Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $885 Million: The Lincoln Wheat Penny has become the center of an astonishing rumor—one version of this old coin is reportedly worth an incredible $885 million. While this number raises eyebrows, the story has sparked fresh interest in coin collecting and led people across the country to check their pockets and jars of spare change.
In this article, we explore the background of the Lincoln Wheat Penny, the reasons some versions are so valuable, and whether it’s possible that such a high-valued coin could still be out there. If you’ve ever handled a penny from decades ago, you might be holding something far more valuable than you think.
Quick Overview of the Lincoln Wheat Penny Craze
| Feature | Details |
| Coin Name | Lincoln Wheat Penny |
| Years of Minting | 1909–1958 |
| Key Design Features | Lincoln’s portrait front, wheat stalks back |
| Notable Rare Versions | 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1943 Copper, 1955 Double Die |
| Record Sale (Verified) | Over $1.7 million for 1943 Copper Penny |
| Rumored Valuation | $885 million (not officially confirmed) |
| Still in Circulation? | Some rare ones possibly are |
| Authentication Services | PCGS and NGC (coin grading experts) |
The Origin of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln. It was a historic moment, as this was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person. On the front is Lincoln’s right-facing profile, and the reverse displays two wheat ears alongside “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”
These coins were used in daily life for nearly five decades and were eventually replaced in 1959. Despite their age, many still exist today—some are common, but a few are incredibly rare.
Why Are Some Lincoln Wheat Pennies So Valuable?
The value of a Lincoln Wheat Penny doesn’t come from age alone. Several key factors contribute to what makes certain pennies worth thousands—or even millions—of dollars.
- Rarity: Some mint years had very limited production, making those versions highly collectible.
- Mint Mark Location: Coins with an “S” (San Francisco) or “D” (Denver) mark are often more valuable than those from Philadelphia, which carried no mark.
- Minting Errors: Mistakes during production such as double striking, missing dates, or use of incorrect materials can turn ordinary coins into extremely valuable ones.
Top 5 Most Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
If you’re scanning through your collection or checking your change, keep an eye out for these high-value versions:
- 1909-S VDB – One of the earliest and rarest versions, with designer initials on the back.
- 1914-D – Minted in Denver in low numbers; rare in good condition.
- 1922 No D – Due to worn dies, some 1922 coins appear without the Denver mint mark.
- 1943 Copper Penny – Intended to be made of steel, a few were accidentally struck in copper. These have sold for over $1.7 million.
- 1955 Double Die – Features a clear doubling of letters on the front side; a favorite among collectors.
Could There Really Be a $885 Million Penny?
The claim of a Lincoln Wheat Penny being worth $885 million is most likely exaggerated. While there’s no verified sale at this price, the story has gone viral, sparking both skepticism and curiosity.
What’s certain is that some versions have fetched six or even seven figures at auctions. A combination of extreme rarity, perfect condition, and strong collector demand could potentially push a penny’s value sky-high—but $885 million is likely a myth.
Incredible Real-Life Penny Discoveries
Despite the wild claims, there have been amazing stories of people finding extremely valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies:
- A young boy once discovered a 1943 Copper Penny in his lunch change. It later sold for over $1.7 million.
- A woman sorting through her late father’s coin collection found a rare 1909-S VDB penny worth thousands.
- A man using coins to fill a vending machine realized he had a 1955 Double Die penny in his hand.
These stories show that while rare, finding a valuable penny is not impossible.
How to Tell if Your Penny Is Worth Something
To check if your Lincoln Wheat Penny could be valuable, pay attention to these details:
- Date and Mint Mark: Found on the front of the coin, right under the date. Certain years and marks are far more valuable.
- Error Signs: Look for double images, missing letters, or unusual textures.
- Overall Condition: Coins in mint or near-mint condition (graded MS-65 or higher) are worth more, even if they aren’t rare versions.
If something stands out, it might be worth a closer look by a professional.
Found Something Special? Here’s What to Do
If you think you’ve found a valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny, follow these steps:
- Don’t Clean It: Cleaning can ruin a coin’s surface and drop its value instantly.
- Handle Carefully: Hold the coin by its edges to avoid fingerprints or damage.
- Store Properly: Place it in a soft, protective holder to prevent scratches.
- Get It Graded: Send it to services like PCGS or NGC for expert evaluation.
- Consider Selling Smartly: Rare coins often do best at numismatic auctions or through reputable dealers.
Two Essential Tips for Penny Collectors
- Keep an Eye on Change
Some rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies are still in circulation. Always glance at your coins before spending or tossing them in a jar. - Use a Coin Guide or App
There are plenty of collector apps and websites that help identify and value coins. Keep one handy to quickly spot something rare.
FAQs About the Lincoln Wheat Penny
Is the $885 million penny real?
There’s no confirmed sale of a Lincoln Wheat Penny for that amount. It’s likely a viral exaggeration.
How can I tell if my penny is rare?
Look at the date, mint mark, and any unusual markings or errors. Use a collector’s guide to compare.
Can I still find valuable pennies in circulation?
Yes, although rare, people have discovered valuable coins in everyday transactions.
Should I clean my coin before selling it?
No. Cleaning can damage the coin and lower its value.
Where can I get my coin appraised?
Send it to trusted grading services like PCGS or NGC, or visit a certified coin dealer.
Final Thought
The story of the Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $885 million might be more legend than fact, but it brings exciting attention to the world of rare coins. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just curious, it’s worth checking your change—you never know what history or value you might be holding.
Have a cool coin find or story? Drop it in the comments! Or explore more articles and coin facts to see if you’re sitting on a hidden treasure.
