These Rare Cents Could Be Hiding in Your Pocket Change
While most pennies are worth face value, these three Lincoln wheat cents have sold for five-figure sums at auction due to their extreme rarity. Here’s how to identify these valuable coins in your collection.
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
💰 Value: $10,000+ in AU Condition
The Controversial First-Year Issue
Why It’s Valuable:
- Low Mintage: Only 484,000 struck (San Francisco Mint)
- Designer Initials: Victor D. Brenner’s “VDB” removed mid-year
- Condition Rarity: Few survived in high grades
Key Features:
✔ “S” mintmark below date
✔ “V.D.B.” initials at reverse base
✔ Sharp wheat ear details
Recent Sale: $14,400 (PCGS AU58, 2023)
2. 1914-D Lincoln Cent
💰 Value: $20,000+ in Mint State
The Denver Mint Key Date
What Makes It Special:
- Extremely Low Mintage: 1.19 million (few survived)
- Denver Rarity: Weak strikes common
- Full Red Examples: Exceptionally rare
Grading Values:
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| MS65RD | 20,000−20,000−30,000 |
| MS63RB | 8,000−8,000−12,000 |
| AU55BN | 2,500−2,500−4,000 |
Record Sale: $28,200 (PCGS MS65RD, 2022)
3. 1922 No D Lincoln Cent
💰 Value: $30,000+ in Mint State
The Missing Mintmark Mystery
Why Collectors Pay Premiums:
- Die Polishing Error: “D” mintmark removed
- Only 7 Known: In full mint state condition
- Strong Reverse: Needed for complete sets
Authentication Tips:
✔ Weak obverse details (from overpolishing)
✔ Full wheat ears on reverse
✔ Must weigh 3.11g (copper composition)
Recent Auction: $32,900 (PCGS MS64BN, 2024)
Where to Find These Rarities
Best Hunting Methods:
- Old Coin Rolls (especially original 1930s-50s rolls)
- Estate Sales (check inherited collections)
- Coin Dealer Inventories (ask for “sleeper” pennies)
Recent Success Story:
A collector found a 1914-D in VF20 in a 25bankbox−soldfor∗∗25bankbox−soldfor∗∗4,250**
Professional Authentication
Critical Verification Steps:
- Weigh Precisely (3.11g for copper pennies)
- Magnify Mintmarks (check for alterations)
- Certification Essential (PCGS/NGC for top value)
Red Flags:
❌ Wrong weight
❌ Tool marks near date
❌ Artificial toning
Where to Sell for Top Dollar
Best Platforms:
| Value Range | Recommended Venue | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| $10k+ | Heritage Auctions | 15% |
| 5k−5k−10k | Stack’s Bowers | 10% |
| <$5k | eBay (certified only) | 12.9% |
Selling Tip: Highlight population reports in listings
Free Penny Evaluation
Think you have a rare wheat cent? Email photos to:
📧 wheat@pennyverse.info
Subject: “RARE WHEAT CENT”
We’ll provide:
✔ Free condition assessment
✔ Current market valuation
✔ Selling recommendations
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