Can a simple one-cent coin tucked away in your pocket change be worth nearly $1 million? Believe it or not, certain Lincoln Wheat Pennies are so rare and historically significant that collectors have paid hundreds of thousands — even approaching $990,000 — to add them to their collections. And yes, it’s still possible that some of these coins are hiding in plain sight, circulating unknowingly among everyday Americans.
In this article, we’ll break down the mystery behind the Lincoln Wheat Penny potentially worth $990,000 and how you might find one.
What Makes a Penny Worth $990,000?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was minted from 1909 to 1958 and features two wheat stalks on the reverse side. While most of these coins are only worth face value, rare dates, mint errors, and pristine condition can make some worth life-changing sums.
A Lincoln Wheat Penny valued near $990,000 would likely meet all three of these criteria:
- Extreme rarity
- Unique minting error
- High collector demand
The 3 Lincoln Pennies That Could Be Worth Close to $990,000
1. 1943-D Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Estimated Value: Up to $2 million — but one in a slightly lesser condition could sell for $900,000 to $990,000.
- In 1943, the U.S. switched to steel pennies due to copper shortages during WWII.
- A few bronze (copper) planchets accidentally made it into the presses.
- The Denver Mint version is among the rarest. Only one verified 1943-D bronze penny exists.
2. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny (Uncirculated)
- Estimated Value: Up to $950,000+ in top condition.
- The “V.D.B.” initials (for designer Victor David Brenner) were removed after public backlash.
- Coins from the San Francisco Mint (marked “S”) with these initials are extremely rare.
- In pristine, “mint state” condition, this coin can fetch well over six figures, with some appraisals nearing the $990,000 mark.
3. 1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Estimated Value: As much as $500,000 to $990,000 if in perfect, untouched condition.
- This coin had a very low mintage and was heavily circulated.
- Finding one in Mint State 67 or above is like striking gold.
- A top-tier example could approach the million-dollar mark at auction.
Could One Be in Your Pocket?
Yes — and that’s the exciting part. While most high-value Lincoln Wheat Pennies have already been discovered and cataloged, many experts believe a few rare gems remain in circulation or tucked away in old collections.
Here’s what to look for:
| Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Date | 1909-S, 1914-D, 1943 with copper color |
| Mint Mark | Tiny letter under the date (D = Denver, S = San Francisco) |
| Color | Bronze/copper instead of silver (for 1943) |
| Condition | Sharp details, no scratches or wear = higher value |
| Weight | Copper pennies weigh 3.11g, steel weighs 2.7g |
Try the magnet test: Steel pennies (1943 regular issue) will stick to a magnet — but rare bronze ones will not.
What Drives the $990,000 Price Tag?
Several things can boost a Lincoln Wheat Penny’s value:
- Historical Error: Like copper used in a year meant for steel.
- Low Mintage: Fewer coins made = more valuable.
- Mint Location: Coins from San Francisco and Denver were made in smaller quantities.
- Perfect Preservation: Coins graded MS67 or higher can fetch record prices.
- Provenance: A coin with a known history, such as from a famous collection, can increase its value dramatically.
Found Something Interesting? Here’s What to Do
If you suspect you’ve found a valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny:
- Do not clean it — cleaning decreases value.
- Use gloves or handle by edges — oils damage the coin.
- Weigh and test the coin for composition.
- Get it graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC.
- Protect it in a coin holder or sleeve until confirmed.
Final Thoughts: Could You Be Holding a $990,000 Penny?
Absolutely. While these pennies are exceedingly rare, they do exist — and more than one has been discovered by someone who simply took a closer look at their spare change.
So before you toss another penny into a tip jar or walk past one on the ground, flip it over and check the date. That unassuming copper coin could be your ticket to a $990,000 payday — and the thrill of uncovering a piece of American history.
