Could a dusty old penny in your jar be worth $14 million? Yes — if it’s the ultra-rare 1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny in perfect condition. While billions of these coins were minted, only a handful survive in mint-state quality. Collectors call it the “Holy Grail” of small cents. Keep reading to learn how to spot this hidden fortune, why it’s so valuable, and what to do if you find one.
What Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny (also called the Wheat Cent) was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person — President Abraham Lincoln. Minted from 1909 to 1958, it shows Lincoln on the front and two wheat stalks on the back.
- Designer: Victor David Brenner (his initials “VDB” appear on some 1909 coins)
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin/zinc
- Diameter: 19 mm (same as today’s penny)
- Edge: Plain (no ridges)
Over 50 years, the U.S. Mint struck billions of these coins at Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (“D”), and San Francisco (“S”).
Why the 1914-D Lincoln Wheat Penny Is Worth $14 Million
Not all wheat pennies are rare. Most are worth 1 to 5 cents. But the 1914-D is different. Here’s why:
| Factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Low Mintage | Only 1.2 million 1914-D pennies were made — tiny compared to other years. |
| High Demand | Lincoln cents are America’s most collected coin series. |
| Condition Rarity | Top-grade (MS-67+ Red) examples are almost impossible to find. |
| Auction Record | In 2021, an MS-67+ Red sold for $14.28 million — the highest price ever for a penny. |
Fun Fact: The same coin was once owned by a Colorado man who kept it in a bank vault for decades.
How to Spot a $14 Million Lincoln Wheat Penny
Follow this 5-step checklist in your pocket change or coin jar:
- Check the Date
Look for 1914. Ignore 1914-S or plain 1914 (Philadelphia) — they’re common. - Find the Mint Mark
Under the date, look for a tiny “D” (Denver). No “D”? Keep searching. - Examine Condition
- Red = Full original copper color (most valuable)
- Red-Brown = Some toning (still good)
- Brown = Fully toned (least valuable)
Avoid scratches, dents, or cleaning marks.
- Look for Die Varieties
Rare 1914-D pennies have doubled die errors (letters look blurry). These add thousands in value. - Get It Graded
Send to PCGS or NGC. Only MS-66+ Red or higher can reach seven figures.
Top 5 Most Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies (Updated 2024)
| Rank | Coin | Highest Sale | Why It’s Rare |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1914-D MS-67+ Red | $14.28 million | Ultra-low mintage + perfect color |
| 2 | 1909-S VDB MS-67 Red | $168,000 | First year + designer initials |
| 3 | 1922 No-D MS-64 RB | $144,000 | Mint mark missing due to die error |
| 4 | 1955 Doubled Die MS-65 Red | $124,000 | Dramatic doubling on date/letters |
| 5 | 1943 Bronze MS-63 | $1.7 million | Struck in copper by mistake |
Real Stories: People Who Found Million-Dollar Pennies
- The “Bank Vault” 1914-D
A Colorado collector inherited the record-breaking coin from his grandfather. It sat unnoticed for 50 years. - The 1943 Copper Penny
A teenager in 1947 found one in his school lunch change. Sold in 2019 for $204,000. - The 1955 Doubled Die
A Massachusetts man discovered 3 in a bank roll. One graded MS-65 and sold for $40,000.
What to Do If You Find a Rare Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Don’t Clean It — Soap, polish, or rubbing destroys value.
- Store Safely — Use a 2×2 cardboard holder or plastic flip.
- Photograph It — High-res front, back, and close-ups.
- Get Professional Appraisal — Visit a local coin shop or submit to PCGS/NGC.
- Sell Smart — Use Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections for maximum price.
Are Lincoln Wheat Pennies Still in Circulation?
Yes — but million-dollar ones are not.
- Common dates (1930s–1950s) still appear in change.
- Key dates like 1914-D are never found in circulation today.
- Error coins (doubled dies, wrong metal) are your best bet in rolls.
Pro Tip: Buy unsearched wheat penny rolls on eBay for $2–$5. You might find a $1,000+ coin.
Final Thoughts: Your Next Step
The Lincoln Wheat Penny valued at $14 million proves that treasure hides in plain sight. While you won’t find the exact record coin in your couch, millions of rare wheat cents remain undiscovered.