The Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most famous and valuable coins in American history. While most pennies are worth just one cent, some rare versions of the Lincoln Wheat Penny have been sold for as much as $168,000! What makes these pennies so special? Surprisingly, a few of these rare coins are still in circulation, meaning you might find one in your pocket change.
History of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first introduced in 1909 to celebrate the 100th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln. It was designed by Victor D. Brenner and became the first U.S. coin to feature a real person. The coin’s design includes Lincoln’s profile on the front and wheat stalks on the back, symbolizing the nation’s agricultural strength.
Why Some Lincoln Wheat Pennies Are Worth $168K
Not all Lincoln Wheat Pennies are valuable, but certain rare versions can be worth a fortune. The most valuable ones include:
- 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny – This penny is extremely rare because it was mistakenly struck in copper instead of steel. Most 1943 pennies were made of steel due to World War II metal shortages.
- 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny – This coin is rare because only 484,000 of them were minted. The “VDB” stands for Victor D. Brenner, the designer of the penny.
- 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny – This coin has a unique error where the lettering appears doubled, making it a collector’s favorite.
Finding a Valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny
Many rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies are still in circulation. People sometimes mistakenly spend these valuable coins, not realizing their worth. To increase your chances of finding one, check your:
- Loose change
- Old piggy banks
- Coin collections inherited from relatives
- Rolls of pennies from banks
How to Identify a Valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny
If you think you have a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny, follow these steps:
- Check the Year – Look for pennies from 1909, 1914, 1943, 1955, and other rare years.
- Look for Mint Marks – Coins with an S (San Francisco) or D (Denver) mint mark can be more valuable.
- Examine for Errors – Double lettering or unusual coloring may indicate a rare variety.
- Get It Appraised – Visit a coin expert or collector to confirm its value.
Conclusion
The Lincoln Wheat Penny remains a fascinating piece of American history and a hidden treasure for coin collectors. With some of these pennies valued at $168,000, checking your spare change might just lead to an incredible discovery. Keep an eye out—you never know when you might find a fortune in your pocket!
Disclaimer: The prices mentioned for rare coins, including the Lincoln Wheat Penny, are not guaranteed and may not be entirely accurate due to market fluctuations and varying appraisals.