, they’re more than just old metal. Take the Lincoln Wheat Penny, for example. One of these simple copper coins is rumored to be worth an unbelievable $151 million! Even crazier? It might still be hiding in plain sight, mixed in with your spare change. Let’s break down what makes this penny so valuable and how to spot one before you spend it by mistake.

Table of Contents

1 History
2 Value
3 Spotting
4 Selling
5 FAQs

History

The Lincoln Wheat Penny made its debut in 1909 and stuck around until 1958. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a president—Abraham Lincoln—and the back side shows two wheat stalks, hence the name. Early versions were made of 95% copper, but in 1943, due to wartime copper shortages, the U.S. Mint switched things up and used steel instead.

Even though these pennies are still found in circulation, certain versions are so rare they’ve become collector gold—especially the one worth $151 million.

Value

Why would a penny be worth more than a luxury yacht? A mix of minting mistakes, historical importance, and extreme rarity makes this coin insanely valuable.

Error Coin

Some Lincoln Wheat Pennies were accidentally struck on the wrong metal or with design flaws like doubled lettering. These minting errors make the coins unique—an instant jackpot for collectors.

Very Rare

We’re talking one-in-a-million kind of rare. Only a few of these valuable error pennies exist today, which means if you happen to have one, it’s like winning the coin lottery.

Historical Weight

This was one of the first coins to show a real person, not just a symbol. That makes it important to both U.S. history buffs and collectors. The more historically significant and rare the coin, the more people want it—and the higher the price climbs.

Spotting

Think you might have one of these hidden treasures? Here’s how to start your search.

Key Years

Look for these standout dates:

1909-S VDB
1914-D
1922 No D
1943 Bronze

If your penny matches one of these years, don’t spend it—get it checked!

Errors

Use a magnifying glass under good lighting. If you notice any doubled letters or strange marks, it could be a double-die error—a key sign of a valuable coin.

Magnet Test

Here’s a fun trick. Grab a magnet and test your 1943 penny. Most were made of steel and will stick. But if it doesn’t stick? That means you might have a 1943 bronze penny—one of the rarest in existence.

Here’s a quick table to help you ID these coins:

Year	Feature	Check For
1909-S VDB	Rare initials	“VDB” under wheat stalks
1914-D	Low mintage	“D” mint mark below the year
1922 No D	Missing mint mark	No visible mint mark at all
1943	Bronze mistake	Doesn’t stick to a magnet

Selling

If you think you’ve hit the penny jackpot, here’s where to turn it into cash:

Coin Dealers

These pros can give you an expert opinion, authenticate your coin, and even make you an offer.

Online Auctions

Sites like eBay, GreatCollections, and Heritage Auctions are prime spots for selling rare coins to competitive bidders.

Coin Shows

A great way to meet passionate collectors who may be willing to pay a premium for a rare penny.

Pawn Shops

You can try your luck at a pawn shop, but always get your coin appraised first so you know its real value.

The idea that a $151 million coin could still be rattling around in someone’s coin jar is wild. But it’s true—thanks to historical quirks, minting mistakes, and limited runs, the Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most sought-after coins on the planet. So next time you empty your pockets, take a minute to check your pennies. You never know… that little copper coin might be your ticket to a life-changing payday.