Every so often, an ordinary-looking coin turns out to be anything but ordinary. It may sit quietly in your pocket, get tossed into a change jar, or slide across a store counter unnoticed. But if you happen to spot the right penny—specifically a 1914 Lincoln Wheat Penny—you could be holding a small fortune in your hand.
Surprisingly, this over-100-year-old penny still turns up in circulation from time to time. And if you find the 1914-D variety in good condition, it could fetch you up to $8,000, or even more.
In this deep dive, we’ll explore what makes this 1914 penny so valuable, how to spot it, and what to do if you think you’ve found one.
The Story Behind the 1914 Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny (also called the “Wheatie” by collectors) was introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. It replaced the Indian Head cent and became the first U.S. coin to feature a real person—Abraham Lincoln—on the obverse (front).
From 1909 to 1958, these pennies were minted with wheat ears on the reverse, giving them their nickname.
What Makes the 1914 Penny So Special?
Three U.S. Mints produced pennies in 1914:
- Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- San Francisco (S)
- Denver (D)
Among these, the 1914-D (Denver) is one of the most elusive and valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies ever struck—especially in good condition.
Why the 1914-D Penny Is Worth Thousands
1. Low Mintage Numbers
The Denver Mint produced only 1,193,000 Lincoln cents in 1914, which was very low compared to other years and mints. For example:
- The 1914 Philadelphia penny had over 75 million minted.
- Even the San Francisco mint produced 4 million.
This scarcity makes the 1914-D extremely desirable to collectors trying to complete a full set of Lincoln Wheat Pennies.
2. Condition Rarity
While 1.19 million pennies were minted in Denver, few survived in high grade because they circulated heavily. Most examples today are well-worn. Finding one in mint state or even very fine condition is rare and extremely valuable.
A 1914-D penny in:
- Good condition (G4) could fetch $200 to $300
- Very Fine (VF20) might be worth $800 to $1,200
- Extremely Fine (EF40) could be $1,500 to $3,000
- Mint State (MS65) examples have sold for over $8,000 at auction
3. High Demand From Collectors
Because the Lincoln cent series is so popular, demand for key-date coins like the 1914-D is very strong. Collectors often compete fiercely for these coins in good condition, driving up prices.
How to Spot a 1914-D Wheat Penny
If you come across a penny dated 1914, here’s what to look for:
1. Check the Date and Mint Mark
- The date should read: 1914
- Look just below the date for a small “D” mint mark (for Denver)
- No mint mark means it’s from Philadelphia—still collectible, but not as rare or valuable
2. Condition is Everything
- The better the condition, the higher the value.
- Worn coins are still worth something, but sharp detail increases demand dramatically.
3. Be Wary of Counterfeits
Because the 1914-D is valuable, it has been counterfeited many times. Some unscrupulous people alter 1944-D pennies by removing part of the 4 to make it look like a 1.
Tip: On genuine 1914-Ds:
- The “D” mint mark is typically well-formed and evenly spaced beneath the date.
- The “1” should look clean and proportionate.
- Check for consistency in the font and alignment.
If in doubt, a professional coin grading service (like PCGS or NGC) can authenticate your coin.
Other Valuable Pennies From the Early 1900s
While the 1914-D is a key date, it’s not the only early Lincoln penny worth serious money. Here are some other pennies that still circulate or show up in collections:
1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
- Value: $800 – $12,000+
- Why it’s Rare: Only 484,000 minted with designer Victor D. Brenner’s initials (VDB) on the reverse
- Highly sought after as the first year of the Lincoln cent
1922 No D Penny
- Value: $500 – $15,000+
- Mint: Denver was the only mint that year, but some coins lack a mint mark due to a weak die
- Highly collectible due to the error
1931-S Lincoln Cent
- Value: $100 – $800+
- One of the lowest mintage Wheat Pennies from the 1930s
Yes, These Coins Still Pop Up
It may sound unbelievable, but these century-old coins still turn up in modern-day pocket change, especially in the following situations:
Coin Roll Hunting
Searchers often find old coins by purchasing rolls of pennies from banks. It’s tedious but rewarding—sometimes these rolls contain Wheat Pennies or even silver coins.
Inherited Coin Jars
Many older generations saved change in jars or drawers. Inherited or forgotten coin collections often contain valuable coins like the 1914-D.
Estate Sales and Flea Markets
People often sell coin collections at estate sales, yard sales, or flea markets—sometimes without knowing their true value.
In Circulation
Believe it or not, some Wheat Pennies still end up in circulation. People unknowingly spend them or cash them in at Coinstar machines.
How to Tell If Your Penny Is Valuable
Step 1: Examine the Coin Closely
Use a magnifying glass or loupe to inspect the date, mint mark, and overall wear. Check the reverse side too—any errors or strong detail can add value.
Step 2: Check a Coin Value Guide
Websites like PCGS Price Guide, NGC Coin Explorer, and Numista provide up-to-date values for coins in various conditions.
Step 3: Weigh the Coin
Authentic Lincoln Wheat Pennies weigh about 3.11 grams. A significant deviation might indicate a fake or altered coin.
Step 4: Consider Professional Grading
If you believe you’ve found a rare penny in high grade, submit it to a grading service like:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
These services authenticate, grade, and encapsulate coins, protecting their value and helping when you sell.
What to Do If You Find a 1914-D Penny
Think you’ve struck copper gold? Here’s your action plan:
1. Don’t Clean the Coin
Cleaning coins can damage them and reduce their value by hundreds or thousands of dollars. Leave it as-is.
2. Take Clear Photos
Photograph the front and back under good lighting. Include close-ups of the date and mint mark.
3. Visit a Coin Dealer
An experienced coin dealer can give you a quick estimate and confirm whether it’s worth grading or auctioning.
4. Consider an Online Appraisal
Sites like Heritage Auctions and GreatCollections offer appraisals and sometimes even buy valuable coins outright.
5. Sell Smart
If your coin is valuable, you can sell it through:
- Reputable coin auction houses
- Online platforms like eBay (if certified)
- Coin shows or expos
- Trusted coin shops
Final Thoughts: A Penny for Your Fortune?
In today’s world, it’s easy to overlook the value of spare change. But coins like the 1914-D Wheat Penny prove that incredible treasures sometimes come in the smallest packages.
Whether you’re a collector, a curious hobbyist, or someone who just checked their change after reading this article, remember this: history is hiding in plain sight. That unassuming brown penny could be your ticket to an $8,000 payday—or more.
So the next time a penny lands in your hand, don’t just drop it in a jar. Flip it over, check the date, and give it a good look. Because one of the rarest and most valuable pennies in U.S. history might be sitting in your pocket right now.
