The Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $815K: In 1909, the United States created something special that would change coin collecting forever. The government decided to honor President Abraham Lincoln on his 100th birthday by putting his face on a new penny. This was the first time any American president appeared on money that people used every day. An artist named Victor David Brenner designed this new coin, creating what we now call the Lincoln Wheat Penny. The front showed Lincoln’s side profile, while the back featured two wheat stalks surrounding the words “ONE CENT.” This wheat design stayed the same until 1958, making these coins easily recognizable to collectors today.
What Makes These Pennies So Valuable
Not every Lincoln Wheat Penny is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, but certain ones can sell for incredible amounts. The most valuable ones have special stories behind them that make collectors willing to pay huge sums. Some pennies became rare because of mistakes made during production, while others are valuable because very few were made. The condition of the coin also matters greatly. A penny that looks brand new and has never been used will always be worth more than one that shows wear and tear from being handled over the years.
The Famous 1943 Copper Penny Mystery
During World War Two, the government needed copper for the war, so they decided to make pennies from steel instead. However, a few copper pieces accidentally got mixed in with the steel production in 1943. These copper pennies from 1943 are extremely rare because they were never supposed to exist. Only a handful were ever made, and finding one today would be like winning the lottery. These special pennies can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars because collectors know how rare they are and want to own a piece of this historical mistake.
The 1909-S VDB Penny Story
Another very valuable penny is the 1909-S VDB, which has an interesting backstory. When the artist Victor Brenner designed the coin, he put his initials “VDB” on the back. However, some people complained that the initials were too big and noticeable. The government quickly removed them, but not before some pennies were made with the initials still there. The ones made in San Francisco, marked with an “S,” are especially rare. These pennies became valuable because production stopped so quickly, leaving very few in existence.
How Coin Condition Affects Value
The way a penny has been treated over the years makes a huge difference in its worth. Coin experts use a special grading system to judge how good a coin looks. Pennies that have never been used and still shine like new are called “mint state” coins and are worth the most money. Even tiny scratches or signs of wear can lower a coin’s value significantly. Professional coin graders are experts who can tell exactly what condition a coin is in, and their opinion helps determine how much someone should pay for it.
Finding Treasure in Your Pocket Change
The most exciting part about Lincoln Wheat Pennies is that valuable ones might still be hiding in everyday places. People sometimes find these old pennies in their change from stores or in old jars at home. To spot a Wheat Penny, look for the wheat stalks on the back instead of the Lincoln Memorial that appears on newer pennies. Pay special attention to any 1943 penny that looks copper-colored instead of silver, or any 1909 penny with the letters “VDB” on the back.
Taking Care of Valuable Discoveries
If you think you have found a valuable penny, handle it very carefully. Never try to clean it or make it shinier, as this will actually make it worth less money. Store it safely where it cannot get scratched or damaged. The best thing to do is take it to a coin expert who can tell you if it is real and how much it might be worth. These professionals have the knowledge and tools needed to properly evaluate old coins.
Disclaimer: The values mentioned in this article are estimates based on past sales and current market conditions. Actual coin values can change and may be different depending on the coin’s condition, rarity, and what buyers are willing to pay. Always get professional help to authenticate and value any coin you think might be worth a lot of money. This article is only for educational purposes and should not be used as investment advice. Individual results may vary, and there is no guarantee that any particular coin will be worth the amounts discussed.
