Have you ever thought that a simple looking coin kept in the old boxes of your house or in your grandfather’s cupboard can change your fate? If you have a special “Lincoln cent” made in 1914, and it has a small “D” stamp on it, then this coin can change your life.
Yes, we are talking about 1914-D Lincoln Cent, which is one of the rarest and most valuable coins of America. Let’s know the whole story of this special coin – what is its specialty, why is it so rare, and how much can it cost.
What are Lincoln Cents?
Lincoln Cents are copper coins on which the picture of America’s 16th President Abraham Lincoln is printed. These coins were first issued in 1909, and since then they are counted among the longest running coins of America.
The Lincoln Cents that were made from 1909 to 1958 had wheat ears on the back, which are also called “Wheat pennies”. Even today, thousands of people are fond of finding and collecting these old coins.
1914-D Lincoln Cent – Why is it so special?
Now let’s talk about the 1914-D coin. The “D” in the name of this coin indicates that this coin was made at Denver Mint. Only 1.2 million (12 lakh) such coins were made in 1914, which is one of the lowest mintage (minted quantity) in the Lincoln Cent series.
Now imagine, more than 100 years have passed. How many of these 12 lakh coins must have survived in good condition? Very few! This is the reason why the 1914-D Lincoln Cent is considered extremely rare and valuable today.
How much can this coin cost?
Now let’s talk about the most exciting part – the price!
If you have a 1914-D Lincoln Cent and it is very worn, it can still be worth thousands of rupees. But if the same coin is in uncirculated or mint condition – meaning absolutely clean, without any scratches or damage – then its price can go up to lakhs.
Let’s take a look at this example:
A 1914-D Lincoln Cent that was in very good condition was auctioned for $159,000 (approximately Rs 1.3 crore). Now you can imagine how much power an old copper coin can have!
Why Collectors Love Lincoln Cents?
Lincoln Cents are very popular among coin collectors not only in the US but all over the world. There are many reasons for this:
Being associated with history: Having an image of a great leader like Abraham Lincoln increases its historical importance.
Variation: Coins struck each year from 1909 to 1958 and from different mints (e.g., Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco) have slight differences that make them very exciting for collectors.
Aim to build a complete set: Many collectors want to collect all of the Lincoln Cents from 1909 to 1958. But one of the most difficult coins to find is the 1914-D, which is why it’s also called the “key date coin” — the coin needed to complete the set.
What if you have this coin?
Identify: First, look for the year 1914 on the coin, with a small “D” underneath it. Check the condition: Is the coin very old and worn, or is it still clean and shiny? A coin in good condition will fetch a higher price.
Get it appraised: Have it appraised by a reputable coin expert or grading service (such as PCGS or NGC). This will help you know the real value of your coin.
Hold it safely: If the coin is in good condition, keep it in a plastic cover or coin case to prevent it from deteriorating further.
Are there fake coins?
Yes, fake versions of the 1914-D Lincoln Cent are available due to its rarity and high price. So, if you want to buy or sell it, always verify its authenticity.
A small coin, but a big price!
Imagine if you have a 1914 Lincoln Cent lying around in your grandparents’ old box or between books — and that too with a “D” mint mark — it could change your fortune.
Many people have sold such coins on eBay or auction houses for $300 to $5000. Whereas in mint condition, its price can be in lakhs.
A few tips in the end
- If you are fond of collecting coins, it would be a good idea to start with Lincoln Cents.
- Do a little research or seek the help of experts to identify old coins and find out their value.
- Every coin has a story behind it — and sometimes, that story can lead to a fortune.
So the next time you see an old coin, don’t ignore it. It could be a precious gem from the pages of history — and perhaps even the biggest treasure of your life!
If you liked this information, be sure to share it with your friends and family. Who knows, they might have a similar treasure lying around!
FAQs
Q1. What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a U.S. one-cent coin minted from 1909 to 1958, featuring wheat stalks on the reverse side.
Q2. Why is a Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $159,000?
Some rare versions, especially those with minting errors, low mintage, or unique historical value, can fetch high prices from collectors.
Q3. How can I identify a valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny?
Look for key features like the 1909-S VDB, 1943 bronze penny, or error coins. These are the ones collectors seek the most.
Q4. Is this rare penny really still in circulation?
Yes, in rare cases, valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies can still be found in pocket change or old coin jars. It’s uncommon, but possible.
Q5. What should I do if I find a Lincoln Wheat Penny?
Check the date, mint mark, and condition. If it matches a known valuable variant, consider having it appraised by a coin expert.