In the world of coin collecting, an everyday penny can suddenly become a treasure worth $120,000. That’s not fantasy—it’s the reality behind certain rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies, struck between 1909 and 1958.
Among these, a few anomalies—like unique minting errors or low-mintage varieties—have turned ordinary coins into extraordinary finds.
This article dives into exactly which pennies to look for, why they’re so valuable, and how to spot one in your change.
What Makes a Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $120,000?
- Major minting errors, such as doubled dies or missing mint marks.
- Ultra-rare misstrikes, including coins stuck on wrong-metal planchets.
- Low population and collector demand; only a few examples may exist.
- Superior condition—a high grade can send values soaring.
One documented case involves a rare doubling error that sold for approximately $120,000, reminding us that even conventional coins might have hidden worth.
Top Wheat Pennies That Can Command Six Figures
| Year / Type | Why It’s Valuable | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1917 Doubled Die Obverse | Doubling on date and text | Up to $120,000 |
| 1909-S VDB Penny | Rare San Francisco mint, initials of designer | $100,000 – $300,000 |
| 1943 Copper Wheat Penny | Accidental copper strike instead of steel | $200,000+ |
| 1922 No-D Penny | Missing Denver mint mark (error die) | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| 1955 Doubled Die Obverse | Nearly unmistakable doubling of key inscriptions | $20,000 – $50,000+ |
Spotlight- 1917 Doubled Die Obverse
The 1917 doubled die penny features noticeable doubling on both the date and the phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST”.
While fairly scarce, the finest examples—especially those graded MS67+ Red—have fetched prices around $120,000. It’s a classic “sleeper” find for sharp-eyed collectors.
Other Valuable Varieties to Watch For
- 1909-S VDB Penny: Only a few tones made, and quickly pulled from circulation due to controversy over the designer’s initials.
- 1943 Copper Penny: During WWII, pennies were steel—not copper—except for a few accidental strikes, today extremely rare.
- 1922 No-D Penny: From the Denver Mint; some coins accidentally lack the ‘D’ mint mark.
- 1955 Doubled Die Obverse: Massive doubling on “LIBERTY” and numbers—a collector favorite.
Each of these can command prices in the six-figure range when in excellent condition.
How to Examine Your Wheat Pennies
Looking for a rare penny? Here’s how to assess what you’ve got:
- Check the Year and Mint Mark: Key years include 1909, 1917, 1922, 1943, and 1955.
- Inspect for Errors: Look for doubling, missing mint marks, or odd coloration.
- Test the Metal: The 1943 copper penny won’t stick to a magnet, unlike steel ones.
- Evaluate Condition: Sharp detail and minimal wear significantly boost value.
- Seek Grading: Use trusted services like PCGS or NGC to confirm authenticity and condition.
What to Do If You Find a Rare Penny
- Don’t clean the coin—it’s a sure way to reduce value.
- Weigh and measure it: copper originals weigh approximately 3.11g, while wartime steel pennies are about 2.7g.
- Consult experts: rare pennies may warrant professional authentication.
- Keep it protected: store it in an archival-quality coin sleeve or holder while awaiting grading.
Yes, a $120,000 Wheat Penny could very well be hiding in your change. Whether it’s a 1917 doubled die or a rare missing-mint-mark variety, catching one of these is all about alertness and proper identification.
Every penny holds a story—some just happen to be worth a fortune. Keep checking your spare change—you might just strike numismatic gold.
FAQs
A 1917 Doubled Die Obverse in exceptionally high grade reached that value.
Send it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC for certification.
No—cleaning can severely diminish both collector and resale value.