Just the idea of there being a $110 mil Lincoln Wheat Penny out there in circulation still blows my mind but completely not real. Most collectors love the Lincoln Wheat Penny (1909-1958) and there are some rarities that will bring big, even made up numbers for the even rarities. However, $110 million? More than any coin—even the rarest ones have never been worth this much money.
So with that said, lets delve into the details of the Lincoln Wheat Penny including what can make some Lincoln Wheat Pences sought after and whether or not there is any such thing as a rare one that is still out there for grabs.
Table of Contents
What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny (Also called the Lincoln Cent) has Abraham Lincoln on the face and two wheat stalks on the backside. It was introduced to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth in 1909. The design was designed by Victor David Brenner and still counts as one of the classics.
What Makes Some Wheat Pennies Valuable?
While no Wheat Penny is worth $110 million, some rare ones can be worth a lot of money. Here’s what makes certain pennies stand out:
- Year and Mint Mark: Some years and mint marks (like “D” for Denver or “S” for San Francisco) are rarer than others.
- Errors: Coins with mistakes, like double prints or off-center strikes, are super popular with collectors.
- Condition: Coins that look brand new or are in great shape are worth more.
- Historical Significance: Early coins or ones with cool stories behind them can be worth a lot.
The Most Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
Here are some of the rarest and most valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies and what they’re worth:
| Year | Mint Mark | Key Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S | S | First year, low mintage | $500–$1,000+ |
| 1909-S VDB | S | Designer’s initials (VDB) on back | $600–$2,500+ |
| 1914-D | D | Low mintage | $200–$1,000+ |
| 1922 No D | None | Missing mint mark error | $500–$10,000+ |
| 1931-S | S | Extremely low mintage | $100–$1,000+ |
| 1943 Bronze | None | Accidentally made in bronze | $100,000–$1.7 million |
| 1955 Double Die | None | Double print error | $1,000–$100,000+ |
Could a Rare Wheat Penny Still Be in Circulation?
It’s not super likely, but it’s not impossible either. Here’s why:
- Older Circulating Coins: Some folks will inadvertently spend melted down old coins that they inherit or find on the curb.
- Ignorance: Most people aren’t aware of how much those rare coins are worth and they just consider them change 2
- Treasures in Disguise: Coin collectors sometimes discover rare coins in those rolls of old penny waste from the banks.
How to Check if You Have a Rare Wheat Penny
If you’re curious about whether you have a valuable Wheat Penny, here’s what to do:
- Look for Key Dates: Check if your penny is from a rare year, like 1909-S, 1914-D, or 1943 Bronze.
- Inspect the Mint Mark: The mint mark (D, S, or none) can make a big difference in value.
- Check for Errors: Look for double prints, off-center strikes, or missing mint marks.
- Assess the Condition: Coins in better shape are worth more.
- Get It Appraised: If you think you have a rare coin, take it to a coin expert for a professional opinion.
The Myth of the $110 Million Wheat Penny
A $110 million Wheat Penny? Probably just a myth/overstatement, really. All the rarest and most famous coins (1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent, 1955 U.S. Lincoln Penny Double Die) are worth hundreds of thousands or a few million dollars not $10 million and certainly not tens/hundreds of millions. Although in theory it is funny to have a $110 million Wheat Penny in your dimes and quarters, it is extremely unrealistic.
Although you may think it is a fun image of finding a $110 million Wheat Penny in your change, it is not practical. As that note, however the Lincoln Wheat Penny series does contain some very unusual and valuable coins that may very well be buried in your collection or in your change jar. So, stick around! You know there is at least one penny out there worth thousands of dollars.
