Breaking News: Some ordinary-looking Lincoln Wheat cents have sold for over $150,000 at auction! These legendary coins, struck between 1909 and 1958, are hiding in collections, coin jars, and even pocket change. Here’s everything you need to know about the four most valuable Wheat pennies and how to identify them.
The $152,750 1909-S VDB – King of Wheat Pennies 
Known as the Holy Grail of Lincoln cents, this coin is at the top of every collector’s wish list.
- Mintage: Only 484,000 struck
- Record Price: $152,750 (MS-67RD)
- Circulated Value: $600 – $5,000
- Mint State Value: $25,000 – $150,000+
How to Spot One
“S” mint mark under the date- “V.D.B.” initials at bottom reverse
- Red (RD) coins bring the highest premiums
The $48,300 1915-S – Condition Rarity 
While over 4.8 million were minted, most were weakly struck. High-grade survivors are rare.
- Record Price: $48,300 (MS-66RD)
- Circulated Value: $5 – $100
- Mint State Value: $1,000 – $50,000
Identification Tips
- Sharp cheekbone details on Lincoln
- Fully defined wheat stalks
- Strong red color = major premium
The $32,900 1909-S Over Horizontal S – Ultra-Rare Error 
This Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) is one of the strangest Wheat penny varieties.
- Error Type: Horizontal “S” under vertical “S”
- Record Price: $32,900 (MS-67RD)
- Circulated Value: $500 – $5,000
- Mint State Value: $10,000 – $50,000
How to Spot It
- Use 10x magnification
- Look for a “shadow” of a horizontal “S”
- Must be on 1909-S VDB cents
The $54,625 1925-S – Sharp Strike Miracle 
Although 8 million were minted, most are poorly struck. Only a few show crisp details.
- Record Price: $54,625 (MS-65RD)
- Circulated Value: $1 – $50
- Mint State Value: $5,000 – $50,000+
Grading Clues
- Clear and bold LIBERTY on obverse
- Full separation of wheat stalk lines
- Original mint luster preserved
Wheat Penny Value Comparison (2024)
| Coin | Circulated Value | MS-63 Value | MS-65+ Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
What To Do If You Find One
- Handle with cotton gloves (fingerprints lower value).
- Photograph both sides in natural light.
- Submit to PCGS or NGC for certification.
- Insure your coin ($10K+ recommended).
- Sell through trusted auctions like Heritage or Stack’s Bowers.
Warning: Many “finds” turn out to be damaged coins, cleaned coins, or counterfeits. Expert authentication is essential.
Real Discovery Stories
“My grandfather’s coffee can held a 1909-S VDB that paid for my house!” — 2021 Heritage Auction seller ($138,000)
“Found a 1925-S in my childhood coin album – $32,000 surprise!” — 2023 PCGS submission
Why Wheat Pennies Are Legendary
Fewer exist than the 1804 Silver Dollar
New high-grade discoveries still happen
The most beloved and collected U.S. coin series
