At first glance, a Lincoln Wheat Penny might look like just another old coin. But for coin collectors and savvy treasure hunters, these humble copper pieces can hold values soaring past $677,777, with a few rare examples commanding even more. Here’s your guide to the most valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies, how to spot them, and what makes them worth a small fortune.
What Is a Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Cent, minted from 1909 to 1958, features President Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat stalks framing the words “ONE CENT” on the reverse. These were the first U.S. coins to feature a real person—making them historic in design and loaded with collector interest.
The Top Lincoln Wheat Pennies Worth Over $677,777
Let’s dive into the rarest and most valuable examples that have fetched staggering prices at auction or in private sales.
1. 1943-D Bronze Cent – Worth Up to $1.7 Million
- The 1943 Wheat Penny was supposed to be made of steel due to wartime copper shortages. However, a few bronze planchets were mistakenly used.
- Only one known 1943-D bronze penny exists.
How to Identify:
- Attracts a magnet (steel) = common.
- Does not attract a magnet (copper) = extremely rare.
- Weighs about 3.11 grams (steel weighs 2.7g).
Value: $1.7 million+
2. 1909-S VDB – The Holy Grail of Lincoln Pennies
- Minted in San Francisco with designer Victor D. Brenner’s initials (VDB) on the reverse.
- Only 484,000 were minted before the initials were removed due to controversy.
How to Identify:
- “1909” date.
- “S” mint mark under the date.
- “V.D.B.” in bold lettering at the bottom center of the reverse.
Value: $700,000+ in MS67 Red condition
3. 1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Scarce due to low mintage (only 1.2 million).
- One of the most counterfeited pennies—so authentication is key.
How to Identify:
- Sharp “D” mint mark.
- Look for signs of wear—real ones often have evenly worn surfaces.
- Certified examples are safest to collect.
Value: $125,000+ in mint condition
4. 1922 No D Strong Reverse
- All 1922 cents were minted in Denver, but weak dies caused some coins to lose the “D” mint mark entirely.
- The “No D” strong reverse variety is incredibly rare.
How to Identify:
- 1922 date.
- No visible mint mark.
- Clear and bold wheat stalks on reverse.
Value: $85,000+ in MS65
5. 1944 Steel Wheat Penny
- Just like the 1943 bronze penny, 1944 should have returned to copper—but some leftover steel planchets were accidentally used.
- Only a few exist today.
How to Identify:
- Should be magnetic.
- Weighs about 2.7 grams.
Value: $150,000–$200,000+
6. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse
- A true classic in the error coin world. Extremely bold and visible doubling on the obverse lettering.
How to Identify:
- Doubling on “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date “1955.”
- No magnifying glass needed—doubling is obvious.
Value: $50,000–$125,000 in higher grades
What Makes These Pennies So Valuable?
Here are the main factors that drive up the value:
- Rarity: Fewer coins minted or surviving increases demand.
- Mint Errors: Off-metal strikes, double dies, and missing mint marks are major value boosters.
- Condition: Higher grades (especially “Red” examples) multiply worth.
- Historical Significance: First-year issues and design controversies (like the 1909-S VDB) draw premium interest.
Quick Value Reference Table
| Year | Variety/Key Feature | Max Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1943-D | Bronze Planchet | $1.7 Million |
| 1909-S | VDB Initials on Reverse | $700,000+ |
| 1914-D | Low Mintage | $125,000+ |
| 1922 | No D, Strong Reverse | $85,000+ |
| 1944 | Steel Planchet | $200,000 |
| 1955 | Doubled Die Obverse | $125,000 |
How to Check Your Pennies
- Use a Magnet – Instantly identifies steel pennies from copper.
- Weigh Your Coins – Bronze: 3.11g, Steel: 2.7g.
- Check the Mint Mark – Especially on 1909, 1914, 1922 coins.
- Look for Errors – Doubling, off-metal strikes, misaligned dates.
- Use a Coin Loupe – Magnify details to confirm rarity.
- Get It Graded – For high-value coins, certification from PCGS or NGC is essential.
Final Thoughts: Could You Have One?
Millions of Wheat Pennies were made, but only a few dozen key varieties are truly rare. The good news? These valuable coins may still be sitting in an old jar, family collection, or pocket change.
Start inspecting your stash—you never know when you might come across a $677,777 treasure in the form of a penny.
