Imagine finding a 1-cent coin in your pocket that’s actually worth hundreds of thousands of dollars — or more! That’s the magic of rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies. These humble U.S. cents, minted from 1909 to 1958, occasionally surface as collector treasures worth insane sums at auctions.
Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or just browsing through old jars of change, here are the Top 5 ultra-rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies worth $88,000+ today (and some are worth way more).
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Approx. Value: $250,000–$840,000+ 💎
One of the rarest American coins ever, the 1943 bronze Wheat Penny was struck on copper by mistake. During World War II, most pennies were made of steel to save copper for the war effort — but a few bronze planchets remained and were accidentally used.
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Only a few dozen known to exist
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One example sold for $840,000+ at auction
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Collectors call it the holy grail of Lincoln cents
2. 1944 Steel Lincoln Wheat Penny
Approx. Value: $75,000–$408,000+ 📈
Unlike regular 1944 pennies (which were copper), a few were mistakenly struck on steel blanks leftover from 1943 production. These error coins are incredibly rare and fetch big prices.
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Only a couple known in high grades
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One graded MS66 sold for $408,000+
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Must be identified carefully (steel vs copper tests help)
3. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny
Approx. Value: $100,000–$168,000+ 🔎
1909 was the first year of Lincoln cents, and this San Francisco-minted variety with VDB initials (designer Victor David Brenner) was controversial and produced in very limited numbers.
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Small mintage and high collector demand
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One MS67 RD sold around $168,000+
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Classic key date for any serious coin collection
4. 1917 Doubled Die Wheat Penny
Approx. Value: Up to $180,000+ 💰
This error coin shows doubled features — most noticeably on the date and lettering — due to a die duplication mistake. The finest known specimens are extremely sought after.
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Doubled details significantly increase rarity
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Finest examples have sold for ~$180,000+
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One of the biggest surprises for roll hunters and collectors
5. 1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny
Approx. Value: $150,000+ 🔥
With one of the lowest mintages in the series, the Denver-minted 1914-D Wheat Penny is both rare and valuable — especially in high grades.
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Only ~1.2 million struck
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MS66+ examples have brought $150,000+ at auction
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A staple “must-check” date if you’re sorting old coins
Collector Secrets Every Penny Hunter Should Know
Check Mintmarks & Condition
Mintmarks (like “S” for San Francisco or “D” for Denver) are key to spotting rarities. Coins in uncirculated condition (sharp details and color) are worth exponentially more.
Magnet Test for Errors
Use a magnet:
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Steel pennies (normal 1943) stick
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Bronze/ copper rarities do not
Get Professional Grading
High values are almost always confirmed by professional grading services like PCGS or NGC before sale.
Think You Have One? Here’s What to Do Next
If you find a Wheat Penny among your old change or family coin jars:
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Don’t clean it! Cleaning can destroy value.
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Note the date & mintmark — that’s where the value starts.
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Test with a magnet for 1943 variants.
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Consider grading if it’s a potential key date or error.
Final Thought:
You might be sitting on a tiny coin that’s literally worth six figures. Before you spend or discard old pennies, give them a quick look — history and hidden treasure could be in your pocket right now!