Lincoln Wheat Pennies Worth Over $150,000? Absolutely.
What looks like an ordinary old penny could actually be worth six figures or more.
Rare Lincoln Wheat pennies (1909–1958) have sold for $150,000+ at major auctions, turning forgotten coin jars and inherited collections into unexpected jackpots.
Let’s break this down step by step and uncover the four most valuable Wheat penny varieties you should know about. 
What Are Lincoln Wheat Pennies?
Lincoln Wheat cents were minted from 1909 to 1958 and feature:
- Abraham Lincoln on the obverse
- Two wheat stalks on the reverse
- Billions minted — but only a handful are truly rare
High value depends on date, mint mark, condition, and errors.
The $152,750 1909-S VDB — King of Wheat Pennies 
The 1909-S VDB is widely regarded as the holy grail of Lincoln cents.
Why It’s So Valuable
Mintage: Only 484,000
Auction Record: $152,750 (PCGS MS-67 Red)
Many were pulled from circulation early, limiting survivors
How to Identify a Genuine 1909-S VDB
“S” mint mark below the date- “V.D.B.” initials at the bottom of the reverse
- Bright red (RD) color commands top prices
Estimated Values
- Circulated: $600 – $5,000
- Mint State: $25,000 – $150,000+
The $48,300 1915-S — The Ultimate Condition Rarity 
Over 4.8 million were minted, yet sharply struck examples are extremely scarce.
Why Collectors Want It
- Record Sale: $48,300 (MS-66 Red)
Most examples are weakly struck or heavily worn
Key Identification Features
- Sharp cheekbone and jawline on Lincoln
- Fully defined wheat stalks
- Original red color boosts value significantly
Estimated Values
- Circulated: $5 – $100
- Mint State: $1,000 – $50,000
The $32,900 1909-S Over Horizontal “S” — Rare RPM Error
This dramatic Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) error is one of the most fascinating Wheat penny varieties.
Why It’s Special
A horizontal “S” appears beneath the upright “S”- Record Price: $32,900 (MS-67 Red)
- Extremely limited population
How to Spot This Error
- Use at least 10× magnification
- Look for a faint sideways “S” under the mint mark
- Found only on 1909-S VDB cents
Estimated Values
- Circulated: $500 – $5,000
- Mint State: $10,000 – $50,000
The $54,625 1925-S — The Sharp Strike Miracle 
Despite an 8-million coin mintage, well-struck 1925-S pennies are incredibly rare.
Why It’s Valuable
- Auction Record: $54,625 (MS-65 Red)
- Most were weakly struck at the San Francisco Mint
Grading Clues to Look For
- Bold, readable LIBERTY
- Clear wheat stalk separation
- Original mint luster intact
Estimated Values
- Circulated: $1 – $50
- Mint State: $5,000 – $50,000+
Wheat Penny Value Comparison (2024–2025)
| Coin | Circulated | MS-63 | MS-65+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | $600 – $5K | $25K – $75K | $100K – $150K+ |
| 1915-S | $5 – $100 | $1K – $10K | $25K – $50K |
| 1909-S RPM | $500 – $5K | $10K – $25K | $30K – $50K |
| 1925-S | $1 – $50 | $5K – $15K | $25K – $55K |
Tip: Certified auction prices continue to rise for top-grade Wheat pennies.
What To Do If You Think You Found One
If you believe you’ve discovered a valuable Wheat penny:
- Handle only by the edges
- Photograph both sides in natural light
- Submit to PCGS or NGC for authentication
- Insure the coin for $10,000+
- Sell through Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers
Cleaning or polishing can destroy most of the value instantly.
Real Discovery Stories
“My grandfather’s coffee can held a 1909-S VDB — it sold for $138,000.”
— Heritage Auctions, 2021
“I found a 1925-S in my childhood album — $32,000 surprise!”
— PCGS Submission, 2023
Why Lincoln Wheat Pennies Are Legendary
Rarer than many famous U.S. coins- High-grade examples are still being discovered
- The most collected and loved U.S. penny series
Always check old pennies — one small coin could change everything.
