For decades, the Lincoln Wheat Penny has fascinated collectors and casual finders alike. With stories about certain rare coins being worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, many wonder if they might be holding a small fortune in their pocket change.
In 2025, the hype continues—especially around reports that a Wheat penny could fetch as much as $575,000. But is it real? And if so, which coins deserve this attention?
What is a Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, minted between 1909 and 1958, gets its name from the two wheat ears on the reverse side. They were the first U.S. cents to feature Abraham Lincoln and were introduced on his 100th birthday.
Although most Wheat pennies are worth only a few cents today, certain errors and rare dates can be valued in the hundreds of thousands.
Why Some Are Worth Hundreds of Thousands
Not all Wheat pennies are equal. A handful of mistakes and limited runs created coins that collectors prize above all others. Their value comes from:
- Minting errors (wrong metal planchets, doubling of designs)
- Very low mintage numbers
- Historical demand from collectors
- Condition and grading
The Rare Wheat Pennies Worth a Fortune
1. 1943 Bronze (Copper) Penny
- What to look for: 1943 date, but the coin is not magnetic and weighs about 3.11 grams (copper/bronze).
- Why it’s valuable: During WWII, pennies were made from steel coated in zinc. A few leftover bronze blanks were struck by mistake.
- Value: Between $300,000 and over $1 million depending on condition. One sold for $1.7 million.
2. 1944 Steel Penny
- What to look for: 1944 date, but the coin is magnetic and has a steel-gray color.
- Why it’s valuable: By 1944, pennies returned to copper. A few steel blanks were left over from 1943, creating a rare error.
- Value: Up to $400,000 for high-grade examples.
3. 1909-S VDB
- What to look for: An “S” mintmark below the date and V.D.B. initials on the reverse bottom rim.
- Why it’s valuable: First year of issue, low mintage of 484,000 pieces.
- Value: From a few hundred dollars in circulated grades up to $168,000 for top-quality coins.
4. 1955 Doubled Die Penny
- What to look for: Strong, clear doubling on LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date.
- Why it’s valuable: A famous error caused by die misalignment, resulting in a dramatic doubled image.
- Value: Between $1,500 and $100,000+ depending on grade.
5. 1922 “No D” Penny
- What to look for: A 1922 penny with no visible “D” mintmark but a strong reverse design.
- Why it’s valuable: All cents that year were struck in Denver, but some dies produced coins without the “D.”
- Value: From a few thousand dollars to six figures at the highest grades.
Quick Value Reference
| Year & Variety | What to Look For | Typical Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1943 Bronze (Copper) | 1943 date, non-magnetic, 3.11 g | $300,000 – $1,700,000 |
| 1944 Steel | 1944 date, magnetic, steel-gray | $100,000 – $400,000 |
| 1909-S VDB | “S” mint mark, V.D.B. initials | $700 – $168,000 |
| 1955 Doubled Die | Clear doubled lettering | $1,500 – $100,000+ |
| 1922 No D | No mint mark, strong reverse | $3,000 – $100,000+ |
Could These Still Be in Circulation?
Yes, though very unlikely. Wheat pennies still show up in pocket change or old coin jars, but most are common and worth just a few cents. The high-value rarities are extremely scarce. Still, with billions of pennies minted, the possibility—no matter how slim—keeps collectors searching.
How to Check Your Pennies
- Look at the date and mintmark carefully.
- Use a magnet on 1943 and 1944 pennies to identify steel vs copper.
- Check for doubling on 1955 coins.
- Weigh the coin (copper ~3.11g, steel ~2.70g).
- Do not clean the coin—this can destroy its value.
- Get professional grading from PCGS or NGC if you think you have something special.
The idea of a Lincoln Wheat Penny being worth $575,000 is not just a rumor—it’s based on real sales of ultra-rare varieties. While the odds of finding one in your change are slim, it’s still possible.
Every collector’s dream starts with a simple penny, so the next time you see a Wheat cent, give it a second look. You might just have a small copper coin that could change your life.
FAQs
Yes, certain error coins like the 1943 Bronze and 1944 Steel pennies can reach or even exceed this value at auction.
Check the date, mintmark, weight, and metal. Errors like the 1943 copper or 1955 doubled die are worth significantly more.
Use reputable auction houses, coin dealers, or grading services to get the best and safest price