Believe it or not… some Lincoln pennies have sold for up to $10 MILLION!
If you have a jar, drawer, or box full of old pennies — this step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to check if YOU have the rare one.

1. Quick History: Why Some Lincoln Pennies Are Worth Millions
The Lincoln cent has been around since 1909, created to honor President Abraham Lincoln. Over the decades, many types were minted:
- Wheat Cents (1909–1958)
- Memorial Cents (1959–2008)
- Shield Cents (2010–Today)
But here’s the kicker:
Some early pennies and rare mint errors are incredibly valuable because only a few were made perfectly or accidentally.
Examples of famous rarities:
- 1909-S VDB
- Doubled Die Errors (1955, 1972, 1995)
- Off-metal or wrong-planchet errors
A combination of rarity + condition = MILLION-DOLLAR VALUE.
2. Step-by-Step: How to Spot the $10 Million Penny
Here’s the simple checklist (you don’t need to be a coin expert):
Step 1 — Check the Date
Look for early years like:
- 1909
- 1914
- 1922
- 1955
- 1972 (Doubled Die)
These dates are known for high-value errors.
Step 2 — Look Under the Date for the Mint Mark
Check for:
- S = San Francisco
- D = Denver
- (No mint mark) = Philadelphia
The most valuable one:
1909-S (very rare)
Step 3 — Look for “VDB” on the Reverse
Flip the coin.
If it’s a wheat reverse:
- Look between the two wheat stalks
- Search for tiny initials “VDB”
- If your coin says 1909-S VDB, it could be worth a fortune.
Step 4 — Search for Doubling (Errors)
Use a magnifying glass to inspect:
- LIBERTY
- IN GOD WE TRUST
- Lincoln’s eye, beard, and coat
- Any letters that look doubled or blurry
Strong doubled dies = BIG money.
Step 5 — Compare the Details
Check:
- The sharpness of the lettering
- Whether the surfaces look original
- If scratches or polishing marks exist
Condition matters — top-grade coins bring millionaire prices.
Step 6 — Watch Out for Fakes
Millions of fake “1909-S VDB” coins exist.
If something looks suspicious or too perfect, get it checked.
3. How to Sell Your Penny for Maximum Profit
If your penny looks promising, here’s how to cash in:
Option 1: List Online
Post clear photos on:
- eBay
- Etsy
- Facebook Marketplace
Mention details like:
- Year
- Mint mark
- Error type
- Condition
- “VDB” location
Option 2: Auction Houses (Best for Rare Coins)
Send your coin to:
- Heritage Auctions
- Stack’s Bowers
- GreatCollections
These auction companies specialize in selling coins for high prices — even into the millions.
Option 3: Protect Your Price
Set a minimum starting price
(especially if your coin shows rare errors or strong doubling).
4. Get It Authenticated (MOST IMPORTANT STEP)
To confirm your coin’s true value, send it to a grading company:
PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company)
They will:
- Authenticate the coin
- Grade its condition
- Issue a certificate
- Protect the coin in a tamper-proof case
A high grade like MS65–MS68 could raise the value into the millions.
5. Want More Coin Tips?
Visit PennyVerse.info to learn:
- How to find valuable coins
- Which coins in circulation are worth $100+
- Hidden treasures in pocket change
More guides, more discoveries, more fun!
Final Thoughts
That ordinary-looking Lincoln penny could be your $10,000,000 jackpot.
Check your coins carefully — you never know what treasure you might already have!
Tell us in the comments if you found something interesting!
