Many people use pennies without thinking twice. But what if one of those pennies was worth $10 million? It may sound surprising, but there is a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny that could still be found in regular circulation and is valued at an incredible price. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this coin so special and how you might spot one.
What Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first introduced in 1909 to honor Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person instead of a symbol. The coin was designed by Victor D. Brenner and shows Lincoln’s profile on the front. On the back, it has two wheat stalks, which is why it’s called the “Wheat Penny.”
This design was used from 1909 to 1958. After that, the design changed to feature the Lincoln Memorial.
Why Is One Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $10 Million?
Most Lincoln Wheat Pennies are only worth 1 cent or a little more to collectors. However, one very rare version is known to be worth $10 million because of its unique history and features:
1943 Copper Penny: During World War II, the U.S. Mint used steel to make pennies to save copper for the war. But by mistake, a few pennies were made from copper that year. These are called 1943 Copper Pennies, and only a few exist.
Rarity: Only a small number of these 1943 copper coins were made. This makes them extremely rare and valuable.
Condition: If the penny is in perfect or near-perfect condition (called “mint state”), the value increases even more.
Collector Demand: Coin collectors around the world are always looking for rare pieces. The more rare and famous a coin is, the higher its price can go. One of these rare pennies has been estimated to be worth $10 million due to its condition and demand.
How to Spot the Rare Penny
If you’re checking your spare change, here’s how to see if you might have the $10 million penny:
Check the Date: Look for the year 1943 on the penny.
Test the Material: The regular 1943 penny is silver-colored and made of steel. If your 1943 penny is brown and looks like copper, it might be rare.
Use a Magnet: A steel penny will stick to a magnet, but a copper one will not. This is an easy way to test the coin.
Look for the “D” or “S” Mint Mark: A small letter under the date tells you where it was made — D for Denver, S for San Francisco. Both versions in copper are valuable.
Check the Weight: A genuine copper 1943 penny weighs about 3.11 grams, while a steel one weighs about 2.7 grams.
If you think you have a rare penny, take it to a professional coin dealer or grading service to confirm its authenticity.
Can These Pennies Still Be Found in Circulation?
Yes, there is a small chance. Some of these rare 1943 copper pennies were never collected and could still be in someone’s old coin jar, passed down through generations, or even used as regular change. Though rare, it’s not impossible for one to still be in circulation.
Other Valuable Lincoln Pennies
Besides the 1943 copper penny, there are other Lincoln Wheat Pennies that are worth a lot:
1909-S VDB: This penny was made in San Francisco with the designer’s initials. It can be worth thousands of dollars.
1914-D: Another rare date that is valuable if found in good condition.
1955 Double Die: This penny has a misprint that makes the letters appear doubled. It’s also highly sought after.
Final Thoughts
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a simple coin with a rich history. Most are not worth more than a few cents, but rare versions like the 1943 copper penny could be worth up to $10 million. This amazing coin could still be hiding in someone’s collection or change jar. So next time you see a penny, take a closer look — you might be holding a true hidden treasure.
Disclaimer: The prices mentioned for rare coins, including the Lincoln Wheat Penny, are not guaranteed and may not be entirely accurate due to market fluctuations and varying appraisals.