You might think a penny is just a penny, but some Lincoln Wheat Pennies are worth a fortune! These coins, made from 1909 to 1958, have rare features or errors that make them super valuable to collectors. Some are still floating around in circulation, waiting to be found. With one penny valued at up to $124 million, it’s time to check your change. Here’s the scoop on the rarest Lincoln Wheat Pennies that could change your life.
The 1943 Bronze Penny: A Million-Dollar Mistake
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most famous coins ever. During World War II, pennies were supposed to be made of steel to save copper for the war. But a few bronze pennies were accidentally made, and they’re now worth a ton. One sold for $1.7 million in 2010, and experts say a perfect one could fetch up to $124 million today. If you find a 1943 penny that’s not silver-colored, you might have hit the jackpot.
1909-S VDB: The First Wheat Penny
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny is a collector’s dream. It was the first year of the Wheat Penny design, and the “VDB” stands for the designer, Victor David Brenner. The San Francisco Mint made only a few with the “S” and “VDB” marks, so they’re super rare. One in great shape sold for $1.2 million recently. Check for a 1909 penny with “S” and tiny “VDB” letters on the back near the wheat stalks.
1955 Double Die Penny: A Blurry Treasure
The 1955 Double Die Lincoln Wheat Penny is easy to spot because it looks blurry. A minting error caused the date and words to appear doubled, making this penny stand out. Collectors love it, and one sold for $124,000 in 2023. You don’t need a microscope to see the doubling—just look for a 1955 penny with a fuzzy “1955” or “LIBERTY.” If you find one, it could be worth thousands or more.
1914-D: A Rare Denver Gem
The 1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny is another big prize. Minted in Denver, only a small number were made, and even fewer survive today. The “D” mint mark makes it special, and a top-quality one sold for $800,000 at auction. If you have a 1914 penny with a “D” under the date, get it checked by a coin expert. It might not be $124 million, but it could still make you rich.
1922 No-D Penny: Missing a Mark
The 1922 No-D Lincoln Wheat Penny is a sneaky find. In 1922, the Denver Mint made pennies, but some came out without the “D” mint mark due to an error. These are super rare and can fetch up to $500,000 in great condition. Look for a 1922 penny with no letter under the date. If you find one, it’s a big deal—don’t spend it at the store!
Tips for Finding These Pennies
Ready to start your treasure hunt? These pennies could be hiding in your coin jar, piggy bank, or even your pocket. Here’s how to spot them:
- Check dates carefully for 1909, 1914, 1922, 1943, or 1955.
- Look for mint marks like “S” or “D” (or no mark at all).
- Use a magnifying glass to see small details like “VDB” or doubling.
- Compare your pennies to online pictures or coin guides.
- If you think you’ve got a rare one, take it to a professional coin dealer.
| Coin Name | Year | Key Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Bronze Penny | 1943 | Bronze, not steel | Up to $124 million |
| 1909-S VDB Penny | 1909 | “S” and “VDB” marks | Up to $1.2 million |
| 1955 Double Die Penny | 1955 | Doubled date/words | Up to $124,000 |
| 1914-D Penny | 1914 | “D” mint mark | Up to $800,000 |
| 1922 No-D Penny | 1922 | No “D” mint mark | Up to $500,000 |
Next time you get a penny in change, don’t just toss it aside. One of these rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies could be worth millions. Happy hunting!
