A Penny with a Past
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, first minted in 1909 to honor Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday, is a part of American history. These coins, which feature Lincoln’s face on one side and two wheat stalks on the other, were produced until 1958. Most coins are worth just one cent, but some rare coins, due to minting errors or low production, are now worth $100,000 or more. Amazingly, some of these valuable pennies still exist alongside everyday coins.
Why are Some Things so Valuable?
Some Lincoln Wheat Pennies stand out because of rare mistakes or limited runs. For example, the 1909-S VDB Penny, which has the designer’s initials “VDB” on the back, was one of only 484,000 made in San Francisco, making it a collector’s gem. Another great find is the 1943 Bronze Penny, accidentally made in bronze instead of steel during World War II, of which fewer than 20 are known to exist. In good condition, with no wear or scratches, the coins can fetch up to $100,000 at auction.
| Penny Type | Estimated Value | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | Up to $100,000 | Designer’s initials “VDB” |
| 1943 Bronze | Up to $200,000 | Minted in bronze, not steel |
Could it be in Your Pocket?
The strangest part? That $100,000 penny could be sitting in your wallet or coin jar. Since Lincoln Wheat Pennies were used in everyday transactions, many are still in circulation. Look for specific years like 1909, 1914 or 1943, and check for the “S” mint mark for San Francisco. A magnifying glass can help spot errors like double letters or numbers. If you find a shiny, well-preserved penny, take it to a coin dealer for a professional inspection.
Stories of lucky Finds
People have gotten rich off these coins before. In 2019, a Massachusetts man found a 1943 bronze coin in his late father’s collection, which was later valued at $204,000. Another 1909-S VDB penny sold for $112,500 at auction in recent years. These stories inspire collectors and ordinary people to search for their exchanged coins in hopes of getting a big buck. With interest in rare coins growing, especially as new generations learn to collect, values continue to rise.
Treasure Hunting Tips
- Look for the year on the coin—1909, 1914, or 1943 is a good idea.
- Look for the “S” mint mark below the year for San Francisco coins.
- Use a magnifying glass to look for errors such as double designs or letters.
- Do not clean or scratch the coin—this reduces its value. Contact a coin expert to evaluate any suspicious finds.
A little Piece of History
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is more than just pocket money—it’s a glimpse into America’s past. Whether it’s worth $100,000 or just one cent, it holds stories from more than a century ago. The next time you take change from the store or empty your pockets, take a close look at it. That little penny might be the hidden treasure to change your life.