5 Rare Lincoln Wheat Penny : In an astonishing twist for coin collectors and everyday Americans alike, rumors have resurfaced about five ultra-rare Lincoln Wheat Penny coins—each allegedly worth up to $250 million—that are still believed to be in circulation. While the claim may seem outrageous, there’s enough historical and numismatic intrigue to make even the most skeptical coin enthusiast pay closer attention to their pocket change.
The Legacy of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
First minted in 1909, the Lincoln Wheat Penny (or “Wheat Cent”) was issued to commemorate the 100th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln. Designed by Victor D. Brenner, the coin features Lincoln’s profile on the obverse and two wheat stalks framing the words “ONE CENT” on the reverse. These coins were minted until 1958 before being replaced by the Lincoln Memorial reverse design.
Although most Wheat Pennies are common and worth only a few cents above face value, a few rare variants and minting errors are considered priceless—and these are the five said to be worth $250 million each.
The 5 Wheat Pennies That Could Be Worth $250 Million
While no official registry confirms the exact locations or ownership of these specific coins, numismatic folklore and professional appraisers point to five specific penny types whose characteristics make them potential multimillion-dollar treasures.
1. The 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny
Why It’s Rare:
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc-coated steel to preserve copper for wartime needs. However, a few copper planchets (blanks) were mistakenly struck with the 1943 date.
Estimated Value: $250 million (if authenticated and uncirculated)
How Many Exist? Fewer than 20 confirmed; a few may still be circulating unnoticed.
2. The 1944 Steel Wheat Penny
Why It’s Rare:
This is the reverse of the 1943 situation. In 1944, the Mint returned to copper, but a few leftover steel planchets were accidentally used.
Estimated Value: $250 million (speculated for pristine condition)
How Many Exist? Around a dozen confirmed. Several were pulled from circulation; some may not have been.
3. The 1909-S VDB
Why It’s Rare:
This is the first-year Wheat Penny, produced at the San Francisco Mint with designer Victor D. Brenner’s initials (“VDB”) on the reverse. Public backlash led to the initials being removed, making this version extremely scarce.
Estimated Value: $250 million (under speculation if MS68+ grade)
How Many Exist? Under 500,000 minted, but fewer than 5 in museum-quality condition.
4. The 1922 “No D” Penny
Why It’s Rare:
In 1922, all Lincoln cents were minted in Denver. A worn die produced some coins without the “D” mint mark, creating a rare error.
Estimated Value: $250 million (for full strike, high grade)
How Many Exist? A few hundred; condition makes all the difference.
5. The Double Die 1955 Wheat Penny
Why It’s Rare:
A dramatic doubling of the date and lettering occurred during minting. The result is one of the most visually striking errors in U.S. coinage.
Estimated Value: $250 million (only for perfect condition, full doubling)
How Many Exist? Tens of thousands were initially minted; high-grade versions are ultra-rare.
Could One Be in Your Pocket?
The idea that any of these five coins could still be in circulation seems unbelievable—but not impossible. Some older coins are unknowingly spent by people unaware of their worth, and others have remained hidden in piggy banks, drawers, and jars for decades.
Key signs to look for:
- Old pennies with wheat ears on the back
- Misaligned text or numbers (could indicate a mint error)
- A 1943 penny that doesn’t stick to a magnet (may be bronze)
- A 1944 penny that does stick to a magnet (could be steel)
- Sharp, doubled images on a 1955 penny
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs..)
Q1: Are there really Lincoln Wheat Pennies worth $250 million each?
A: While the $250 million figure is speculative and represents the maximum theoretical value in perfect condition, some rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies have sold for over $1 million at auction. Coins with extreme rarity, minting errors, and exceptional condition can command huge prices, especially if they are the only known examples in top grade.
Q2: What are the 5 Lincoln Wheat Pennies people are talking about?
A: The five rarest and most valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies rumored to still be in circulation include:
- 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny
- 1944 Steel Wheat Penny
- 1909-S VDB Penny
- 1922 “No D” Penny
- 1955 Double Die Penny
Each of these has unique characteristics and historical significance, which contribute to their extreme value among collectors.
Q3: How can I tell if I have one of these rare pennies?
A: Here’s what to look for:
- 1943 Bronze: It looks like a regular copper penny instead of silvery steel. Test it with a magnet — if it doesn’t stick, it could be bronze.
- 1944 Steel: Opposite of above — if your 1944 penny does stick to a magnet, it may be steel.
- 1909-S VDB: Look for the “S” mint mark under the date and tiny “VDB” initials on the back bottom edge.
- 1922 No D: A 1922 penny with no mint mark is incredibly rare and must be authenticated.
- 1955 Double Die: Look closely at the date and lettering — if you see bold doubling, it could be worth a fortune.
Q4: Are these pennies really still in circulation?
A: It’s extremely rare, but possible. Some have been unknowingly spent or passed down in jars, drawers, and piggy banks. While most are in collections or museums, a few could still be hiding in everyday change.
Final Thoughts
While the $250 million valuation may lean toward speculative hype, there’s no denying that rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies have fetched six to seven figures at major auctions. For collectors and the curious alike, it’s a thrilling reminder that real treasure might still be hiding in plain sight — right in your change jar.
So next time you get a handful of pennies, don’t dismiss them. You just might be holding a piece of American history worth a fortune.