If you’ve ever heard the wild rumor that a Lincoln Wheat Penny is worth a jaw-dropping $22 million, you probably thought, “Wait, seriously? A penny?” It sounds like clickbait—and to be honest, in most cases, it is. But that doesn’t mean Wheat Pennies aren’t valuable. In fact, some can be worth thousands, even over a million dollars.
So, let’s break it down. Is the $22 million penny a real thing? Are valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies still floating around in circulation? And how do you know if you have one that’s actually worth more than face value? Let’s dive into the truth behind the myth and see what’s real.
Table of Contents
Basics
First things first—what exactly is a Lincoln Wheat Penny?
It’s the one-cent coin minted from 1909 to 1958. On the back, you’ll find two stylized wheat stalks on either side. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real historical figure—Abraham Lincoln—and it kicked off a century-long obsession with pennies among collectors.
Many of these pennies are common, but some rare dates, minting errors, and historical oddities have made a few versions very valuable.
Rumor
So, where did the “$22 million Wheat Penny” story come from?
Honestly, it’s mostly a viral internet rumor with no confirmed sales or auction records to back it up. Headlines like “This Penny Is Worth $22 Million!” tend to circulate on social media and clickbait websites. They get people curious (and hopeful), but they rarely offer actual proof.
That said, some Wheat Pennies have sold for huge sums—just not that huge.
Rarities
Here are a few real, valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies that collectors dream about:
1. 1943 Bronze Cent
Most 1943 pennies were made of steel for wartime efforts. But a few bronze blanks got mixed in and created one of the most valuable error coins in U.S. history.
Value: $250,000 to over $1.7 million
2. 1909-S VDB
The very first year of issue, with controversial designer initials “VDB” on the back.
Value: $700 to $15,000+
3. 1914-D
A low mintage year that’s tough to find in good shape.
Value: Up to $30,000+
4. 1922 “No D”
These coins were struck in Denver, but the “D” mintmark was accidentally left off some of them.
Value: $500 to $50,000+
These aren’t rumors—they’re verified coins with auction history behind them. Just not $22 million worth.
Possibility
Could a Wheat Penny ever be worth $22 million?
Theoretically, yes. If a one-of-a-kind error were discovered in perfect condition, and it triggered a bidding war among mega-rich collectors, the price could skyrocket. It would have to be:
- Completely unique
- Historically important
- In flawless condition
- Surrounded by major buzz
But so far? No such coin has surfaced. So the $22 million Lincoln Wheat Penny remains pure speculation.
Circulation
Is there a $22 million Wheat Penny still out there in circulation?
Short answer: No, because no such coin has been confirmed to exist.
But here’s the fun twist: valuable Wheat Pennies are still out there. People find them in old coin jars, thrift stores, inherited collections—even pocket change. They’re rare, but not impossible to find.
So while you probably won’t strike $22 million gold, finding a Wheat Penny worth $500, $1,000, or more? Totally doable.
Value
Want to know if your Wheat Penny could be valuable? Look for these traits:
1. Date & Mintmark
The year and tiny letter under the date matter. Rare combinations include:
- 1909-S VDB
- 1914-D
- 1922 No D
- 1931-S
2. Condition (Grade)
Crisp details, minimal wear, and original luster can add big value. Collectors love near-mint condition.
3. Errors
Mint mistakes are money. Look for:
- Double die obverse
- Off-center strikes
- Missing mintmarks
- Wrong metal (planchet) errors
4. Low Mintage
Years when fewer coins were produced usually bring higher prices.
Valuable Wheat Pennies
| Year / Variety | Mintmark | Type / Feature | Approx. Value Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Bronze Cent | P, D, S | Wrong metal error | $250,000 – $1,750,000 |
| 1909-S VDB | S | First-year key date | $700 – $15,000+ |
| 1914-D | D | Low mintage | $300 – $30,000+ |
| 1922 “No D” | None | Mintmark error | $500 – $50,000+ |
| 1931-S | S | Collector favorite | $80 – $1,200+ |
Reality
Let’s keep it real: You probably don’t have the mythical $22 million penny. It likely doesn’t exist. But that doesn’t mean your coin jar isn’t hiding a mini jackpot.
Take a little time, pull out your Wheat Pennies, and look at the dates and mintmarks. A few minutes of digging could lead to hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars.
And hey, the hunt is half the fun.
FAQs
Is the $22 million penny real?
No confirmed record of such a coin exists.
What is the rarest Wheat Penny?
The 1943 bronze cent is one of the rarest.
Can Wheat Pennies still be found?
Yes, valuable ones still pop up occasionally.
How do I know if my penny is valuable?
Check the date, mintmark, condition, and for errors.
What’s the most valuable known Wheat Penny?
A 1943 bronze cent sold for over $1.7 million.
