Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $90K Still Hiding in Circulation

The Lincoln Wheat Penny may be small, but it's packed with history and potential value. This guide covers everything you need to know about identifying rare pennies, understanding their worth, and getting them professionally graded. Whether you’re new to coin collecting or a seasoned enthusiast, you’ll find valuable insights on how to maximize the potential of your Lincoln Wheat Pennies, including tips on where to sell them for the best prices.

by James Mathew

Published On: January 22, 2026

Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $90K: The Lincoln Wheat Penny—a small copper coin with a history stretching over a century—might seem like a relic of the past. However, it still holds significant value for collectors and coin enthusiasts alike. While most of us have come across a Wheat Penny in our loose change at some point, few realize the true worth of these coins, especially those from rare years or with unique features. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or someone who’s just starting to learn about coins, this guide will help you understand the worth of Lincoln Wheat Pennies, how to identify valuable ones, and how to maximize their potential for profit.

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Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $90K

The Lincoln Wheat Penny is much more than just pocket change. With its rich history and potential for high value, this coin remains a favorite among collectors. Whether you’re casually looking through your coin jar or you’ve been a lifelong collector, knowing how to identify rare pennies and understanding their value is key to making the most of your collection. For those looking to sell, getting a coin graded by a professional service can make all the difference in realizing its true worth. Always remember, coin collecting is about both passion and knowledge, and with the right guidance, you can turn those pennies into precious treasures.

Topic	Details
Value of Lincoln Wheat Penny	Ranges from 1 cent to over $90,000, depending on condition, year, mint mark, and errors.
Rarest Coin	The 1909-S VDB penny is among the most valuable, with prices sometimes exceeding $100,000.
Minting Errors	Pennies with minting mistakes, such as double dies, can be worth significantly more than their face value.
Key Dates and Mint Marks	Coins minted before 1915 or in San Francisco (S mint mark) are more valuable.
Current Market Trends	As of 2023, rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies remain a hot commodity among collectors. Check resources like PCGS or NGC for pricing.
Professional Grading	Getting coins professionally graded by PCGS or NGC can increase their market value by up to 300%.
Official Resource	For in-depth coin pricing and certification, visit the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) website here.

What is a Lincoln Wheat Penny?

The Lincoln Wheat Penny was introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. It replaced the Indian Head Penny and featured President Lincoln’s profile on the obverse and two stalks of wheat on the reverse. This design remained in circulation until 1958, after which it was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial design. While the penny may seem modest, it holds great historical value.

The main reason these coins are still valuable today is rarity. As with most collectible items, the more limited a coin is, the higher its value can be, especially if it’s in pristine condition.

Why Do Some Lincoln Wheat Pennies Have High Value?

A coin’s value isn’t solely based on age or rarity. Several factors determine how much a Lincoln Wheat Penny is worth, including:

Condition: Coins in mint condition (like those that were barely circulated) are worth far more than those that are worn down.
Mint Mark: Some years and mint marks are rarer than others, increasing their value. The S mint mark, for example, indicates that a penny was minted in San Francisco, and these coins are often highly sought after.
Key Dates: Some years have significantly lower mintage numbers than others, making them rare and valuable. Coins minted between 1909-1915 are typically more valuable.
Minting Errors: Pennies with error characteristics—like a double die, where the image is stamped more than once—can fetch high prices at auctions.

Key Features of the Most Valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny

1909-S VDB Penny

Perhaps the most famous Lincoln Wheat Penny is the 1909-S VDB. This coin is rare for two main reasons: it was produced in San Francisco, and it features the designer’s initials (VDB) on the reverse. However, the initials were deemed controversial, and most of the coins were melted down, leading to an incredibly low mintage. This rarity has driven its value, with some 1909-S VDB pennies selling for over $100,000 depending on the condition.

1914-D Penny

Another highly sought-after coin is the 1914-D penny, minted in Denver. The 1914-D is another example of a penny that was produced in limited numbers, making it one of the rarest pennies from the Wheat series.

1955 Double Die Penny

The 1955 double die penny is a notable example of an error coin. In this case, the date and lettering on the obverse were stamped twice, creating a double image. This minting flaw makes the coin extremely rare and valuable, with prices often reaching over $20,000 depending on its condition.

How to Identify Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies?

Understanding how to identify valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies is crucial if you’re hoping to cash in on one you may find in your pocket change. Here’s how to get started:

Look for Key Dates: Start by checking your pennies for any 1909, 1914, or 1915 coins, as these are more likely to have higher value.
Check the Mint Mark: On the reverse side of the coin, you’ll see a small letter (D, S, or none). D stands for Denver, S stands for San Francisco, and no letter indicates a Philadelphia mint. S mint marks often indicate a more valuable coin.
Examine the Condition: Coins that are well-preserved or uncirculated can be worth much more. Pay attention to any signs of wear, as this affects the coin’s marketability.
Look for Errors: Common errors like double dies, off-center strikes, or die cracks can drastically increase the value of a coin. If you think you’ve found an error, consider getting it professionally graded by a trusted grading company like PCGS or NGC.

Steps to Get Your Lincoln Wheat Penny Graded

If you believe you have a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny, getting it professionally graded is a wise step. Grading provides an expert assessment of the coin’s quality and authenticity. Here’s how to go about it:

Research Grading Companies: The most reputable grading services are PCGS and NGC. They use strict, internationally recognized criteria to evaluate coins.
Prepare the Coin: Handle the coin carefully—use gloves or a cotton cloth to avoid leaving fingerprints or oils on the surface.
Submit the Coin: Visit the official websites of grading companies to find out how to submit your coin. The submission process typically requires filling out forms and paying a fee.
Wait for the Grading: Once the coin is submitted, the grading company will assess its condition, authenticity, and other factors before providing an official grade. The coin will then be encapsulated in a protective case, and you’ll receive the grading results.

How to Sell Your Lincoln Wheat Penny?

If you’re looking to sell your Lincoln Wheat Penny, there are several options available:

Auction Houses: Major auction houses like Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers specialize in selling rare coins and have a global market.
Coin Dealers: Local or online coin dealers can offer a quick sale, though their prices might not be as high as auction houses.
Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay also provide an opportunity to sell coins, but be prepared for the listing fees and the possibility of a lower selling price due to competition.