Do you have a small jar of old coins at home?
That tiny 1-cent Lincoln Wheat Penny hiding inside could be worth nearly a million dollars! 😲
Sounds unbelievable?
Here’s the truth — a few rare Wheat Pennies have sold for jaw-dropping amounts, with one fetching close to $1 million at auction!
Let’s uncover how to spot these ultra-rare pennies before you accidentally give one away…
🧠 What Is a Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was minted from 1909 to 1958.
You can identify it by the two wheat stalks on the reverse side, surrounding the words “ONE CENT.”
Though most are common, a few specific years and error versions are incredibly valuable due to low mintage or minting mistakes.
💰 The Million-Dollar Penny – Real or Hype?
It’s real. In fact, one of the most expensive Lincoln Wheat Pennies, the 1943-D Bronze Cent, sold for $1,750,000 in 2010.
Another 1943 bronze penny sold for $204,000.
Yes, for a single coin.
So yes — your Lincoln Wheat Penny could be worth $999,888 or even more, if it’s the right one.
🏆 Top Lincoln Wheat Pennies Worth a Fortune
Here are some must-check pennies that could make you rich:
Year | Mint Mark | Potential Value | Why It’s Valuable |
---|---|---|---|
1943 | No Mint / D / S | $100,000 – $1,000,000 | Bronze error (should be steel) |
1909-S | VDB | $600 – $10,000+ | Rare first-year coin |
1922 | No D | $800 – $15,000 | Denver-only year, missing mint mark |
1944 | Steel | $30,000 – $100,000+ | Rare leftover steel blank |
1914-D | D | $200 – $5,500+ | Low mintage, high demand |
🔍 How to Spot a Valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny
Here’s what to look for in your 1-cent coin:
✅ 1. Check the Date & Mint Mark
Look just below the year on the coin.
Mint marks to know:
- D – Denver
- S – San Francisco
- No mark – Philadelphia
✅ 2. Material Test
- 1943 pennies should be steel.
- If it’s copper and doesn’t stick to a magnet, it’s potentially a $999,888 penny!
✅ 3. Look for Errors
Errors like double dies, off-center strikes, or missing letters can greatly increase value.
✅ 4. Weigh It
Use a gram scale:
- Steel pennies: ~2.7g
- Copper pennies: ~3.1g
Weight can confirm if it’s a rare bronze or standard steel.
🛠️ What To Do If You Have One
- Don’t clean it.
- Cleaning can reduce its value.
- Get it professionally graded.
- Use services like PCGS or NGC.
- Contact rare coin dealers or auction houses.
- They’ll help you get top dollar.
❓ FAQs
Q1. Can I still find valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies in circulation?
Yes! They’re rare but still pop up in old jars, collections, or rolls from the bank.
Q2. What makes a 1943 penny worth so much?
If it’s made of copper instead of steel — it was a minting mistake during WWII.
Q3. How much is a 1909-S VDB penny worth?
Anywhere from $800 to $15,000+ depending on condition.
Q4. Should I sell my coin online?
Only after authentication. Use trusted platforms like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers.
Q5. Is it okay to clean an old coin to make it look better?
No! Never clean coins if you want to keep their value.