7 Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies Hiding In Your Pocket Change

In the world of coins, the most valuable pieces aren’t always gold or silver – sometimes, they’re made of copper and already in your possession. For many Americans, the Lincoln Wheat penny, produced from 1909 to 1958, seems like just another old coin. But seasoned collectors know that some of these pennies can be worth hundreds, thousands, or even over $100,000.

Here’s a closer look at seven rare Lincoln Wheat pennies that might be hiding in your spare change – and why it’s worth checking your collection today.

1. 1909-S VDB – The Holy Grail of Wheat Pennies

Don’t Ignore These Old Pennies – They’re Goldmines!
Among all Wheat pennies, the 1909-S VDB stands out as the most coveted. It was the first coin of the series, bearing the initials “VDB” of designer Victor David Brenner on the back. Public complaints led to the initials being quickly removed, and only 484,000 of these coins were produced.

Why it’s special: A circulated 1909-S VDB often sells for $700–$1,000, while uncirculated ones have gone for more than $60,000.

2. 1914-D – A Silent Heavyweight

The 1914-D penny, minted in Denver, is one of the rarest Lincoln cents in circulation. With less than 1.2 million created, finding one in good shape is incredibly difficult.

Worth noting: Even heavily used examples can go for $200–$400, while pristine coins can command $5,000–$10,000 or higher.

3. 1922 “No D” – A Minting Mystery

In 1922, all Lincoln cents were struck at the Denver Mint. But due to worn equipment, some coins were mistakenly made without the “D” mint mark, creating one of the most famous penny errors.

Current value: A well-preserved “No D” coin starts around $500 and can easily top $10,000 in excellent condition.

4. 1943 Bronze Penny – A World War II Rarity

To preserve copper during WWII, the U.S. Mint used zinc-coated steel for pennies in 1943. However, a few leftover bronze blanks from 1942 were accidentally used, resulting in extremely rare 1943 bronze pennies.

How much? Some of these have sold for $100,000 to $250,000 based on their grade.

5. 1944 Steel Penny – The Flip Side of 1943

The 1944 steel penny is a reverse of the previous year’s error. Steel blanks from 1943 mistakenly made their way into the 1944 production line, producing one of the rarest error coins.

Rarity explained: Only a few have been found, with some auction prices reaching between $30,000 and $100,000.

6. 1955 Doubled Die – The Error That Went Viral

The 1955 Doubled Die penny is famous for its noticeable double lettering, especially on the date and inscriptions.

What to look for: Check for clear doubling on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Depending on condition, values can range from $1,000 to $10,000.

7. 1931-S – Low Mintage, High Demand

Due to the economic downturn during the Great Depression, only 866,000 Lincoln pennies were minted in San Francisco in 1931, making the 1931-S a scarce find.

Still around? Occasionally found in circulation. Values range from $75–$300 for circulated versions, with mint-condition coins exceeding $1,000.

Final Thoughts: Check That Change Jar

While most Wheat pennies might only be slightly above face value, these seven examples prove that some could dramatically change your fortune. Whether tucked in a jar, hidden in an old wallet, or passed down through generations, one of these pennies could be a rare and valuable discovery.

For everyday collectors and curious individuals alike, this is a reminder: that old copper coin might be more than pocket change – it could be a hidden gem waiting to be found.