The $8000 Million Lincoln Wheat Penny: A Rare Coin Still in Circulation

Coin collectors and history enthusiasts are always on the lookout for rare and valuable coins. One coin that frequently sparks interest is the Lincoln Wheat Penny. Recently, claims have surfaced that a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny is worth a staggering $85 billion ($85,000 million). But does such a penny really exist? And if so, could it still be in circulation? Let’s separate fact from fiction and explore what makes some Wheat Pennies truly valuable.

What Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?

The Lincoln Wheat Penny, also called the Wheat Cent, was minted in the United States from 1909 to 1958. It holds historical significance as the first U.S. coin to feature a real person—President Abraham Lincoln.

• Obverse (Front): Features Abraham Lincoln’s portrait, designed by Victor David Brenner.
• Reverse (Back): Displays two wheat stalks, symbolizing prosperity.

While most Wheat Pennies are common, certain rare variations have sold for thousands or even millions due to minting errors, low mintage, or unique compositions.

What Makes a Lincoln Wheat Penny Valuable?

Several factors influence a Lincoln Wheat Penny’s value:

1. Minting Errors

Coins with errors are highly desirable among collectors. Some well-known Wheat Penny errors include:

• 1943 Copper Penny – Most 1943 pennies were made of steel, but a few were mistakenly struck in copper.
• 1955 Doubled Die Penny – A minting error caused a doubled image on the coin.
• Off-Center Strikes – Misaligned designs can make a coin rare.

2. Low Mintage

Certain years had fewer pennies produced, making them harder to find. For example:

• 1909-S VDB – Only 484,000 were minted, making it one of the most valuable Lincoln Pennies.
• 1914-D – Another rare year, with just over 1.1 million minted.

3. Condition & Grading

• Coins in Mint State (MS) 65 or higher fetch the highest prices.
• Coins graded by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) tend to be more valuable.

4. Historical Significance

Certain pennies from the early 1900s, especially those tied to wartime production or unique changes, attract serious collectors.

Is There an $85 Billion Lincoln Wheat Penny?

The claim that a Lincoln Wheat Penny is worth $85 billion is completely false. No known coin in history has ever sold for or been valued at such an astronomical price.

In fact, the most expensive coin ever sold is the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, which was auctioned for $18.9 million—far below the rumored $85 billion.

The Most Expensive Lincoln Wheat Pennies Ever Sold

Year & Type	Estimated Value	Why It’s Valuable?
1943 Copper Penny	$1.7 – $2.3 million	Accidentally struck in copper instead of steel.
1944 Steel Penny	$1 million+	Mistakenly struck in steel instead of copper.
1909-S VDB	Up to $100,000+	Extremely low mintage of 484,000.
1955 Doubled Die Penny	$50,000+	Minting error caused a double image.

Even the most expensive Lincoln Penny, the 1943 Bronze Penny, sold for $1.7 million—nowhere near $85 billion.

Could a Rare Lincoln Wheat Penny Still Be in Circulation?

Yes, but finding one is highly unlikely. While Lincoln Wheat Pennies were last minted in 1958, some still appear in circulation, old coin collections, or estate sales.

If you find a Wheat Penny, check its year, mint mark, and condition—it could be worth more than a cent!

How to Identify a Rare Lincoln Wheat Penny

Want to check if you have a valuable Wheat Penny? Follow these steps:

1. Check the Date and Mint Mark – Look for rare years like 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1943 Copper, and 1955 Doubled Die.
2. Look for Minting Errors – Check for double images, misaligned prints, or off-metal compositions.
3. Use a Magnet – A 1943 Copper Penny should NOT stick to a magnet, while a steel penny WILL.
4. Weigh the Penny – A copper penny weighs 3.11 grams, while a steel penny weighs 2.7 grams.
5. Get Professional Verification – Use services like PCGS or NGC to authenticate your coin.

Where to Sell a Rare Lincoln Wheat Penny

If you find a valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny, you can sell it through:

• Coin Auctions – Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, GreatCollections.
• Numismatic Dealers – Certified coin buyers and dealers.
• Online Marketplaces – eBay, Etsy, and coin collector forums.
• Coin Shows & Collector Events – Great for networking with serious buyers.

The claim of an $85 billion Lincoln Wheat Penny is nothing more than an internet myth. However, certain rare Lincoln Pennies have sold for over $1 million, making them extremely valuable in the world of numismatics.

If you come across a Wheat Penny, don’t ignore it—it could be worth thousands or even millions. So, check your spare change—you never know what hidden treasures you might find!

FAQs