A Penny with a Past
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, first minted in 1909 to honor Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday, is a piece of American history. These coins, with Lincoln’s face on one side and two wheat stalks on the other, were made until 1958. Most are worth just one cent, but some rare ones, due to minting errors or low production, are now valued at $100,000 or more. Amazingly, some of these valuable pennies are still out there, mixed in with everyday change.
Why Are Some Worth So Much?
Certain Lincoln Wheat Pennies stand out because of rare mistakes or limited runs. For example, the 1909-S VDB penny, with the designer’s initials “VDB” on the back, had only 484,000 made in San Francisco, making it a collector’s gem. Another big find is the 1943 bronze penny, accidentally made in bronze instead of steel during World War II, with fewer than 20 known to exist. Coins in great condition, with no wear or scratches, can fetch $100,000 at auctions.
| Penny Type | Estimated Value | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | Up to $100,000 | Designer’s initials “VDB” |
| 1943 Bronze | Up to $200,000 | Minted in bronze, not steel |
Could It Be in Your Pocket?
The craziest thing? That $100,000 penny might be sitting in your wallet or coin jar. Since Lincoln Wheat Pennies were used in everyday transactions, many are still in circulation. Look for specific years like 1909, 1914, or 1943, and check for an “S” mint mark for San Francisco. A magnifying glass can help spot errors like doubled letters or numbers. If you find a shiny, well-preserved penny, take it to a coin dealer for a professional check.
Stories of Lucky Finds
People have struck it rich with these pennies before. In 2019, a Massachusetts man found a 1943 bronze penny in his late father’s collection, later valued at $204,000. Another 1909-S VDB penny sold for $112,500 at auction in recent years. These stories keep collectors and regular folks searching through their change, hoping for a big payday. With interest in rare coins growing, especially as new generations discover collecting, values keep climbing.
Tips for Spotting a Treasure
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Check the year on the penny—1909, 1914, or 1943 are good ones to watch for.
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Look for an “S” mint mark under the year for San Francisco coins.
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Use a magnifying glass to find errors like doubled designs or letters.
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Don’t clean or scratch the coin—it lowers the value.
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Get a coin expert to appraise any suspicious finds.
A Tiny Piece of History
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is more than just pocket change—it’s a snapshot of America’s past. Whether it’s worth $100,000 or just a cent, it carries stories from over a century ago. Next time you get change at the store or empty your pockets, take a closer look. That little penny might just be a hidden treasure waiting to change your life.
