Is there a treasure worth Millions hidden in your old piggy bank? Know the unique story of Lincoln Wheat Penny
Just imagine, you are sorting out the coins lying in your old piggy bank or drawer and suddenly you find a coin worth 6 million dollars i.e. about $6 million! This may sound like a story from a film, but this has really happened – if that coin turns out to be America’s very rare Lincoln Wheat Penny.
In this article, we will not only tell you the whole story of this special coin, but will also tell you how you can identify whether you also have such a priceless coin.
What is Lincoln Wheat Penny and why is it so special?
When did it start?
Lincoln Wheat Penny was first issued in America in the year 1909. This coin was made on the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of America’s 16th President Abraham Lincoln. There are many aspects of this coin that make it very special.
- This was the first coin in America to have a real human face (Abraham Lincoln). Before this, most coins had imaginary or symbolic images, such as Lady Liberty.
- It was designed by Victor David Brenner, whose initials “V.D.B.” were debated a bit.
What is its design like?
- Obverse – Lincoln’s side profile, “IN GOD WE TRUST” written above it, “LIBERTY” on the left and the year the coin was made below.
- Reverse – “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” are surrounded by two wheat ears, which is why it is called “Wheat Penny”.
Why do collectors like it?
- Emotional attachment – Many people in America have grown up with this coin. It is associated with their childhood memories.
- History – This coin depicts the history of America in the early 20th century.
- Rarity – Coins made in very small quantities in certain years have become very valuable today.
Interesting information – In total, about 25 billion Lincoln Wheat Pennies were made. But only a few of these are being sold in lakhs today.
6 million dollar Lincoln Penny – What is so special about it?
1943 Copper Penny – Diamond of the world of coins
The 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny is a very special type of coin. That year, due to World War II in America, all one cent coins were made of steel to save copper. But by mistake some coins were cast in copper.
- How many such coins are there? – Till now only 10 to 20 such coins have been found.
- How much price has been received? – In the year 2010, one such coin was sold for 1.7 million dollars. Today experts believe that its price can be up to 6 million dollars.
Other valuable Wheat Pennies
| Coin | Features | Expected Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | Only 484,000 coins were made | $1,025 to $24,100+ |
| 1914-D | Only 1.2 million coins were made | $193 to $963,800+ |
| 1922 No D | No Denver Mint Mark | $480 to $963,800+ |
| 1955 Double Die | All letters appear double | $963 to $241,000+ |
Note: The prices mentioned above depend on the condition of the coin. Currency conversions are approximate.
What makes a Lincoln Penny valuable?
1. Year and Mint Mark
Coins of some years were made in very small numbers, such as 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 No D etc. These coins have the mark of “S” (San Francisco) or “D” (Denver), while coins made from Philadelphia do not have any mint mark.
2. Condition of the coin (Grading)
- Circulated (which has been in circulation) – do not fetch more than a few rupees.
- Uncirculated (like new) – worth thousands to lakhs.
- Proof Coins – shiny coins made for special collectors, very valuable.
3. Error Coins
- Double Die – like the coin made in 1955, in which the date and letters are printed twice.
- Repunched Mint Marks – the mint mark has been printed twice.
- Off-Center Strikes – if the coin is made a little crooked.
4. Demand in the market
Sometimes the demand for a coin suddenly increases, when it is sold at a high price in an auction. Like the example of 1943 Copper Penny.
How to identify if you have a valuable coin?
Step 1: Look at the date and mint mark
Look carefully at the date and the letters printed on the coin with a good magnifying glass. Look for some special things:
- 1909-S VDB – “S” is written below and “V.D.B.” on the back.
- 1943 Copper – The steel coin sticks to the magnet, but not the real copper one.
- 1955 Double Die – Letters and numbers appear blurred.
Step 2: Check the condition of the coin
If the coin looks brand new and has no scratches or stains, then its price can be quite high.
Step 3: Send the coin for professional grading
Organizations like PCGS or NGC check the authenticity of coins and grade them. This further increases its price in the market.
Caution: Fake rare coins are sold a lot online, so always buy or get it checked from a reliable source.
Where to find these precious coins?
1. Buy rolls of coins from the bank
Take rolls of ₹400-₹500 coins from the bank and sort them. Old coins are often found in them.
2. Search old houses
Such a treasure may be hidden in grandmother’s cupboard or grandfather’s piggy bank.
3. Fairs, flea markets or estate sales
Old coins can be found very cheaply at such places, whose actual value can be in lakhs.
4. Online platforms (eBay, Heritage Auctions)
If you have a little understanding of coins, then rare coins can be found here too. But avoid fraud.
Conclusion: Do you have the next 6 million dollar Penny?
The story of Lincoln Wheat Penny tells that the search for treasure is possible not only in films but also in real life. A simple-looking coin can change your fortune.
Now your turn:
- Start sorting the old coins in your house.
- Pay special attention to coins from 1909 to 1958.
- If you find something special, get it graded by a professional.
- And yes, do share this information with your friends and family.
Who knows, the next coin worth crores might be hidden in your wallet!
