To most people, a penny is just a single cent. But in the world of coin collecting, a few rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies have shocked auction houses by fetching tens of thousands of dollars. Recently, a few of these coins have turned up at major auctions, including one that sold for a staggering $67,000. Do you have one hiding in your change jar or tucked away in an old coin album? Let’s take a closer look at three Lincoln Wheat Pennies that could be worth a small fortune.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1909-S VDB is one of the most famous and coveted Lincoln pennies. It was the first year the Lincoln cent was produced, and the “VDB” refers to the initials of designer Victor David Brenner, placed on the reverse. Only 484,000 were minted at the San Francisco Mint, making it extremely scarce. Well-preserved versions can sell for tens of thousands of dollars, and one in near-perfect condition recently brought $67,000 at auction.
1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny
This penny, minted in Denver in 1914, is a standout due to its incredibly low mintage and the fact that few high-quality examples exist today. With fewer than 1.2 million made and many lost over time, it’s become a prime target for collectors. Clean, sharply struck specimens can bring in $3,000 to over $25,000, depending on condition—and a rare uncirculated version has hit the $60,000+ mark at auction.
1922 No D Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1922 No D Wheat Penny is a true mint error that fascinates numismatists. All pennies in 1922 were supposed to be minted in Denver, but a few coins came out without the “D” mintmark due to a heavily worn die. This rare error coin is highly prized, and high-grade examples have sold for $10,000 to $50,000. If you find a 1922 penny without a mintmark, don’t spend it—it could be your lucky break.
Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Penny
These rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies prove that even a single cent can be a goldmine. If you have old pennies stored away—or if you come across them in everyday change—take a moment to examine them carefully. Dates, mintmarks, and small variations can mean the difference between one cent and tens of thousands of dollars. As coin collecting continues to gain popularity, rare finds like these will only increase in value.
FAQ’s:
1. How can I tell if my Lincoln penny is valuable?
Check the date and mintmark, and inspect the coin’s condition. Rare years like 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, and 1922 No D are especially valuable.
2. What does “VDB” stand for on the 1909 penny?
VDB are the initials of Victor David Brenner, the original designer of the Lincoln cent.
3. Why is the 1922 No D penny so rare?
It’s a mint error—pennies were only produced in Denver that year, but due to a worn die, some coins were struck without the “D” mintmark.
4. Can circulated Lincoln Wheat Pennies still be valuable?
Yes, especially if they’re rare dates or error coins. Even well-worn pennies from key years can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars.
5. Where is the best place to sell a rare penny?
You can sell through a reputable coin dealer, auction house, or certified coin marketplace. Always get the coin authenticated before selling.