Ashley Simpson
If you have a Lincoln Wheat Penny minted between 1909 and 1958 in your pocket or change jar, you might be holding a valuable treasure.
While the title figure of $950,000 isn’t firmly documented for a Lincoln Wheat Penny, multiple examples have sold for hundreds of thousands, even up to $840,000.
Let’s explore which rare error coins command those values and whether that $950K number is realistic.
Famous High‑Value Lincoln Wheat Pennies
| Year & Variety | Key Feature | Estimated Quantity | Auction Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943-D Bronze Cent | Copper planchet error (Denver) | ~1 known | ~$840,000 |
| 1943 Copper Wheat | Philadelphia bronze on wrong planchet | ~30 known | $372K–$840K |
| 1909‑S VDB | VDB initials (designer) | ~484K minted, few remain | ~$300K–$360K |
| 1955 Double Die | Date and letters doubled | 20K–24K minted | Tens of thousands (up to ~$114K–$120K) |
| 1919 MS69 “Red” | Full Mint Red, CAC sticker | Millions minted | ~$412,500 |
Error Varieties That Could Fetch a Fortunate Payout
1943 Bronze or Copper Planchet Errors
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc-coated steel for pennies. A tiny handful of copper (bronze) planchets were struck by mistake, producing extremely rare 1943 bronze or copper Wheat Pennies.
One from Denver (1943‑D) sold for roughly $840,000, and variants from Philadelphia have fetched around $372K to $500K. Only around 30 of these coins are thought to exist.
1909‑S VDB
One of the first Wheat Pennies, this variant includes the designer’s initials “VDB,” which were quickly removed from later issues.
With a mintage of roughly 484,000, very few survive in collectible condition. Some specimens have sold for over $300,000, even reaching $360K in recent years.
1955 Doubled Die Obverse
A die misalignment caused pronounced doubling of the date and letters like “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Around 20,000–24,000 entered circulation.
High‑grade examples have sold for $100,000+, though most range in the tens of thousands.
Is the $950,000 Claim Realistic?
To date, no verified Lincoln Wheat Penny has sold for $950,000. The top confirmed sale is the 1943-D bronze penny at about $840,000.
Anecdotal social-media claims occasionally cite a $950K or even $1 million+ value, but these have not been substantiated through major auction houses.
How to Check Your Penny for Rarity
- Date Range: 1909–1958 (Wheat reverse coins only)
- Look for Errors:
- Is it copper and dated 1943? Should be steel.
- Does the obverse or reverse show doubled letters/digits (especially 1955)?
- Does the coin read “VDB” on the reverse and minted in 1909, especially from San Francisco (S mintmark)?
- Condition Matters: Coins graded MS65 or higher (mint state) with original red color (“Full Red”) draw far higher premiums.
- Professional Grading: Always get rare coins authenticated and graded by trusted services like PCGS or NGC.
While a Lincoln Wheat Penny in your pocket is highly unlikely to be worth $950K, rare error varieties like the 1943 bronze penny, 1909‑S VDB, and 1955 doubled die can command six-figure auction prices, with the top realized sale hovering around $840,000.
Examine your coins closely, condition matters greatly, and professional grading is key. Who knows—your next cent could be a numismatic gem waiting to be discovered.
FAQs
Could a Lincoln Wheat Penny ever reach $950,000?
Not yet. The highest confirmed sale is about $840,000, though speculative figures like $950K circulate online.
Which Wheat Penny error is most valuable?
The 1943-D bronze/copper penny is the most valuable — Denver mint error, with only one known specimen.
How can I verify if my penny is rare or valuable?
Look for errors (copper planchet in 1943, doubled die, VDB initials), check mintmarks and condition, and get a proper certification and grading from coin experts.