A lucky coin enthusiast recently made headlines after discovering a rare Lincoln wheat penny in loose change — and it was later appraised at a jaw-dropping $6.5 million.
This isn’t fiction. This is real money — from a penny! With collectors scrambling to uncover these historical coins, you might want to start checking your pockets, jars, and drawers right away.
Let’s explore what makes this specific penny so valuable and how you can identify one.
Why the Lincoln Wheat Penny Is Worth Millions?
The Lincoln wheat penny was minted from 1909 to 1958 and is beloved by collectors for its design, rarity, and history. While most versions are only worth a few cents to a few dollars, certain variations are extremely valuable.
One of the rarest — and the one recently valued at $6.5 million — is the 1909-S VDB penny. Only a few in pristine condition still exist, making it one of the holy grails of American coin collecting.
What to Look for on a Rare Lincoln Wheat Penny
Here’s a quick comparison table to help identify rare and common wheat pennies:
| Feature | Common Penny | Rare $6.5M Penny |
|---|---|---|
| Year | Any year 1910–1958 | 1909 |
| Mint Mark | None or “D” | “S” under the year |
| Designer Initials | None or faint VDB | V.D.B. on reverse bottom |
| Condition | Worn or circulated | Mint or near mint |
| Reverse Design | Wheat ears (standard) | Wheat ears with V.D.B. |
5 Signs You May Be Holding a Fortune
Here’s a quick checklist to help you inspect your Lincoln wheat penny:
- Date is 1909
- Tiny “S” mint mark under the year
- “V.D.B.” initials at the bottom of the reverse side
- Sharp edges and full details (minimal wear)
- Stored or found in old collections (like a drawer or inherited jar)
If your penny checks all five, you may want to visit a coin expert ASAP!
What Is “V.D.B.” and Why It Matters
“V.D.B.” are the initials of Victor David Brenner, the designer of the Lincoln penny. The U.S. Mint briefly included his initials in 1909 but removed them due to public complaints. That made early versions — especially those from the San Francisco Mint — incredibly rare.
Only 484,000 of the 1909-S VDB pennies were minted. Compare that to modern pennies, which are produced in the billions!
What Else Affects Value?
Aside from the date and mint marks, coin condition plays a major role in determining value. The recent $6.5 million penny was nearly perfect — graded MS68 (Mint State). Even well-worn 1909-S VDB pennies can be worth $1,000–$5,000.
FAQs:
Q1. What makes the Lincoln wheat penny so valuable?
A1. Specific versions like the 1909-S VDB are rare, especially in mint condition, making them worth thousands or even millions.
Q2. How can I tell if I have a rare Lincoln wheat penny?
A2. Look for the 1909 date, “S” mint mark under the year, and “V.D.B.” initials on the reverse bottom.
Q3. Are valuable Lincoln wheat pennies still in circulation?
A3. Yes, though rare, they sometimes turn up in old coin jars, collections, or even pocket change.
