Have you ever looked carefully at the change in your pocket? You may have a coin that is worth up to $500,000! The Lincoln Wheat Penny is considered a very special and valuable coin among coin collectors. Some rare versions are still in circulation, which makes it possible for any common man to find this priceless coin. For this reason, there is tremendous excitement among coin collectors and the general public about its discovery.
History of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first issued in 1909, dedicated to the 100th birth anniversary of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. It was the first American coin to feature a picture of a historical figure.
This coin was designed by famous designer Victor David Brenner. The obverse of the coin features a portrait of Lincoln, while the reverse features two wheat stalks, symbolizing prosperity and unity.
This design was maintained until 1958, when the reverse of the coin was replaced with an image of the Lincoln Memorial. However, the Lincoln Wheat Penny still remains one of the most popular coins among American coin collectors.
Why is the Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $500,000?

There are three major reasons why some special editions are worth so much – rarity, minting error, and collector demand.
Most Valuable Editions:
- ✅ 1943 Copper Wheat Penny:
- During World War II, the US government issued steel coins in 1943 to save copper. However, some coins were also accidentally minted in copper. There are only a handful of such coins left in the world, and one of them sold for over $500,000 at auction.
- ✅ 1909-S VDB Penny:
- This was the first Lincoln Wheat Penny edition issued in 1909. It bore the designer’s initials VDB (Victor David Brenner). Coins minted at the San Francisco Mint (S) are extremely rare and can be worth more than $100,000.
- ✅ 1955 Double Die Penny:
- This is a coin made due to a minting error, in which the letters and numbers inscribed appear like a double image. Such rare coins sell for thousands of dollars.
How to identify if you have a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny?
If you have a Lincoln Wheat Penny, check these important points:
- 🔍 Year and mint mark:
- Special years like 1943, 1909-S VDB and 1955 Double Die and coins with S (San Francisco), D (Denver) or P (Philadelphia) mint marks are worth more.
- 🔍 Material:
- Most of the 1943 coins were made of steel, but if you find a coin made of copper, it can be very rare and valuable.
- 🔍 Condition:
- The better the grade of the coin, the more it will be worth. Newer or uncirculated coins are more valuable than older and worn coins.
- 🔍 Minting Errors:
- If the numbers or letters on your coin look like a double image, then it can be worth a lot.
Where can these rare coins be found?

Surprisingly, despite their rarity, some Lincoln Wheat Pennies are still in circulation. You can pay attention to these places to get them:
- 💰 Check your pocket or change: Many times you can find this coin in everyday transactions.
- 🏦 Buy a coin roll from the bank: Some people collect coins and inadvertently put these rare coins back in the bank.
- 🗄️ Check old piggy banks and coin collections: An elderly relative may have saved it.
If you think you have a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny, get it checked by a professional numismatist. You can send it to coin grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) to have it authenticated.
Conclusion
The Lincoln Wheat Penny remains a mysterious and valuable find in the world of coin collecting. Especially rare versions like the 1943 Copper, 1909-S VDB and 1955 Double Die can fetch prices as high as $500,000.
If you are interested in coin collecting or just make a habit of checking the coins found in your pocket, luck may be with you! A rare coin can change your fortune, so watch your change carefully.
FAQs
Q. Why is the Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $500,000?
A. Some versions, like the 1943 Copper Penny, were mistakenly made and are extremely rare, making them highly valuable.
Q. How can I tell if my Lincoln Wheat Penny is rare?
A. Check the year, mint mark, material, and any errors like doubling of letters. Key years include 1909-S VDB, 1943 Copper, and 1955 Double Die.
Q. Where can I find a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny?
A. You might find one in your pocket change, at banks, in old piggy banks, or family coin collections.
Q. What should I do if I think I have a rare penny?
A. Get it evaluated by a professional numismatist or send it to grading services like PCGS or NGC for authentication.
Q. Are Lincoln Wheat Pennies still in circulation?
A. Yes, while rare, some valuable Wheat Pennies are still in circulation, making it possible to find one today!