Let’s be honest—most of us don’t give pennies a second thought. They rattle around in our cars, get scooped into jars, or disappear between couch cushions. But what if one of those little copper coins was worth millions?
Sounds like something out of a movie, right? But believe it or not, there’s a rare version of the Lincoln Wheat Penny that has sold for a staggering $3.2 million—and it might still be floating around in circulation today.
A Penny That Could Change Your Life
Yep, you read that right. Some Lincoln Wheat Pennies, especially the rare ones, are still out there. That means there’s a tiny chance you—or someone at your local coffee shop—could be holding a literal fortune without even knowing it.
Let’s break down why this penny is so valuable, how to spot one, and what to do if you think you’ve hit the jackpot.
The Lincoln Wheat Penny: A Piece of American History
First minted in 1909 to celebrate President Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday, the Lincoln Wheat Penny was a game-changer. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person—before that, our coins were all about symbols like Lady Liberty.
Designed by Victor David Brenner, this iconic coin features:
- Front (Obverse): A portrait of Lincoln, along with “In God We Trust,” “Liberty,” and the year it was minted.
- Back (Reverse): Two classic wheat stalks—hence the nickname “Wheat Penny.”
These pennies were produced until 1958, when the Lincoln Memorial design took over. Most Wheat Pennies are worth only face value today—but a few rare versions are absolute treasures.
The $3.2 Million Penny: A Mistake That Made History
So, what makes one of these old pennies worth more than a luxury home?
It all comes down to a wartime error. During World War II, the U.S. Mint needed copper for the war effort, so they switched to using steel to make pennies in 1943. But a few copper blanks from 1942 accidentally got used. The result? A very rare 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny.
Only a few of these coins exist—experts estimate fewer than 20 were ever made.
- One in mint condition sold for $3.2 million.
- And yes—it’s possible more are still out there.
Think You Have One? Here’s How to Check
Curious if that old penny in your drawer is the real deal? Here are a few quick checks you can do:
1. Look at the Date and Color
- Most 1943 pennies are steel and look silver.
- A copper 1943 penny will be reddish-brown—like most older pennies.
2. Try the Magnet Test
- Steel pennies stick to magnets.
- Copper pennies don’t. If your 1943 penny doesn’t stick, you might be onto something.
3. Weigh It
- Steel pennies weigh around 2.7 grams.
- Copper ones weigh 3.11 grams.
- A small kitchen scale can give you a good idea.
4. Check for Mint Marks
- Look under the date: no letter = Philadelphia, “D” = Denver, “S” = San Francisco.
- All three mints produced steel pennies, but a few copper ones slipped through at each location—and they’re all valuable.
Found One? Don’t Rush—Here’s What to Do
Before you start spending like a millionaire, take these steps:
1. Don’t Clean It!
Even if it looks dirty, don’t try to shine it up. Cleaning can damage the surface and lower its value.
2. Get It Authenticated
Take your coin to a professional coin dealer or send it to a grading service like:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
3. Sell It the Smart Way
The best place to sell a rare coin? A reputable auction house like:
- Heritage Auctions
- Stack’s Bowers
Avoid online buyers offering quick cash—it’s worth doing this right.
Other Rare Pennies Worth Thousands
Even if you don’t find the $3.2 million penny, don’t worry—there are other Lincoln Wheat Pennies that could bring in serious cash:
• 1909-S VDB Penny – Up to $50,000
The first year of production, minted in San Francisco with designer “VDB” initials on the back.
• 1914-D Penny – $5,000 to $30,000
Minted in Denver and highly sought after due to its low mintage numbers.
• 1922 No D Penny – Over $10,000
A minting error left out the “D” from Denver on some coins. That mistake? Worth big money now.
• 1955 Doubled Die Penny – $1,500 to $10,000
A famous error coin with doubled numbers and lettering—very noticeable and very collectible.
Can You Still Find Them?
Absolutely. People have found rare pennies in:
- Pocket change
- Old coin jars
- Rolls of pennies from the bank
- Garage sales or estate sales
It’s wild to think about, but rare pennies have literally been handed over at drive-thrus or found in old piggy banks.
Final Thoughts
Finding a 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny could be like winning the lottery. One little coin—just one cent—has sold for $3.2 million.
While the odds are slim, they’re not zero. So next time you’re sorting through spare change or rolling coins for the bank, keep your eyes peeled. That dusty old penny might just be your ticket to a life-changing discovery.
