The Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $90 Million, Still in Circulation

The Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most famous and valuable coins in the world. While most of these pennies are worth only a few cents, a rare version of this coin has been valued at a staggering $90 million. The surprising part? Some of these rare pennies are still in circulation, meaning you might just find one in your pocket change!

What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?

The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first minted in 1909 to honor the 100th birthday of Abraham Lincoln. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person and replaced the Indian Head penny. The design includes:

• Lincoln’s portrait on the front.
• Two wheat stalks on the back, representing agriculture and prosperity.
• The words “One Cent” and “United States of America” on the reverse side.

These pennies were produced until 1958, after which they were replaced by the Lincoln Memorial Penny.

Why is This Penny Worth $90 Million?

Not all Lincoln Wheat Pennies are valuable, but a few rare versions are highly sought after by collectors. The most expensive versions include:

1. 1943 Copper Penny – Most pennies in 1943 were made of steel due to World War II metal shortages. However, a few were mistakenly struck in copper. Only a handful exist, making them extremely valuable.
2. 1909-S VDB Penny – This is one of the rarest wheat pennies, with only 484,000 ever made. The initials “VDB” belong to the designer, Victor David Brenner, and were later removed from future coins.
3. 1955 Doubled Die Penny – A rare minting error caused the date and lettering to appear double-stamped, making it highly collectible.

If you find one of these rare pennies, you could be holding a fortune!

Can You Still Find One in Circulation?

Yes! Although rare, some valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies are still in everyday circulation. People often overlook them because they seem like regular pennies. Checking your spare change, old piggy banks, or inherited coin collections could lead to a valuable discovery.

How to Identify a Rare Lincoln Wheat Penny

To check if you have a valuable penny:

• Look at the Date – The most valuable ones are from 1909, 1943, and 1955.
• Check the Mint Mark – Pennies with an “S” (San Francisco Mint) or no mint mark are usually more valuable.
• Use a Magnet – A real 1943 copper penny won’t stick to a magnet, while steel ones will.

Conclusion

The Lincoln Wheat Penny remains one of the most fascinating coins in U.S. history. With some versions valued at $90 million, it’s worth checking your loose change. Who knows? You might just find one and become a millionaire overnight!