Lincoln Wheat Penny: You’re counting loose change for parking and suddenly notice an old copper penny with wheat stalks on the back. Most people toss it aside — but one single Lincoln Wheat cent in perfect condition just sold for $49,000. These 1909–1958 pennies are still hiding in jars, rolls, and cash registers in 2025. Your next penny could be the big one!
What Exactly Is a Lincoln Wheat Penny?
From 1909 to 1958, the U.S. Mint produced pennies showing Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat stalks on the back. That’s why collectors call them “wheat pennies” or “wheaties.” Billions were made, so common ones are worth only 3–15 cents. Only a few rare dates and super-clean examples bring thousands — or tens of thousands.
The $49,000 Wheat Penny Making Headlines Right Now
In early 2025, a 1936 Lincoln cent graded PCGS MS-68+ Red (almost perfect with bright original copper color) sold for $49,000 at auction. It came from an old family album that had been forgotten for 80 years. Coins this flawless are rarer than a flawless diamond of the same size!
Top 10 Most Valuable Wheat Pennies You Can Still Find in Circulation (2025 Values)
| Rank | Year & Mint | Key Feature | Best Known Grade | Current Value Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1936 | Brilliant uncirculated, full red | MS-68+ Red | $35,000 – $49,000 |
| 2 | 1909-S VDB | First year + designer initials | MS-67+ Red | $18,000 – $42,000 |
| 3 | 1914-D | Low mintage | MS-66+ Red | $15,000 – $38,000 |
| 4 | 1931-S | Only 866,000 made | MS-66 Red | $12,000 – $32,000 |
| 5 | 1922 Plain (No D) | Missing Denver mint mark | MS-65 Red | $18,000 – $30,000 |
| 6 | 1909-S | Low mintage San Francisco | MS-66 Red | $9,000 – $22,000 |
| 7 | 1916 Double Die Obverse | Clear doubling on date & letters | AU-58 | $8,000 – $18,000 |
| 8 | 1955 Double Die | Famous dramatic doubling | MS-65 Red | $25,000 – $60,000+ |
| 9 | 1943 Bronze | War-time error on copper | MS-63 | $100,000+ (ultra-rare) |
| 10 | 1944 Steel | War-time steel leftover | MS-64 | $70,000+ (ultra-rare) |
How to Spot a $49,000 Wheat Penny in Under 30 Seconds
- Flip it over — look for wheat stalks (not the Lincoln Memorial).
- Check the date — focus on 1909–1939 coins first.
- Look for tiny mint mark under the date:
- Blank = Philadelphia
- D = Denver
- S = San Francisco
- Is it bright copper-red, not brown or dirty? Red coins are worth 5–20× more.
- Hold it to light — no scratches, spots, or fingerprints = possible jackpot.
Best Places to Hunt Wheat Pennies in 2025
- Old coin albums at estate and garage sales
- “Penny jars” at grandma’s or uncle’s house
- Bank-wrapped rolls from small-town banks
- Flea markets (buy unsearched rolls for $1–$3)
- Your car’s cup holder or couch cushions
What to Do If You Find a Super-Nice One
- Never clean or polish — cleaning can destroy 99% of the value.
- Place it gently in a plastic holder or cardboard flip.
- Take sharp photos in good light.
- Submit to PCGS or NGC for official grading ($20–$100 fee).
- Sell through reputable auction houses like Heritage or Stack’s Bowers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are all wheat pennies worth a lot? A: No. Worn common dates are worth 3–20 cents. Only high-grade rare dates or errors bring big money.
Q: Why did a 1936 penny sell for $49,000? A: It was almost perfect (MS-68+) and kept its original bright red color for 89 years — fewer than five exist that nice.
Q: Can I still find valuable wheat pennies in change today? A: Yes! People found 1909-S VDB and 1931-S cents in rolls as recently as 2024.
Q: What does “Red” mean when grading pennies? A: It means the coin still looks brand-new copper. “Brown” coins are worth much less.
Q: Is it worth searching through thousands of pennies? A: Absolutely — many collectors have paid for cars, vacations, or college with just one lucky find.
Conclusion:
Searching wheat pennies costs almost nothing and can pay everything. The next time you see an old copper penny, take five seconds to check the date and condition. Real people are still pulling $5,000–$49,000 coins from ordinary change and old jars in 2025. One quick look could turn your spare change into life-changing money!