A Hidden Treasure in Your Pocket Change
Imagine finding a penny in your pocket that could make you a millionaire. Some Lincoln Wheat Pennies, still floating around in circulation, are worth a staggering $250 million each. These tiny pieces of history, minted decades ago, are so rare that collectors and experts lose their minds over them. The Lincoln Wheat Penny, first made in 1909, has a simple design with Abraham Lincoln on the front and wheat stalks on the back. But a few special ones, because of minting errors or low production, are now worth a fortune. Let’s dive into the five rarest ones you might still find.
The 1909-S VDB Penny
The 1909-S VDB penny is a legend among coin collectors. Only 484,000 were made in San Francisco, and the designer’s initials, VDB (Victor David Brenner), were carved into the back. The U.S. Mint stopped this design quickly, making it super rare. If you find one in great condition, it could fetch $250 million at auction. Check your change for a 1909 penny with an “S” mint mark and those tiny VDB initials under the wheat stalks.
The 1943 Bronze Penny
During World War II, pennies in 1943 were made of steel to save copper for the war effort. But a few bronze pennies were accidentally minted, and they’re now some of the most valuable coins in the world. Experts think only 15 to 20 of these exist. If you spot a 1943 penny that’s not silver-colored but bronze, you might be holding a $250 million treasure. Look closely at the date and material to be sure.
The 1955 Double Die Penny
The 1955 Double Die penny is famous for its mistake. The date and words on the front look doubled because of an error during minting. About 20,000 of these were made, but most were caught and destroyed. A few slipped into circulation, and today, a pristine one could be worth $250 million. Check for a 1955 penny where the numbers and letters look blurry or doubled.
The 1969-S Double Die Penny
Another error coin, the 1969-S Double Die penny, has a similar doubling effect on the date and words. The “S” mint mark shows it was made in San Francisco, and only a handful are known to exist. These pennies are so rare that finding one in good shape could make you rich overnight, with values hitting $250 million. Look for a 1969 penny with an “S” and a doubled appearance.
The 1914-D Penny
The 1914-D penny, minted in Denver, is rare because only 1.2 million were made. In top condition, this coin is a collector’s dream, potentially worth $250 million. The “D” mint mark under the date is your clue. These pennies are hard to find in circulation, but they’re out there, waiting to be discovered.
How to Spot These Pennies
Finding one of these coins takes a sharp eye. Here’s a quick guide to help you:
| Coin | Key Feature |
|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | “S” mint mark, VDB initials |
| 1943 Bronze | Bronze, not steel |
| 1955 Double Die | Doubled date and words |
| 1969-S Double Die | “S” mark, doubled date |
| 1914-D | “D” mint mark |
| Tips for Checking | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Use a magnifying glass | Look for mint marks and errors |
| Check the date | Match it to the rare years |
| Test the metal | 1943 should not stick to a magnet |
Next time you get change, take a second look. One of these pennies could turn your life around.