Could a penny in your pocket be worth a fortune? Some rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies, still floating around in circulation, can fetch up to $120,000 or more. Minted from 1909 to 1958, these coins feature Abraham Lincoln on the front and wheat stalks on the back. Certain years and minting errors make them a collector’s dream. Here’s how to spot these valuable pennies and what makes them so special.
Why Lincoln Wheat Pennies Are Valuable
Lincoln Wheat Pennies were the first coins to show a president’s face, starting in 1909 to honor Lincoln’s 100th birthday. Most are common and worth just a cent, but rare ones stand out due to low production, errors, or historical value. Collectors pay big for coins in great condition or with unique features. Checking your change or old coin jars could uncover a small treasure hiding in plain sight.
Rare Pennies to Look For
Here are four Lincoln Wheat Pennies that could make you rich:
- 1909-S VDB: This was the first year of the Lincoln penny, with the designer’s initials (VDB) on the back. Only 484,000 were made in San Francisco, and they can sell for $100,000 or more.
- 1922 No D: A minting error left some 1922 pennies from Denver without the “D” mint mark. These are worth up to $120,000 in good shape.
- 1931-S: Only 866,000 were minted in San Francisco, making this penny rare. It can go for $75,000 or higher.
- 1955 Doubled Die: The date and lettering look doubled due to a minting mistake. These can fetch $20,000 to $100,000.
| Coin | Year | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | 1909 | Up to $100,000 |
| 1922 No D | 1922 | Up to $120,000 |
How to Spot a Valuable Penny
To find a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny, grab a magnifying glass and check these details:
- Look for the mint mark: A small “S” or “D” under the year shows where it was made. No “D” on a 1922 penny is a big clue.
- Check the back: Early pennies (1909–1916) with “VDB” near the rim are rare, especially from San Francisco.
- Inspect for doubling: On 1955 pennies, look for blurry or doubled text, especially in the date or “LIBERTY.”
- Check the condition: Coins with clear details and no wear are worth more. Avoid cleaning them, as it lowers value.
| Feature to Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| No D Mint Mark | Rare error on 1922 pennies |
| VDB Initials | Marks rare 1909-S coins |
What to Do If You Find One
If you spot a rare penny, keep it safe in a clean, dry holder to avoid damage. Don’t clean it, as that can ruin its value. Take it to a professional coin grader like PCGS or NGC to verify it’s real and get a condition rating. You can sell through auction houses like Heritage Auctions, online platforms like eBay, or trusted coin shops. A 1922 No D penny sold for $126,500 recently, and a 1909-S VDB went for $112,000, showing the huge payoff possible.
Start Checking Your Change
Lincoln Wheat Pennies are still out there, turning up in change, old collections, or even grandpa’s coin jar. With values reaching $120,000, it’s worth taking a closer look at any pennies you find. The 1922 No D or 1909-S VDB could be sitting in your pocket right now. So, grab your coins, check those dates and mint marks, and you might just find a tiny cent worth a massive fortune.