Could a Lincoln Wheat Penny in Your Pocket: A Lincoln Wheat Penny is a U.S. one-cent coin that was minted between 1909 and 1958. It gets its name from the image on the back, which shows two stalks of wheat. On the front, it features President Abraham Lincoln. This design was made to honor Lincoln’s 100th birthday and was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person.
Why Is This Penny So Special?
You might think a penny is just pocket change, but some Lincoln Wheat Pennies are actually worth thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars. What makes them valuable is how rare they are, especially certain versions made in specific years with unique mistakes or small minting numbers.
The $950,000 Penny: What Makes It Worth That Much?
One of the most famous and valuable Wheat Pennies is the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny. During World War II, pennies were made of steel coated with zinc to save copper for the war effort. However, a few bronze coins from the previous year accidentally got mixed in and were still used. Only a handful of these bronze pennies from 1943 are known to exist. Because they are so rare, collectors are willing to pay enormous amounts for one—up to $950,000 or even more.
How Can You Tell If Your Penny Is Rare?
There are a few signs that your Lincoln Wheat Penny might be valuable. First, look at the year. Pennies from 1909 to 1958 are Wheat Pennies, but not all are rare. Check if the penny has a special mint mark (like “S” for San Francisco or “D” for Denver), or if there’s something unusual about the metal or print. A coin from 1943 that sticks to a magnet is likely steel, but if it doesn’t, it could be bronze—and very rare.
What Years Should You Look For?
Some of the most valuable Wheat Pennies were made in these years:
1943 (bronze), 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, and 1922 with no mint mark. These coins are hard to find, and if you come across one in great condition, it might be worth a fortune.
Table of Some Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
| Year | Mint Mark | Special Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 | No mark | Made of bronze instead of steel | Up to $950,000 |
| 1909 | S VDB | First-year issue, rare initials | $500 to over $100,000 |
| 1914 | D | Low mintage from Denver mint | $200 to $10,000 |
| 1922 | No mark | Missing mint mark by error | $500 to $15,000 |
| 1955 | No mark | Double-die error on front | $1,000 to $15,000 |
Could You Really Have One in Your Pocket?
It’s not impossible. While rare, Lincoln Wheat Pennies still show up in old coin jars, change drawers, or inherited collections. Most people don’t pay attention to pennies, so a treasure could be sitting unnoticed in your home. Checking your change could be worth it.
What Should You Do If You Think You Have One?
If you come across a Lincoln Wheat Penny that looks old or unusual, don’t rush to spend it. Hold on to it and do a little research. You can check coin websites, visit a coin dealer, or ask an appraiser to look at it. If the coin is in excellent condition and turns out to be rare, you might be holding something worth thousands—or more.
Are All Wheat Pennies Worth a Lot?
Not all of them. Most Lincoln Wheat Pennies are still only worth a few cents to a few dollars. Their value depends on the year, mint mark, condition, and any errors or special features. Still, even common ones are nice to keep because they’re part of history.
FAQs
What is the rarest Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The 1943 bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the rarest and most valuable, selling for up to $950,000.
How can I tell if my penny is bronze or steel?
Try using a magnet. Steel pennies from 1943 will stick. Bronze ones won’t—and they’re the valuable ones.
Is it legal to sell rare pennies?
Yes, it’s completely legal. Many coin collectors and dealers buy and sell rare coins all the time.
Can a regular person find one of these rare pennies?
Yes, though it’s rare. People have found valuable coins in old piggy banks, jars, and collections passed down through family.
