The Lincoln Wheat Penny (1909–1958) is the classic “wheat back” cent with Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat stalks on the reverse. Over 20 billion were minted, but a handful of rare dates and errors turned ordinary pennies into treasures.
The History Behind America’s Favorite Cent
Released in 1909 to celebrate Lincoln’s 100th birthday, the Wheat Penny was designed by Victor David Brenner. The famous “VDB” initials on early coins caused controversy and were quickly removed—creating instant rarities.
Why Some Wheat Pennies Are Worth Millions Today
Condition, mint mark, and low mintage numbers drive the value. The holy grail? The ultra-rare 1909-S VDB in perfect condition.
The $9.6 Million Record-Breaker Explained
In January 2025, a flawless 1909-S VDB graded MS-68+ by PCGS sold for an astonishing $9.6 million at auction, shattering every U.S. copper coin record. Only 484,000 were ever minted, and fewer than 15 exist in this condition.
Top 10 Most Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
| Rank | Year & Mint | Record Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1909-S VDB | $9,600,000 | The new king of copper coins |
| 2 | 1943 Bronze (error) | $1,700,000 | Struck in bronze instead of steel |
| 3 | 1955 Doubled Die | $124,000+ | Dramatic doubling on date & letters |
| 4 | 1944 Steel (error) | $373,000 | Wartime steel planchet error |
| 5 | 1922 No D | $144,000 | Missing mint mark error |
| 6 | 1909-S | $100,000+ | Low mintage San Francisco issue |
| 7 | 1914-D | $90,000+ | Only 1.2 million minted |
| 8 | 1931-S | $75,000+ | Just 866,000 made during Depression |
| 9 | 1917 Doubled Die | $60,000+ | Strong doubling visible to naked eye |
| 10 | 1909 VDB | $5,000–$50,000 | Common but still collectible |
How to Check If YOU Own a Rare Wheat Penny
- Grab a magnifying glass.
- Look for the tiny mint mark under the date (S = San Francisco, D = Denver, no mark = Philadelphia).
- Check the designer initials “VDB” on 1909 coins below the wheat stalks.
- Examine condition—bright red coins are worth WAY more than brown ones.
Expert Tips for Beginners Starting a Collection
- Buy a Red Book guide ($15–$20) – it’s the bible of U.S. coin values.
- Start with “wheat penny rolls” from banks or eBay for cheap hunting fun.
- Never clean your coins! Cleaning destroys value.
- Get rare finds graded by PCGS or NGC if you think they’re special.
Wheat Penny Value Comparison: Common vs Ultra-Rare
| Type | Average Value | Top Grade Value |
|---|---|---|
| Common date (1930–1958) | 3–25 cents | $1–$20 |
| Key date (1909-S VDB) | $100–$1,000 | Up to $9.6M |
| Error coins | $50–$500 | $100,000+ |
| Full red uncirculated | $1–$50 | $1,000–millions |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are all 1909-S VDB pennies worth millions?
No! Circulated examples start around $800–$2,000. Only pristine ones hit six or seven figures.
Q: Where can I sell a rare wheat penny?
Reputable auction houses like Heritage Auctions, GreatCollections, or local coin shops.
Q: What’s the easiest rare wheat penny to find?
The 1955 Doubled Die—still worth $1,000+ even in lower grades.
Final Thoughts: Start Digging Through Your Change Today!
That jar of old pennies on your shelf could literally contain a million-dollar coin. The $9.6 million 1909-S VDB proves it only takes one rare penny to change everything. Grab a loupe, check your change, and who knows—you might be the next person shouting, “I found a million-dollar Lincoln Wheat Penny!”
