A rare Lincoln Wheat Penny, now valued at $5.5 million, is still believed to be in circulation. This has sparked excitement among collectors and coin enthusiasts, as some people have found rare wheat pennies in their everyday change.
If you have old pennies at home, it might be time to check them—you could be holding a fortune without even knowing it.
What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was minted from 1909 to 1958 and features:
- Abraham Lincoln’s profile on the front
- Two wheat stalks on the back (which is why it’s called a “wheat penny”)
Most were made of 95% copper, except for a steel version in 1943, which led to one of the most valuable coin errors in history.
Why is a Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $5.5 Million?
The most valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny ever sold was a 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny, which fetched $5.5 million at auction.
Here’s why it’s so rare:
- In 1943, due to a wartime copper shortage, pennies were supposed to be made of zinc-coated steel.
- A few bronze blanks (used in 1942) were accidentally left in the minting machines, creating a tiny batch of 1943 bronze pennies.
- Only a few genuine 1943 Bronze Pennies exist, making them one of the rarest and most valuable U.S. coins.
How to Identify a Rare Lincoln Wheat Penny
If you have a Lincoln Wheat Penny, follow these steps to see if it could be valuable:
- Check the Year and Material
- If your 1943 penny is copper or bronze instead of steel, it could be rare.
- Regular 1943 pennies are steel-colored, while the rare version is copper.
- Do the Magnet Test
- Steel pennies stick to a magnet.
- A genuine 1943 bronze penny will not stick to a magnet.
- Weigh the Coin
- A 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny weighs 3.11 grams.
- A standard 1943 steel penny weighs 2.7 grams.
- Use a small digital scale to check.
- Look for Mint Marks
- If your 1943 Bronze Penny has a “D” (Denver) or “S” (San Francisco) mint mark, it is even rarer.
- Get It Professionally Appraised
- If your coin meets these criteria, get it checked by a professional coin grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
Even if you don’t have a 1943 Bronze Penny, other wheat pennies are still worth a lot, including:
- 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny – Worth up to $100,000
- 1914-D Lincoln Penny – Worth up to $5,000+
- 1922 No-D Lincoln Penny – Worth up to $10,000
- 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny – Worth up to $1,800+
Where to Find Rare Pennies
Valuable pennies can still be found in:
- Your pocket change
- Old coin jars and piggy banks
- Estate sales and flea markets
- Bank coin rolls
The idea of a $5.5 million penny still being in circulation is exciting. While rare, many valuable coins have been found in ordinary places. If you come across a 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny, get it checked immediately—you might be holding one of the rarest coins in history.
FAQ’s
What is the rare Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $5.5 million?
The rarest Lincoln Wheat Penny is the 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny, a minting error where a few bronze coins were accidentally made instead of steel. It has sold for up to $5.5 million.
How do I know if my 1943 penny is valuable?
A 1943 Bronze Penny is valuable if it is copper-colored, weighs 3.11 grams, and does not stick to a magnet. If your penny meets these criteria, get it authenticated.
Are there other valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies?
Yes, other valuable pennies include the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny, 1914-D Lincoln Penny, 1922 No-D Penny, and the 1955 Double Die Penny, all worth thousands.
Where can I get my rare penny appraised?
You can get your penny appraised at professional grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation).
Can I still find rare pennies in circulation?
Yes! While rare, valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies can still be found in circulation, old coin jars, estate sales, or collections. Always check your change!
