Lincoln Wheat Penny Sold for $14 Million – Could You Have One Too?

Published On: July 6, 2025

Imagine finding an old penny in your coin jar, only to discover it’s worth millions. Sounds unbelievable, right? But in the world of coin collecting—also known as numismatics—it’s entirely possible. One Lincoln Wheat Penny even sold for a jaw-dropping $14 million. These coins may seem ordinary, but a rare few are anything but.

Whether you’re a casual collector or just curious about that jar of spare change, here’s what you need to know about valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies and how to tell if you’re holding onto a hidden treasure.

Overview

Here’s a quick look at the most exciting highlights:

Feature	Details
Most Valuable Penny	Sold for $14 million
Coins to Watch For	1943 Copper, 1909-S VDB, 1955 Double Die
What Increases Value	Rarity, minting errors, condition
Where to Check Values	PCGS, NGC websites
How to Sell	Auctions, dealers, coin shows

Value

What makes a tiny one-cent coin worth millions? It’s all about rarity, condition, and minting mistakes. Lincoln Wheat Pennies were minted from 1909 to 1958, and while most are worth just a few cents, a rare few can sell for thousands—or even millions.

Let’s break down what to look for.

Rarity

Coins with low mintage numbers are more likely to be valuable. A perfect example is the 1909-S VDB penny, which had only 484,000 produced. That’s a tiny amount in coin terms. Because of its limited run and historical importance, it’s one of the most sought-after coins in the series.

Errors

Some of the most valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies owe their high price to minting mistakes. These errors are unintentional and incredibly rare. A few examples include:

1943 Copper Penny: Most pennies that year were made of steel due to wartime copper shortages. A few copper coins were struck by accident and are now worth millions.
1955 Double Die Penny: A striking error caused the text to appear doubled, making it a collector favorite.
1922 No D Penny: Meant to have a Denver mint mark, this penny is missing it due to die wear.

These coins are rare and often faked—so authentication is key.

Condition

Coin grading plays a huge role in determining value. A coin in near-perfect condition (graded MS-65 or higher) will sell for significantly more than the same coin in worn condition.

Here’s a quick look at grading impact:

Grade	Condition Description	Market Value Impact
P-1 to G-4	Poor to Good	Minimal
VF-20	Very Fine	Moderate
AU-50	Almost Uncirculated	High
MS-65+	Mint State (like new)	Very High

Use services like PCGS or NGC for official grading if you think your penny is valuable.

History

Part of what makes these pennies so interesting is their story. First minted in 1909 to honor Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday, the Wheat Penny became a staple in American pockets for nearly 50 years. Its design, errors, and changing mint marks tell a story that collectors find hard to resist.

Identification

Think you have a winner? Here’s how to check:

Inspect the Date and Mint Mark: Key years include 1909-S VDB, 1943 (copper), 1955 (double die), and 1922 (no D).
Look for Errors: Check for doubling, off-center prints, or missing marks.
Check Condition: The cleaner and crisper the coin, the more it’s worth.
Use Online Resources: Visit PCGS.com or NGCcoin.com to compare your coin’s features.

Selling

Once you’ve confirmed your coin might be valuable, you’ve got a few options to sell:

Online Auctions: eBay, Heritage Auctions, GreatCollections
Coin Dealers: Work with reputable professionals who can give fair offers
Coin Shows: Connect directly with collectors and dealers at events

Before selling, always get your coin graded and authenticated to avoid scams and ensure top dollar.

Your change jar might not look like much—but that old penny could be hiding a serious payday. All it takes is the right combination of rarity, error, and condition. So grab a magnifying glass, check those dates, and do a little research. You never know—your next lucky find might be worth a small fortune.