A Penny That Could Make You Rich
Have you ever looked closely at the pennies in your change? One rare Lincoln Wheat Penny could be worth $3.12 million! These pennies, made from 1909 to 1958, have President Lincoln’s face on one side and wheat stalks on the back. While most are worth just one cent, a few have unique features or errors that make them incredibly valuable to collectors. You might have one in your pocket or piggy bank right now without even knowing it!
Why Some Wheat Pennies Are Special
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first minted in 1909 to celebrate Lincoln’s 100th birthday. Some years and minting errors make certain pennies stand out. For example, a 1943 penny made of bronze instead of steel is one of the rarest, with only a few known to exist. One sold for $3.12 million at an auction in 2018. Other valuable pennies include those with doubled images or rare mint marks from specific years, like 1909-S or 1914-D. These coins are treasures because so few were made or survived.
The Most Valuable Wheat Pennies
Here are four of the most valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies to look for:
- 1943 Bronze Penny: Accidentally made in bronze during World War II, worth up to $3.12 million.
- 1909-S VDB Penny: The first Wheat Penny with the designer’s initials, valued at $100,000 to $2 million.
- 1914-D Penny: A rare Denver mint coin, worth $50,000 to $500,000 in good condition.
- 1922 No D Penny: A Denver coin missing the “D” mint mark, valued at $20,000 to $100,000.
| Penny Type | Value Range |
|---|---|
| 1943 Bronze | Up to $3.12 million |
| 1909-S VDB | $100,000-$2 million |
| Penny Type | Value Range |
|---|---|
| 1914-D | $50,000-$500,000 |
| 1922 No D | $20,000-$100,000 |
How to Spot a Rare Penny
To find a valuable Wheat Penny, check these features:
- Year: Look for 1943, 1909, 1914, or 1922.
- Mint Mark: Check below the date for an “S” (San Francisco) or “D” (Denver), or no mark for Philadelphia.
- Material: Most 1943 pennies are steel, so a bronze one is rare.
- Errors: Look for doubled images on Lincoln’s face or the date, or missing mint marks.
Use a magnifying glass to inspect details, and compare your penny to images on coin websites like NGC Coin Explorer. If you think you have a rare one, take it to a professional coin dealer for an expert opinion.
Where These Pennies Might Be Hiding
You don’t need to search old safes to find these pennies. They could be in your change, a coin roll from the bank, or an old jar at home. Many Wheat Pennies are still in circulation because they were made in huge numbers. Check your parents’ or grandparents’ collections, as older coins often end up in family keepsakes. Stories of people finding rare pennies in everyday places, like vending machine change or a thrift store purchase, happen more often than you might think!
What to Do If You Find One
If you find a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny, don’t clean it, as that can lower its value. Store it in a plastic holder or envelope to keep it safe, then contact a reputable coin dealer or auction house. They can verify if it’s genuine and help you sell it. A $3.12 million penny is rare, but even less valuable ones can bring thousands of dollars. So, next time you get change, take a second look. You might be holding a tiny fortune!