The Lincoln Wheat Penny Value at $135K : Imagine finding a penny in your pocket change that could be worth $135,000! It might sound unbelievable, but certain rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies have fetched six-figure prices at auctions. These valuable coins are highly sought after by collectors due to their rarity, historical significance, and unique minting errors.
Could there still be one hiding in circulation? Let’s explore the history, features, and factors that make some Lincoln Wheat Pennies so valuable and how you can identify one that could change your fortune.
What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, also known as the Wheat Cent, was introduced in 1909 and was minted until 1958. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person President Abraham Lincoln on the obverse (front). The reverse design includes two wheat stalks, symbolizing agricultural prosperity, which is why it is commonly called a “Wheat Penny.”
Key Features of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Obverse (Front): Portrait of Abraham Lincoln
- Reverse (Back): Two wheat stalks, “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”
- Designer: Victor David Brenner
- Metal Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc (except for the 1943 steel penny)
- Mint Marks:
- No mint mark (Philadelphia Mint)
- D (Denver Mint)
- S (San Francisco Mint)
Why is a Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $135,000?
The 1943 Bronze (Copper) Wheat Penny is one of the rarest and most valuable coins in U.S. history. One such penny sold for $135,000, and others have fetched even higher prices, depending on their condition and authenticity.
The 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny – A $135K Coin
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel for penny production in 1943 to conserve copper for military supplies. However, a few pennies were mistakenly struck on leftover bronze planchets from 1942, creating the ultra-rare 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny.
💰 Estimated Value: $100,000 – $135,000+ (depending on condition and grading).
How to Identify a 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny:
✅ Made of bronze (copper) instead of steel
✅ Non-magnetic (unlike the common 1943 steel pennies)
✅ Weighs 3.11 grams (steel pennies weigh 2.7 grams)
🚨 Beware of Counterfeits! Some steel 1943 pennies have been coated in copper to mimic the rare bronze version. If you believe you have a genuine 1943 Bronze Penny, have it authenticated by a professional grading service such as PCGS or NGC.
Other Rare and Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
While the 1943 Bronze Penny is among the most famous, other Lincoln Wheat Pennies are also worth thousands of dollars:
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
- Value: $600 – $100,000+
- Features V.D.B. initials (Victor David Brenner) on the reverse.
- Only 484,000 were minted, making it one of the rarest Lincoln cents.
2. 1914-D Lincoln Penny
- Value: $200 – $20,000+
- Scarce due to low mintage (only 1.2 million minted).
3. 1922 No D Lincoln Penny
- Value: $1,000 – $50,000+
- A rare error penny where the Denver (D) mint mark is missing.
4. 1944 Steel Wheat Penny
- Value: $75,000 – $200,000
- The opposite of the 1943 Bronze Penny—this 1944 penny was mistakenly struck in steel instead of copper.
5. 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny
- Value: $1,000 – $15,000+
- Features a dramatic doubling effect on the date and lettering.
Could These Valuable Pennies Still Be in Circulation?
Yes, though incredibly rare, valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies have occasionally been found in circulation. Most people don’t inspect pennies closely, meaning a rare Wheat Penny could still be hiding in pocket change, old piggy banks, or forgotten coin collections.
👉 Where to Look for Rare Wheat Pennies:
✔ Check your spare change – You never know what you might find.
✔ Search bank rolls – Get rolls of pennies from banks and inspect them.
✔ Look through old coin collections – You might inherit a valuable coin without realizing it.
✔ Visit flea markets or estate sales – Rare coins sometimes appear in unexpected places.
How to Determine Your Penny’s Value
If you believe you have a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny, follow these steps to verify its authenticity:
1️⃣ Check the Date and Mint Mark – Look for key years like 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 No D, 1943 Bronze, or 1944 Steel.
2️⃣ Weigh the Penny – Use a digital scale to check if it matches the correct weight.
3️⃣ Look for Errors or Doubling – Compare your coin with verified images of error pennies.
4️⃣ Test with a Magnet – A real 1943 Bronze Penny will NOT stick to a magnet.
5️⃣ Get Professional Grading – Send it to a reputable coin grading service like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) for authentication.
Conclusion: Could You Have a $135K Penny?
Finding a Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $135,000 is like winning a small lottery. While most of these rare pennies have been collected, some may still be out there—waiting to be discovered in circulation.
Next time you come across a penny, take a closer look—you might be holding a piece of history worth a fortune!
🔎 Have you ever found a rare coin in circulation? Share your experience in the comments!
