The Lincoln Wheat Penny has always been a favorite among coin collectors, but there’s one particular variation that has sparked a frenzy in recent months. This single coin, often overlooked in pocket change, is now being sought after by collectors and investors alike. But what makes this specific Lincoln Wheat Penny so special?
For those unfamiliar, the Lincoln Wheat Penny was minted from 1909 to 1958 and is recognizable by the two wheat stalks on the reverse side. While millions of these pennies were produced, certain rare variations have become highly valuable due to minting errors, low production numbers, and historical significance.
The One Lincoln Wheat Penny Everyone Wants
While there are several valuable Wheat Pennies, the one currently making waves in the numismatic world is the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny. This coin, minted in San Francisco, was part of the first batch of Lincoln Pennies ever produced.
What makes it so rare?
- Limited Mintage – Only 484,000 of these coins were struck before the U.S. Mint removed the initials “VDB” (for designer Victor David Brenner) from the reverse side.
- Historical Importance – This penny marked the debut of the Lincoln cent, making it an important piece in American history.
- Collectors’ Demand – With such a low mintage, it’s incredibly difficult to find one in good condition, making it a prized possession among collectors.
How Much Is This Penny Worth?
If you happen to stumble upon a 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny, you might be holding onto a small fortune. Depending on its condition, this penny can be worth anywhere from $1,000 to over $100,000.
- Well-worn versions can still fetch around $1,500 to $3,000.
- Uncirculated or high-grade versions can sell for upwards of $50,000 to $100,000.
- Rare mint-condition coins have been known to cross the $150,000 mark at auctions.
In 2021, a nearly perfect MS67 Red 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny sold for $168,000, setting a new record for this coin.
Other Lincoln Wheat Pennies That Can Be Worth a Fortune
While the 1909-S VDB is one of the most sought-after Lincoln Wheat Pennies, there are a few others that collectors eagerly search for:
- 1943 Copper Penny – A rare error coin where a few pennies were mistakenly struck in copper instead of steel. Some have sold for over $200,000.
- 1955 Double Die Penny – A striking error that resulted in a noticeable doubling of the date and lettering, making it worth $1,000 to $50,000.
- 1922 No D Penny – A rare variety where the Denver mint mark “D” was accidentally omitted, making it a valuable find.
How to Check If You Have This Penny
If you have an old jar of pennies sitting around, now is the time to go through them carefully. Here’s what to look for:
- Check the Date – Look for 1909 on the front of the coin.
- Look for the Mint Mark – The “S” mint mark (San Francisco) should be below the year.
- Inspect the Reverse Side – The initials “VDB” should be at the bottom of the coin’s reverse side.
If you find one that matches these details, you might have struck gold—figuratively speaking.
Where to Sell a Rare Lincoln Wheat Penny
If you think you’ve found a valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny, here are a few ways to verify and sell it:
- Coin Dealers – A professional numismatist can authenticate and appraise your coin.
- Online Auctions – Websites like eBay, Heritage Auctions, and Stack’s Bowers specialize in rare coin sales.
- Coin Shows and Conventions – Attending a coin show can help you connect with serious buyers and collectors.
Also Read:- Lucky Lincoln Wheat Penny Only Few Collectors have Selling for Over $500,000
Final Thoughts
The Lincoln Wheat Penny series has long fascinated collectors, but the 1909-S VDB penny stands out as a true treasure. With its limited mintage and historical value, it remains one of the most coveted coins in U.S. history. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just someone checking their spare change, finding this rare penny could be a life-changing discovery.
So, next time you come across an old penny, take a closer look—it might just be worth a fortune.
