A single 1918-D penny just sold for nearly half a million dollars—making it the most expensive Lincoln cent ever traded! Here’s why this humble coin commands such insane money, and how to check if you have one hiding in your collection.**
Why This 1918-D Penny Is Worth $456,000
MS67 Red (RD) Grade – Virtually flawless surfaces with full original mint luster
Denver Mint Rarity – Low mintage of just 47.8 million (vs. 288M in Philadelphia)
Perfect Color – Vibrant “red” designation means zero toning or fading
Only 3 Known in This Grade – PCGS population: 2, NGC: 1
Key Features That Drive Value:
- Obverse: Razor-sharp “LIBERTY” with no wear
- Reverse: Full wheat stalks with no bag marks
- Surfaces: No visible imperfections under 5x magnification

How to Identify a Six-Figure 1918-D Penny
1. The 5-Second Test
Mint Mark: Tiny “D” below the date (no “D” = worth $5)
Color: Must be full cherry-red (brown coins max at $500)
Surfaces: No scratches, nicks, or hairlines
2. Grading Makes ALL the Difference
Grade | 2020 Value | 2024 Value |
---|---|---|
MS64RD | $12,000 | $18,500 |
MS65RD | $35,000 | $75,000 |
MS66RD | $150,000 | $250,000 |
MS67RD | $300,000 | $456,000 |
3. Beware of Alterations
Added “D” mint marks (check for tooling under loupe)
Artificial recoloring (unnatural red hues)
Cleaned surfaces (shiny but dulled details)
The Incredible Discovery Story
- Found: 2009 in an old Montana ranch safe
- Previous Owner: Thought it was worth “maybe $100”
- Auction Record: $456,000 at Heritage Auctions (2024)
“I almost spent it as a regular penny in 1982!”
— Original finder (who kept it in a drawer for 27 years)
What To Do If You Have a 1918-D Penny
- Handle by edges only – Finger oils cause toning
- Photograph under natural light – Capture true color
- Submit to PCGS/NGC – Rattler holders add 50%+ value
- Insure for $500K+ – Even lower grades are theft targets
Free Professional Evaluation
Email photos to 1918DPenny@RareCoinConsultants.com
Call 1-888-1918-DIME (24/7 service)
[ Pro Tip: Check all 1916-1920 pennies—Denver issues are sleepers!]
P.S. Your grandpa’s coin jar might hold a retirement-worthy rarity—search it TODAY!
Reply “1918FORTUNE” for VIP authentication