If you think your jar of old pennies is just spare change, think again. Some Lincoln Wheat Pennies minted between 1909 and 1958 are worth millions of dollars today. Hidden errors, rare mint marks, and unusual metals have turned a few ordinary-looking coins into some of the most sought-after collectibles in the world. Could your pocket change hold a piece of history—and fortune?
A Brief History of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Cent was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person: Abraham Lincoln. Designed by Victor David Brenner, the coin shows Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse—earning its nickname “Wheat Penny” or “Wheatie.”
- 1909: First year minted to mark Lincoln’s 100th birthday.
- VDB Controversy: Designer initials on the reverse caused a stir, making early 1909 coins famous.
- 1959: Wheat reverse replaced by the Lincoln Memorial design.
Why Some Wheat Pennies Are Worth Millions
Most wheat pennies are worth just 3–25 cents, but minting mistakes and extremely low mintages have created ultra-valuable coins.
- 1943 Bronze Pennies: Almost all 1943 cents were steel due to WWII copper shortages. A few copper pennies slipped through and now sell for up to $1.7 million.
- Combined Value: Collectors estimate that the rarest Lincoln Wheat Pennies sold over the years total $153 million.
Top 10 Most Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies (2025 Estimates)
| Rank | Year & Mint | Key Feature | Recent Sale / Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1943 Bronze (all mints) | Wrong metal planchet | Up to $1.7M |
| 2 | 1944 Steel | Off-metal error | $300K–$500K |
| 3 | 1955 Doubled Die Obverse | Doubling on date/Liberty | $100K–$150K |
| 4 | 1909-S VDB | Low mintage | $80K–$120K |
| 5 | 1922 No D | Missing mint mark | $30K–$100K |
| 6 | 1931-S | Low mintage | $15K–$50K |
| 7 | 1914-D | Denver mint low mintage | $10K–$40K |
| 8 | 1909-S | Early San Francisco issue | $8K–$30K |
| 9 | 1926-S | Rare mint | $6K–$25K |
| 10 | 1936 Doubled Die Obverse | Strong doubling | $5K–$20K |
How to Check If Your Wheat Penny Is Valuable
Quick Tips
- Look for dates 1909–1958.
- Confirm the reverse has wheat stalks.
- Check the mint mark below the date:
- D = Denver
- S = San Francisco
- No letter = Philadelphia.
- Inspect for errors: doubled lettering, missing mint marks, or unusual metal.
- Use a 10x magnifying loupe to spot subtle details.
Expert Tips for Hunting Valuable Wheat Pennies
- Search bank rolls, old jars, and estate collections.
- Never clean coins; cleaning destroys value.
- Get rare finds authenticated by PCGS or NGC.
- Join coin clubs or online communities to share discoveries and tips.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Are all Wheat Pennies valuable?
A: No. 99.9% are worth only a few cents. Only rare dates and errors bring serious value.
Q2: Can million-dollar pennies still appear in circulation?
A: Extremely rare, but 1955 doubled dies and 1909-S VDBs occasionally surface in rolls.
Q3: How do I sell a rare Wheat Penny?
A: Use reputable auction houses like Heritage Auctions, GreatCollections, or Stack’s Bowers.
Q4: How can I identify a Wheat Penny mint error?
A: Look for off-metal coins, doubled die lettering, missing mint marks, or unusual wear patterns.
Q5: What’s the easiest way to start searching?
A: Gather your old jars, rolls from the bank, and a magnifying loupe—start by sorting coins by date.
Final Thoughts – Your Next Fortune Could Be in a Jar
That dusty coffee can of old pennies in the attic might just hold a six- or seven-figure treasure. The Lincoln Wheat Penny proves that even ordinary-looking coins can hide extraordinary value. Grab your magnifying glass, start sorting by date, and keep an eye out for unusual mint marks—you never know when luck will strike.