The Lincoln Wheat Penny Value at $138K : Would you believe that a one-cent coin could be worth a staggering $138,000? Some Lincoln Wheat Pennies have fetched six-figure sums at auctions, making them some of the most valuable coins in U.S. history.
Many collectors and coin enthusiasts wonder: Is it still possible to find one in circulation? While rare, it’s not impossible! In this article, we’ll explore the history, features, and rarity of the Lincoln Wheat Penny, including how you can identify one that might be worth a fortune.
What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, also known as the Wheat Cent, was first minted in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s birth. It was in circulation until 1958, after which it was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial cent.
Key Features of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Obverse (Front): A portrait of Abraham Lincoln
- Reverse (Back): Two wheat stalks surrounding “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)
Which Lincoln Wheat Penny is Worth $138,000?
The 1943 Bronze (Copper) Wheat Penny is one of the rarest and most valuable pennies ever produced. One such coin has been auctioned for $138,000, and others have sold for even higher amounts depending on their condition and grading.
The 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny – A $138K Coin
During World War II, copper was reserved for military supplies, so the U.S. Mint produced steel pennies in 1943 instead of copper ones. However, a few bronze (copper) planchets from 1942 were accidentally used, resulting in the extremely rare 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny.
💰 Estimated Value: $100,000 – $138,000+ (depending on coin condition and grading).
How to Identify a 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny
✅ Made of bronze (copper) instead of steel
✅ Non-magnetic (steel pennies from 1943 will stick to a magnet)
✅ Weighs 3.11 grams (compared to 2.7 grams for steel pennies)
🚨 Beware of Counterfeits! Some steel 1943 pennies have been coated in copper to mimic the rare bronze version. Always have your coin authenticated by a professional grading service like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation).
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
Besides the 1943 Bronze Penny, several other Lincoln Wheat Pennies are worth thousands or even six figures!
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 extremely rare.
2. 1914-D Lincoln Penny
- Value: $200 – $20,000+
- A scarce penny with only 1.2 million produced.
3. 1922 No D Lincoln Penny
- Value: $1,000 – $50,000+
- This error penny lacks the Denver (D) mint mark, making it highly collectible.
4. 1944 Steel Wheat Penny
- Value: $75,000 – $200,000
- The opposite of the 1943 Bronze Penny—this 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, making it a must-have for collectors.
Could These Valuable Pennies Still Be in Circulation?
While rare, some valuable Wheat Pennies have been found in circulation over the years. This happens because:
✅ People may not realize their pennies are valuable and spend them.
✅ Old coin collections sometimes get mixed into regular currency.
✅ Estate sales, flea markets, or garage sales may have rare coins hidden in collections.
Where to Look for Rare Wheat Pennies
✔ Check your spare change – Examine every old penny you come across.
✔ Search bank coin rolls – Get rolls of pennies from banks and inspect them.
✔ Look through old coin collections – You might have inherited a rare penny.
✔ Visit flea markets or estate sales – Rare coins sometimes appear in unexpected places.
How to Determine Your Penny’s Value
If you think you have a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny, follow these steps:
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 Test with a Magnet – A real 1943 Bronze Penny will NOT stick to a magnet.
4️⃣ Look for Errors or Doubling – Compare your coin with verified images of rare pennies.
5️⃣ Get Professional Grading – Send it to a reputable coin grading service like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation).
Conclusion: Could You Have a $138K Penny?
Finding a Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $138,000 is rare but not impossible! While most have been collected, some valuable pennies may still be out there hiding in pocket change, old collections, or forgotten piggy banks.
Next time you come across an old penny, take a closer look you might be holding a piece of history worth a small fortune!
🔎 Have you ever found a rare coin in circulation? Share your experience in the comments!
