Imagine finding a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny in your pocket change, only to discover it’s worth $1.8 million! Sounds unbelievable, right? But it’s true. Some of these valuable pennies are still in circulation today, making it possible for anyone to stumble upon a fortune.
If you love coin collecting or just want to check your loose change, this guide will help you identify whether you have a rare and valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny.
What Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, also called the Wheat Cent, was first minted in 1909 and remained in circulation until 1958. It was designed by Victor David Brenner and was the first U.S. coin to feature a real historical figure—Abraham Lincoln.
Key Features of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
Obverse (Front): Shows Abraham Lincoln’s portrait.
Reverse (Back): Has two wheat stalks, giving it the name “Wheat Penny.”
Mint Years: 1909 to 1958.
Why Is This Penny Worth $1.8 Million?
Not all Lincoln Wheat Pennies are valuable, but a few rare ones—especially those with minting errors—are worth a fortune. One of the most valuable is the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny, which has sold for as much as $1.8 million due to a unique mistake.
The 1943 Copper Penny Error
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from using copper to steel to save metal for war supplies. However, a few 1943 pennies were mistakenly made of copper, making them extremely rare.
Since most 1943 pennies were made of steel, the copper versions are one-of-a-kind collector’s items, and some have been auctioned for millions of dollars.
How to Identify a Rare Lincoln Wheat Penny
If you come across a 1943 penny, here’s how you can check if it’s the valuable copper version:
1. Check the Color
A steel penny will appear silver-gray and will stick to a magnet.
A copper penny will have a reddish-brown color and won’t stick to a magnet.
2. Look at the Year
Make sure the penny is from 1943 and not 1945, 1948, or another year.
3. Get It Verified
If you think you have a 1943 copper penny, take it to a professional coin expert or a certified grading service to confirm its authenticity.
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
Apart from the 1943 Copper Penny, several other Lincoln Wheat Pennies are valuable:
1909-S VDB Penny
- Value: Over $100,000 due to its limited production.
- Why?: Only 484,000 were minted.
1914-D Penny
- Value: Can sell for $5,000 to $100,000, depending on condition.
- Why?: Low mintage of only 1.2 million coins.
1922 No D Penny
- Value: Worth thousands of dollars.
- Why?: The Denver Mint accidentally left off the “D” mintmark.
Could You Still Find One in Circulation?
Surprisingly, yes! Some people unknowingly spend these valuable pennies because they don’t recognize their worth. They can be found in:
Pocket change
Old piggy banks
Estate sales
Coin collections
If you take the time to check your coins carefully, you might stumble upon a million-dollar treasure!
Finding a Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $1.8 million may seem like a dream, but it’s possible. The key is knowing how to identify rare coins, especially the 1943 copper penny.
By checking the color, using a magnet, and verifying the mint year, you could discover an incredibly valuable coin in your collection. So, before you spend that penny—take a closer look!
FAQ’s
Why is the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny so valuable?
The 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny is valuable because a small number were mistakenly made of copper instead of steel. This minting error makes them rare and highly sought after by collectors, with some selling for as much as $1.8 million.
How can I tell if my 1943 penny is the rare copper version?
To check if you have a rare 1943 copper penny, use a magnet. If the penny sticks, it is a common steel version. If it does not stick, it could be the valuable copper version, which should be verified by a coin expert.
Where can I sell a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny?
You can sell a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny at coin auctions, through certified coin dealers, or on platforms like Heritage Auctions and eBay. Always get your coin authenticated before selling.
What other Lincoln Wheat Pennies are valuable?
Besides the 1943 copper penny, other valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies include the 1909-S VDB Penny, 1914-D Penny, and 1922 No D Penny, all of which can be worth thousands of dollars.
Can I still find rare pennies in circulation?
Yes! Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies occasionally turn up in pocket change, estate sales, and old coin collections. Checking your coins carefully could lead to a valuable discovery.
I have a lot of coins that I think can be worth something,I even also have a silver weat penny,how can I know my coins are worth anything
Hello Gracelia,
10 Wheat Penny Values You’ll Want To Know
If you find one of these wheat pennies in Mint Condition you’ve had some very good luck!
These numbers are based on coins in MS60 Condition or better.
1917 Doubled Die: $3,000 – $6,000
1955-P DDO: $4,000 – $16,000
1922-D No D Strong Reverse: $12,000 – $30,000
1944-P Steel: $50,000+
1944-D Steel: $60,000+
1958-P DDO: $100,000 – $200,000
1943 Bronze: $300,000+
1943-S Bronze: $500,000+
1944-S Steel: $700,000 – $1,000,000
1943-D Bronze: $800,000 – $2,000,000