Many people think old coins are useless and just put them away in a box or cupboard. But did you know that some of those coins could be worth a lot of money? For example, the Lincoln Wheat Penny is a famous American coin. Some rare ones can be sold for over $1 million! These pennies were made between 1909 and 1958 and are called “Wheat Pennies” because they have pictures of wheat on the back.
Today, we’ll talk about five of the rarest and most expensive Lincoln Wheat Pennies, which together might be worth up to $12 million. If you have old coins, now is a great time to search through them!
1943 Lincoln Copper Wheat Penny – Rarest and Most Expensive
Estimated Price: $1,000,000 – $1,750,000
During World War II, the US started minting steel coins in 1943 to save copper used in coins. But by mistake some 1943 coins were also minted in copper. This mistake makes this coin the rarest and most valuable.
Even today, only 40 such coins are estimated to exist in the world. One of these coins has been sold for $1.7 million in an auction. If you also have a 1943 coin, first check it with a magnet test. If it sticks to the magnet, then it is made of steel and is common. But if it does not stick and its color is brown-copper, then you may become the owner of millions of dollars.
1944 Lincoln Steel Wheat Penny – Another Inadvertent Mistake
Estimated Price: $75,000 – $125,000
While some copper coins were accidentally minted in 1943, the reverse happened in 1944—copper coins were minted again, but some old steel blanks (planchets) were accidentally used and some steel coins were minted.
Only 30 such coins have ever been found. A 1944-S Steel Penny was auctioned in 2021 for $408,000. It’s easy to spot—steel coins stick to magnets and have a silvery color, while copper coins are brownish-gray. If you find such a coin, make sure to have it thoroughly inspected.
1955 Lincoln Double Die Obverse Wheat Penny – Printing Mistake Made It Priceless
Estimated Price: $50,000 – $100,000
In 1955, the U.S. Mint made a big mistake. Some coins were printed in which the letters were printed in double image. This effect is especially visible in words like “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”.
This coin has been auctioned for up to $114,000. Its identification is also easy—if you have a 1955 Wheat Penny, then look carefully at its letters. If a faint double image is visible on them, then that coin can be very valuable. Although printing mistakes are common, this coin has made a special place among collectors.
1909-S Lincoln VDB Wheat Penny – The First Lincoln Penny and Now the Rarest
Estimated Price: $50,000 – $100,000
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was introduced in 1909 and was designed by Victor David Brenner. He had his initials “VDB” inscribed on the back of the coin. But people didn’t like it and the mark was soon removed. This makes the 1909-S VDB version extremely rare.
Only 484,000 coins of this version were made and a good quality coin sold for $117,500 at auction. If you have a 1909 coin, be sure to look for the “VDB” on the back and the “S” (San Francisco Mint) below the date on the front. This coin is not only historic but also very valuable.
1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny – Faultless Rare
Estimated Price: $50,000 – $100,000
The 1914-D Wheat Penny is unique in that it has no faults. It was minted by the Denver Mint, but only 1.1 million were minted—a low number compared to other years. This coin is extremely difficult to find in good condition.
In 2018, a 1914-D coin in excellent condition, graded MS66+, sold for $158,625. If you own a 1914 coin, look closely for the “D” mint mark, but be aware that there are fake coins with a fake “D” mark on the market. Always have an expert examine it.
Do you have a hidden treasure?
These five coins teach us that the most valuable things can sometimes be found in common places. A coin from your box of old coins at home, a grandparent’s heirloom, or a coin you bought at a flea market could be worth millions of dollars. Sometimes old doesn’t just mean “old,” it could be a historical treasure.
Each Lincoln Wheat Penny tells a story—whether it’s a printing mistake, a limited mintage, or a historical reason. The next time you see an old coin, take a close look—who knows, you could have a treasure worth over $1 million on your hands!
FAQs
Q. What makes the 1943 Copper Wheat Penny so valuable?
A. It was mistakenly struck in copper instead of steel during World War II, making it extremely rare and highly valuable.
Q. How can I tell if my 1943 penny is copper or steel?
A. Use a magnet—steel pennies will stick, copper ones won’t. Copper ones are brownish, while steel appears silver.
Q. What is a “Double Die” Wheat Penny?
A. It’s a coin with a minting error where the design appears doubled, especially noticeable in the lettering.
Q. Are all old pennies valuable?
A. Not necessarily. Only certain rare dates, mint marks, or errors significantly increase a coin’s value.
Q. Where can I get my Wheat Penny appraised?
A. You can visit a reputable coin dealer, numismatic expert, or submit it to grading services like PCGS or NGC.