It might sound unbelievable, but there are stories going around claiming that a Lincoln Wheat Penny could be worth a jaw-dropping $110 million. Could this really be true? While this number is likely exaggerated, the truth is that some Wheat Pennies are extremely valuable, and a few rare ones might still be out there in everyday pocket change.
What Is a Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was introduced in 1909 to celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person. The design, with two stalks of wheat on the back, was used until 1958.
Millions were made, but a few rare versions stand out—especially those made by mistake or in very small numbers.
Is There Really a $110 Million Penny?
Let’s be clear: no Lincoln Wheat Penny has ever sold for $110 million. This number is most likely based on internet myths or fake online listings. However, certain pennies have sold for over $1 million, and collectors often speculate about how much a perfect, rare example could fetch at auction.
For example:
- A 1943 copper Wheat Penny (made in error when most were steel) has sold for over $1.7 million.
- If one of these coins in pristine condition turned up today, some believe it could break records—but not $110 million.
What Makes a Penny Valuable?
Not all old pennies are worth money. The most valuable ones usually have:
- Rarity – Only a few exist.
- Errors – Mistakes during minting.
- Collector demand – High interest pushes up prices.
- Condition – Well-preserved coins are worth much more.
Rare Lincoln Pennies to Look For
Here are a few you might want to watch out for:
- 1943 Copper Penny – Extremely rare; use a magnet (steel sticks, copper doesn’t).
- 1909-S VDB – Only 484,000 made; very collectible.
- 1914-D – Scarce and valuable.
- 1955 Doubled Die – Look for double images in the lettering.
These coins can be worth thousands to over a million dollars depending on their condition.
Could One Still Be in Circulation?
Yes—it’s possible, though very unlikely. Some people don’t realize what they have, so valuable coins sometimes end up in coin jars, piggy banks, or garage sales. Dedicated coin hunters even go through bank rolls of pennies hoping to find a rare gem.
Found a Strange Penny? Here’s What to Do
- Don’t clean it – That lowers its value.
- Use gloves and store it safely.
- Get it graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC.
- Consider selling it through a trusted auction house.
Final Thoughts
A $110 million penny is probably just a myth—but that doesn’t mean valuable pennies aren’t out there. Some Lincoln Wheat Pennies have changed lives, and others may still be hiding in plain sight.
So next time you check your change, take a closer look. That old copper coin could be a small piece of American history—and maybe even worth a small fortune.