The Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most famous and collectible coins in U.S. history. While most of these pennies are only worth one cent, some rare versions are valued at $75 million! What’s even more exciting is that some of these rare pennies are still in circulation, meaning you could find one in your pocket change.
What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first introduced in 1909 to honor President Abraham Lincoln. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person. Here are some key features of the penny:
- Front (Obverse): Shows a portrait of Abraham Lincoln with the words “In God We Trust.”
- Back (Reverse): Has two wheat stalks, which is why it is called the Wheat Penny.
- Minting Years: Produced from 1909 to 1958 before being replaced by the Lincoln Memorial design.
Why is This Penny Worth $75 Million?
Not all Lincoln Wheat Pennies are valuable, but a few rare versions are worth millions. The most expensive ones include:
- 1943 Copper Penny – Most pennies in 1943 were made of steel due to World War II. However, a few copper pennies were mistakenly minted. Only a few exist, making them extremely rare.
- 1909-S VDB Penny – This was the first Wheat Penny issued, and those with the “VDB” initials of designer Victor D. Brenner are highly sought after.
- 1955 Double Die Penny – Some pennies from 1955 were struck with a double image, making them a rare minting error that is highly valuable.
One of these rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies was recently valued at $75 million, making it one of the most expensive coins ever.
Can You Still Find One in Circulation?
Yes! Even though these rare pennies are extremely valuable, some may still be in circulation. Many people do not realize their worth and spend them as regular pennies. Checking old coin collections, inherited coin jars, or even your everyday change could lead to an incredible discovery.
How to Identify a Rare Lincoln Wheat Penny
If you want to check if you have a valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny, look for:
- The Year: 1909-S VDB, 1943 (copper), and 1955 (double die) are the most valuable.
- The Material: A 1943 copper penny should not stick to a magnet, unlike steel pennies.
- Mint Marks: “S” (San Francisco) and “D” (Denver) mint marks are rarer than “P” (Philadelphia).
- Double Images: Look for blurry or doubled letters and numbers.
Conclusion
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is not just a historic coin—it could be a hidden treasure worth millions. With rare versions still in circulation, always check your pennies carefully. You might just be carrying a fortune in your pocket!