The Lincoln Wheat Penny, also called the Wheat Cent, was first introduced in 1909. It was created to celebrate the 100th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln. This coin was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person instead of a symbolic figure. The front of the coin (called the obverse) shows Abraham Lincoln’s portrait, while the back side (called the reverse) features two wheat stalks, one on each side, with the words “ONE CENT” in the center.
These pennies were made until 1958, after which the design on the back was changed to the Lincoln Memorial.
Why is the Lincoln Wheat Penny Valuable?
Most Lincoln Wheat Pennies are worth just a few cents to a few dollars, depending on their year and condition. However, some rare versions can be worth thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. One such coin is a rare 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny made of copper, not steel.
During World War II, the U.S. Mint used steel coated with zinc to make pennies because copper was needed for the war. However, a few copper blanks were mistakenly used in 1943, and these rare errors became very valuable.
One of these rare 1943 copper Wheat Pennies was sold for $310,000 at auction. Only a few of these coins are known to exist, which makes them extremely rare and highly valuable to collectors.
How to Identify the Rare 1943 Copper Penny
If you think you might have a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny, here are some simple ways to check:
Check the Year: Look for the year 1943 on the coin.
Use a Magnet: Steel pennies will stick to a magnet. A real 1943 copper penny will not stick, because copper is not magnetic.
Look at the Color: Copper pennies have a reddish-brown color, while steel ones look gray or silver.
Check the Weight: A copper penny weighs about 3.11 grams, while a steel penny weighs less.
If your 1943 penny passes all these checks, it could be a valuable copper penny. But before getting too excited, it’s best to show the coin to a professional coin appraiser to confirm its authenticity.
Are These Rare Pennies Still in Circulation?
Yes, it is possible, though very rare, that one of these valuable pennies is still in circulation. Because so many people are unaware of what to look for, a few rare coins may still be found in pocket change, old piggy banks, or coin jars. Many valuable coins have been discovered this way by lucky collectors.
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
Apart from the 1943 copper penny, here are a few other valuable Wheat Pennies to look out for:
1909-S VDB: This penny was made in San Francisco and has the initials “VDB” on the back. It’s worth thousands of dollars in good condition.
1914-D: Made in Denver, this penny is very rare and can also fetch high prices.
1922 No D: This coin was made in Denver, but some versions were mistakenly made without the “D” mintmark.
Final Thoughts
The idea of finding a Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $310,000 in your spare change might sound like a dream, but it’s not impossible. Rare coins like the 1943 copper Wheat Penny still turn up from time to time, especially in old collections.
If you’re interested in coin collecting or just want to see if you have something valuable, check your change carefully. Use a magnet, check the coin’s color and year, and look for any unusual features. Even if you don’t find a $310K penny, you may discover a coin worth much more than one cent.
So next time you receive change, take a closer look — you might be holding a small treasure in your hand.
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.
