Ever wondered if that old penny lying around in your drawer could be worth a fortune? If it’s a Lincoln Wheat Penny, you might just be in luck! This humble little coin has a history that makes it one of the most sought-after collectibles in American numismatics. In fact, some rare versions have sold for millions of dollars. Let’s dive into why this penny is more than just spare change.
The Story Behind the Lincoln Wheat Penny
Back in 1909, the U.S. Mint decided to honor the 100th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln by introducing a brand-new penny—the Lincoln Wheat Penny. This was a groundbreaking move because, up until then, U.S. coins only featured symbolic figures like Lady Liberty. Lincoln became the first real person ever depicted on an American coin, making this penny a historic milestone.
Designed by Victor David Brenner, the coin’s front showcases Lincoln’s profile, while the reverse features two wheat stalks—symbolizing prosperity and strength. If you’re lucky enough to find an original 1909-S VDB penny, hold onto it! Brenner’s initials (“VDB”) were initially placed on the back of the coin but were quickly removed after public backlash. That small design change made the 1909-S VDB penny one of the rarest Lincoln Wheat Pennies ever minted.
Why the 1943 Bronze Penny Is Worth Millions
Now, let’s talk about one of the rarest mistakes in U.S. coin history: the 1943 Bronze Penny. During World War II, copper was a critical resource for making military supplies, so the U.S. Mint switched to using zinc-coated steel for pennies. But here’s where things get interesting—some 1943 pennies were mistakenly struck using leftover bronze blanks from 1942.
That tiny mistake turned these pennies into one of the most valuable coins in existence. Today, only about 20 of these bronze pennies are known to exist, and one of them sold for a jaw-dropping $2.8 million. Imagine finding one in your pocket change!
How to Spot a Valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny
Not every Lincoln Wheat Penny is worth a fortune, but there are a few key things to look for if you think you’ve got a special one.
1. Check the Year and Material
If your penny is from 1943, take a closer look. Most of these were made from steel and have a silver appearance. But if yours looks like a regular copper penny, it could be incredibly rare.
2. The Magnet Test
Here’s a quick trick—grab a magnet. Steel pennies will stick to it, while genuine bronze 1943 pennies won’t. If your penny passes this test, you might be holding something truly special.
3. Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
Aside from the famous 1909-S VDB and 1943 Bronze Penny, there are a few other valuable versions to watch out for:
- 1914-D – Hard to find and worth a lot.
- 1922 (No Mint Mark) – A rare error coin.
- 1931-S – Low mintage makes it highly collectible.
- 1955 Doubled Die – A famous error where the lettering appears doubled.
If you find any of these in your collection, you might be sitting on a hidden treasure!
How to Verify and Protect Your Penny
Think you’ve got a valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny? Don’t rush to sell it just yet—counterfeit coins are common, especially for high-value dates like 1943. To confirm its authenticity, have it professionally graded by a trusted company like:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
Once verified, protect your coin by handling it only by the edges and storing it in a secure container. The better its condition, the higher its potential value.
FAQs
What makes the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny so rare?
The initials of designer Victor David Brenner (“VDB”) were quickly removed after complaints, making the 1909-S VDB pennies scarce and highly valuable.
Why are 1943 bronze pennies worth so much?
They were an accidental minting error—most 1943 pennies were made of steel, but a few were mistakenly struck with leftover bronze blanks from 1942. With only about 20 known to exist, they’re among the rarest U.S. coins ever.
Which other Lincoln Wheat Pennies should collectors look for?
Beyond the 1909-S VDB and 1943 Bronze Penny, look for the 1914-D, 1922 No Mint Mark, 1931-S, and 1955 Doubled Die—each of these has significant value.
Final Thoughts
The Lincoln Wheat Penny isn’t just an ordinary coin—it’s a piece of history, and in some cases, a hidden jackpot. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just someone who enjoys digging through old change, keep an eye out. Who knows? The next time you check your piggy bank, you might just find a penny worth a fortune.
