The Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $960K, Still in Circulation
Think that old penny rattling in your pocket is only worth a cent? You might want to take another look. Some Lincoln Wheat Pennies—those small copper coins many people hardly notice—have actually fetched prices as high as $960,000, transforming everyday pocket change into prized collector’s items in the world of rare coins.
It’s surprising but true: one of the most ordinary-looking coins out there could be worth a fortune. A rare version of the Lincoln Wheat Penny recently sold for nearly a million dollars, and experts say that similar coins might still be floating around in people’s change or old coin jars.
What Is a Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was minted from 1909 to 1958. It features President Abraham Lincoln on the front and a design of two wheat stalks on the back—which is where it gets its name. Most of these coins are only worth a few cents, but a select few versions are considered extremely rare and highly valuable by collectors.
Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies to Watch For
Here are some key dates and types that could be worth a lot more than one cent:
| Year | Mint Mark | Why It’s Rare | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S | S (San Francisco) | Limited mintage, hard to find | $1,000+ |
| 1909-S VDB | S (San Francisco) | Has designer’s initials (VDB) | $600 – $960,000 |
| 1914-D | D (Denver) | Low numbers minted | $200 – $10,000+ |
| 1922 No D | No Mint Mark | Error coin, missing “D” | $500 – $50,000+ |
| 1955 Double Die | (Philadelphia) | Doubled letters due to misprint | $1,000 – $100,000+ |
These coins are considered “holy grails” by collectors, and their prices reflect just how rare and desired they are.
Can You Still Find These Rare Pennies in Everyday Life?
Absolutely. There are plenty of stories of people finding rare coins in places you wouldn’t expect. A few of the most common places include:
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Coin rolls from the bank
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Old jars of change in grandparents’ homes or attics
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Regular change you receive at stores or restaurants
Because most people don’t look closely at their pennies, these valuable coins often go unnoticed and are mixed in with common coins.
Lincoln Wheat Penny FAQs
1. How do I know if my Wheat Penny is valuable?
Start by checking the year on the coin and looking for a small mint mark under the date (S, D, or none). Then compare your coin to rare examples like the 1909-S VDB or 1955 Double Die. Coins with printing errors or unique features are often worth more.
2. Where should I sell a rare penny?
You can try local or online coin dealers, but it’s smart to get more than one opinion. Big platforms like eBay, Heritage Auctions, or coin shows can also help you get a better price by reaching collectors directly.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore Your Pocket Change
The next time you’re counting your loose coins, give those pennies a second look. That old Wheat Penny might not just be spare change—it could be a hidden gem worth hundreds, thousands, or even close to a million dollars.
Take the time to check—you never know what treasure you might already have!