Rare Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $115 Million – Between 1909 and 1958, the Lincoln Wheat Penny had an important place in American coin collecting. For the first time, a U.S. coin’s image was a person who had actually lived. It was Victor David Brenner who put the portrait of Lincoln on the coin’s front and the symbol of two wheat stalks on the back to demonstrate the nation’s good fortune. The existing design was set aside when the Lincoln Memorial design came into play in 1958.
The $115 Million Penny: Is It Real or Just a Myth?
Some reports claim that a Lincoln Wheat Penny could be worth up to $115 million, citing the coin’s rarity, historical significance, and amazing condition. While this pricing is often speculative and based on rumors, and has not been confirmed by major auction houses, it does reflect how much value rare coins can hold in the collectors’ market.
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Things That Help Determine the Price of Expensive Coins
- Minting Errors
- A minting error can significantly increase the coin’s value. In 1943, just after entering World War II, the US Mint produced pennies from steel to preserve copper. A small number of 1943 pennies were inadvertently created on copper instead of the usual steel blanks and these are highly unusual and in great demand.
- A minting error can significantly increase the coin’s value. In 1943, just after entering World War II, the US Mint produced pennies from steel to preserve copper. A small number of 1943 pennies were inadvertently created on copper instead of the usual steel blanks and these are highly unusual and in great demand.
- Limited Mintage
- The rarity of some coins is sometimes due to their small production. For example, the 1909-S VDB penny, which was only minted 484,000 times, has become extremely sought after due to its scarcity and the controversy surrounding the designer’s initials.
- The rarity of some coins is sometimes due to their small production. For example, the 1909-S VDB penny, which was only minted 484,000 times, has become extremely sought after due to its scarcity and the controversy surrounding the designer’s initials.
- Historical Significance
- Money minted during important events in history such as wartime, may appreciate over time. These coins are popular with collectors because they represent notable happenings.
- Money minted during important events in history such as wartime, may appreciate over time. These coins are popular with collectors because they represent notable happenings.
- Condition and Grading
- A coin’s worth depends mainly on how it is kept and handled. If a coin is graded as “Mint State” or “Uncirculated,” it may be worth more. Coins are assigned a value by both the PCGS and NGC, as they use these services to confirm and certify their worth.
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Some notable Lincoln Wheat pennies and their prices
Year | Mint Mark | Key Feature | Estimated Value | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
1909 | S VDB | Designer’s Initials | $117,500 and above | Limited Mintage |
1914 | D | Low Mintage | $75,000 and above | Highly Popular |
1943 | D | Struck on Bronze Planchet | $840,000 and above | Minting Error |
1955 | None | Double Die Obverse | $50,000 and above | Visible Doubling on Date and Lettering |
How to identify if you have a valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny

- Check the date and mint mark: This information is on the obverse of the coin.
- Check for mismatched dies, a crooked impression on the coin image or visible error in the plating, as this can raise the item’s value.
- Evaluate condition: A coin’s condition also has a significant impact on its value. Even the slightest scratch can reduce a coin’s value.
- Get professional grading: Use a service like PCGS or NGC to have a coin authenticated and graded.
Care and preservation of the collection
There are a few things you should keep in mind to maintain or increase your coin’s value:
- Handle with care: Hold coins by the edge to avoid fingerprints.
- Store your coins in albums or holders that are free of acid.
- Avoid cleaning: Cleaning coins can decrease their value, so don’t clean them.
- Store your coins in a cool and dry environment to avoid them rusting.
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Conclusion
Broken and unbroken examples of this coin are highly sought after by collectors and coin enthusiasts. Even if the $115 million price tag is rumored, it highlights the possibility of the coin’s true value. If you’re a coin collector, it’s important to understand that a coin’s value depends solely on its rarity, historical significance, and condition. When you look after your collection, you too may end up with a valuable numismatic treasure.
FAQs On Rare Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $115 Million
Q. What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
A. The Lincoln Wheat Penny was minted from 1909 to 1958 and is famous for featuring the profile of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse.
Q. Why is the Lincoln Wheat Penny valuable?
A. While most Lincoln Wheat Pennies are worth only their face value, certain rare editions, such as those with minting errors or limited mintage, can fetch significant amounts at auctions.
Q. What is the most valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny?
A. The 1909-S VDB penny, with only 484,000 minted, is one of the most valuable due to its rarity and the controversy over the designer’s initials.