Imagine finding a $3.7 million penny in your pocket change! The Lincoln Wheat Penny, one of the rarest and most valuable coins, could still be in circulation. Collectors and coin enthusiasts are always on the lookout for these hidden treasures, hoping to stumble upon one of these historic pennies. But what makes this coin so valuable? Let’s explore.
Why Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny So Valuable?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, minted from 1909 to 1958, is one of the most collected U.S. coins. However, some variations and minting errors have made specific Wheat Pennies incredibly valuable.
Table of Contents
The most expensive among them is the 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny, which has fetched up to $3.7 million at auctions!
The .7 Million Lincoln Wheat Penny – What’s Special About It?
During World War II, copper was reserved for military supplies, so the U.S. Mint switched to steel pennies in 1943. However, a few copper planchets (blanks) from 1942 were mistakenly used in 1943, resulting in the ultra-rare 1943 Copper Penny.
- Only a few dozen 1943 Copper Pennies exist today.
- One of these rare coins was recently sold for $3.7 million at an auction.
- Most 1943 pennies are made of steel—so if you find one that doesn’t stick to a magnet, you may have a rare copper penny!
How to Identify a Rare Lincoln Wheat Penny?
If you’re wondering whether you have a valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny, check for these features:
- 1943 Copper Penny – Do a magnet test: If it sticks, it’s steel and common; if it doesn’t stick, it could be a rare copper version!
- 1909-S VDB Penny – Look for “VDB” initials at the bottom on the reverse side. Only 484,000 were made, making it a rare collector’s item.
- 1955 Double Die Penny – Shows visible doubling in the lettering, especially in “LIBERTY” and the date.
- 1922 No D Penny – A rare variation where the “D” mint mark is missing.
- 1944 Steel Penny – A few steel pennies were mistakenly minted in 1944 instead of copper. These are extremely valuable.
Could This Rare Penny Still Be in Circulation?
Yes! Though rare, some 1943 Copper Pennies and other valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies may still be out there. People often spend old coins unknowingly, so searching through pocket change, piggy banks, or old coin jars might lead to an incredible discovery.
What to Do If You Find a Rare Penny?
If you think you have a 1943 Copper Penny or another valuable Wheat Penny, follow these steps:
- Do the magnet test – If it doesn’t stick, it could be valuable.
- Check its weight – A 1943 Copper Penny should weigh 3.11 grams, while a steel penny weighs 2.7 grams.
- Get it professionally appraised – Take it to a certified coin expert or auction house to verify its authenticity and value.
The Lincoln Wheat Penny remains a fascinating collectible, and the possibility of finding a $3.7 million penny still in circulation makes coin collecting even more exciting. So, the next time you receive change, check your pennies carefully—you might be holding a small fortune!
FAQ’s
Why is the 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny so valuable?
The 1943 Copper Penny is valuable because it was mistakenly struck on copper planchets instead of steel during World War II. Only a few exist, making them extremely rare and valuable.
How can I check if I have a 1943 Copper Penny?
Use a magnet: If your 1943 penny sticks to it, it’s steel and not valuable. If it doesn’t stick, it may be a rare copper version. Get it professionally appraised.
What is the value of a 1943 Copper Penny?
A well-preserved 1943 Copper Penny can sell for up to $3.7 million at auctions, depending on its condition and authenticity.
Are rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies still in circulation?
Yes, though rare, some valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies may still be in circulation. Checking old change and coin rolls could lead to a valuable discovery.
Which other Lincoln Wheat Pennies are valuable?
Other valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies include the 1909-S VDB Penny, 1955 Double Die Penny, and 1922 No D Penny, all of which have unique characteristics making them rare.
