Every day, we pass by pennies without a second glance—tossing them in jars, dropping them in vending machines, or ignoring them altogether. But what if one of those little copper coins turned out to be worth more than a Beverly Hills mansion? That’s exactly the case with a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny that sold for a jaw-dropping $9.5 million in 2019. Yes, you read that right—a single penny worth more than most folks make in a lifetime.
The Birth of America’s Most Iconic Penny
The story of the Lincoln Wheat Penny began in 1909, a year that marked the 100th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln. Up until then, U.S. coins typically featured mythical or symbolic figures—like Lady Liberty—not actual people. That all changed when Victor David Brenner designed the first coin to feature a real American: Abraham Lincoln. The front showed a noble portrait of the president, while the back was framed by two wheat stalks—a nod to America’s agricultural roots. The design stuck around for nearly 50 years, making it one of the longest-running and most beloved coin designs in U.S. history.
A Wartime Mistake Worth Millions
So, how does a penny end up being worth millions? It all goes back to World War II. In 1943, with copper in short supply due to the war effort, the U.S. Mint switched to using steel to make pennies. But somewhere along the line, a handful of copper blanks from 1942 were accidentally left in the coin presses. The result? A few rare 1943 Lincoln pennies made of copper instead of steel—coins that were never supposed to exist.
That simple mistake turned into a collector’s dream. These accidental copper 1943 pennies are incredibly rare, with only a few dozen known examples. And because of their rarity and the fascinating story behind them, they’re worth a fortune—one even sold for $9.5 million.
Why Some Pennies Are Worth So Much
Rarity is a big part of the equation, but it’s not the only factor. A coin’s condition, historical significance, and even its mint location can drive up its value. Take the famous 1909-S VDB penny, for example. It was one of the first Lincoln cents ever made and included the designer’s initials—VDB—on the back. Some people thought the initials were too prominent, so the Mint removed them, making the original versions rare and highly collectible.
Then there’s the 1922 no-D penny—another valuable mistake. That year, pennies were only supposed to be made at the Denver Mint (hence the “D” mint mark), but some came out without any mint mark at all. Today, collectors will pay thousands for those oddities.
How to Spot a Hidden Gem in Your Change
If you’re curious whether you might be sitting on a hidden fortune, there are a few things to look for:
- Check the date – Years like 1909, 1922, and 1943 are especially important.
- Look for mint marks – Tiny letters under the date show where the coin was made. Some locations are much rarer than others.
- Inspect the condition – Coins that look brand new are worth far more than ones that are scratched, dirty, or worn.
Handling Your Treasure (If You Find One!)
Think you’ve found a rare penny? Don’t clean it! Cleaning a coin—even with the best intentions—can ruin its value. Handle it gently by the edges and store it in a soft holder or case. The best move? Have it examined by a professional coin grading service, who can confirm its authenticity and appraise its worth.
The Thrill of the Hunt
For coin collectors, and even casual hobbyists, part of the fun lies in the unknown. Who knows? That old jar of coins in your closet might just be hiding a seven-figure treasure. While the odds are slim, the excitement of finding one of these rare gems keeps people checking their pocket change every single day.
In a world where bigger usually means better, it’s kind of amazing to think that a tiny copper coin—often overlooked—could hold such enormous value.