If you’ve ever tossed a penny aside, thinking it’s not worth more than a stick of gum, this story might just change your mind. Imagine holding a Lincoln Wheat Penny in your hand and discovering it’s valued at a jaw-dropping $135 million. Sounds like something out of a movie, right?
But is it true? Could a humble penny from your spare change jar be worth a fortune?
Let’s dig into the mystery, the history, and the hype behind the Lincoln Wheat Penny valued at $135 million. Who knows? You might want to start checking your change more carefully.
What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
A Quick History of the Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first minted in 1909, to honor the 100th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln. It replaced the Indian Head cent and was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person.
Why the Wheat Design?
The reverse side (that’s the back of the coin) featured two stalks of wheat – hence the nickname “Wheat Penny.” This design symbolized prosperity and was used until 1958.
Why Are Some Wheat Pennies Worth a Fortune?
Let’s be honest – most Wheat Pennies are only worth a few cents. But a few rare errors and limited mints can make all the difference.
Rarity = Value
Collectors go wild for coins that are:
- Minted in low quantities
- Contain errors (like double dies or off-centering)
- In near-perfect condition
Condition is Everything
A beat-up penny? Probably worth a penny.
But a pristine, uncirculated Lincoln Wheat Penny from a rare year? Now we’re talking serious cash.
The Myth of the $135 Million Penny
Is There Really a Penny Worth $135 Million?
Alright, let’s clear the air. While there are incredibly valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies, the claim of one being valued at $135 million seems to be more rumor than reality.
So where did this claim even come from?
The Origins of the $135 Million Valuation
Internet Buzz and Viral Claims
At some point, social media and blogs caught fire with the idea that there was a single Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $135 million. But no credible coin expert or auction house has ever confirmed such a sale or valuation.
Clickbait or Misunderstanding?
A lot of times, people confuse coins with high sentimental or theoretical value with actual appraised value. Combine that with a little clickbait magic, and you’ve got a viral myth.
Actual Valuable Wheat Pennies
Okay, so $135 million might be exaggerated… but some Wheat Pennies ARE worth a pretty penny. Let’s check out the real MVPs.
Top 5 Most Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
1. 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny – Up to $1.7 Million
Most 1943 pennies were made of steel due to WWII copper shortages. But a few bronze coins slipped through. If you find one? Cha-ching!
2. 1909-S VDB – Up to $100,000
The “S” means it was minted in San Francisco, and “VDB” stands for the initials of the designer, Victor David Brenner. This coin is super rare and highly collectible.
3. 1914-D – Up to $13,000
Another San Francisco gem. In high-grade condition, this one fetches serious collector attention.
4. 1922 No D – Up to $10,000
Normally, Denver-minted coins have a “D” mark. But a few 1922 pennies don’t, making them rare anomalies.
5. 1955 Double Die – Up to $2,000
Look closely – the doubling effect on the words is easy to see without a magnifying glass. It’s one of the most famous coin errors ever.
What Makes a Penny So Valuable Anyway?
The 3 C’s of Coin Value
If you’re holding onto old coins, remember this:
- Condition: The better it looks, the more it’s worth
- Circulation: If it was widely circulated, it’s probably not rare
- Curiosity: Errors or unusual features spike interest
How to Tell If You Have a Rare Penny
Look for These Clues
- Mint marks – “S” or “D” can mean rarer versions
- Errors – doubling, off-centering, wrong metals
- Dates – early 1900s or WWII years are hot
Tools to Check Your Penny’s Value
You don’t need to be a pro numismatist to figure this out.
Use These Handy Resources
- PCGS Coin Price Guide
- NGC Coin Lookup
- Coinapps.com
- Local coin shops or online forums like r/coins on Reddit
Is Your Penny Actually Worth Anything?
Let’s Be Real
Most Lincoln Wheat Pennies are worth between 5 to 50 cents. Still not bad for something you found in your couch cushions.
The Collector’s Dream
The dream is to stumble across that one rare coin, like a 1943 bronze penny, and sell it for enough to retire early. Rare? Yes. Impossible? Not quite.
What If You Find a Rare Penny?
Steps to Take
- Don’t clean it – Seriously, you could ruin its value
- Get it appraised – Contact a reputable coin dealer
- Consider grading – Companies like PCGS or NGC can certify it
- List it – You can sell on eBay, through auctions, or to private collectors
The Power of Coin Collecting
Why People Love It
Coin collecting isn’t just for old men with magnifying glasses. It’s like a treasure hunt. Every coin has a story – and sometimes, that story comes with a price tag.
Lincoln Wheat Penny Fun Facts
Did You Know?
- The designer, Victor D. Brenner, had his initials removed from the coin in 1909 due to public complaints but they were added back later.
- In 1944, pennies were made from recycled shell casings from WWII!
- Some collectors own millions of pennies just in hopes of finding “the one.”
So… Was the $135 Million Penny Real or Not?
No official records back up a Lincoln Wheat Penny ever being sold or valued at $135 million. It seems to be a wild rumor, possibly used to grab attention online.
But don’t be too disappointed — there are Wheat Pennies worth thousands, and they’re still out there, hiding in old jars, basements, and dusty drawers.
Conclusion: Should You Start Checking Your Spare Change?
Even if you never stumble upon a coin worth millions, the joy of the hunt, the stories behind the coins, and the possibility of a big win are enough to make it a fun hobby — and who knows? You might get lucky.
If anything, this story proves that even the smallest things — like a simple penny — can hold surprising value. So go ahead, dig through that change jar. You just might strike copper gold.
FAQs
1. Can a penny really be worth millions?
Yes, but only in rare cases like the 1943 bronze penny or other extremely rare errors in top condition.
2. How do I know if my Lincoln Wheat Penny is rare?
Check the year, mint mark, and condition. Look for known rarities like 1909-S VDB, 1922 No D, or any major errors.
3. Where can I sell a valuable penny?
You can sell it through coin dealers, online platforms like eBay, or certified auction houses. Make sure it’s appraised first!
4. Should I clean my old pennies before selling?
No! Cleaning coins can significantly reduce their value. Let a professional handle it if needed.
5. Is the $135 million Lincoln Wheat Penny real?
There’s no verified proof of such a coin ever being sold or valued at $135 million. It’s likely just an internet myth or exaggeration.
Want more coin-collecting tips or curious stories like this one? Just holler — I’ve got a whole treasure chest of knowledge to share!