The Lincoln Wheat Penny, a common coin found in circulation from 1909 to 1958, has fascinated collectors for years. However, some rare editions of this penny are worth an unbelievable amount. Among them, one specific Lincoln Wheat Penny is valued at $21 million, making it one of the most expensive coins in history. The surprising part? It is believed that some of these rare pennies are still in circulation!
The History of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first introduced in 1909 to honor the 100th birthday of Abraham Lincoln. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person instead of Lady Liberty. Designed by Victor David Brenner, the penny has Lincoln’s portrait on the front and two wheat stalks on the back, which gave it the name “Wheat Penny.”
The U.S. Mint produced these pennies in three locations: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco, indicated by small mint marks (“D” for Denver and “S” for San Francisco). Over the years, millions of these coins were produced, but some rare variations are worth a fortune today.
Why Is This Penny So Valuable?
Not all Lincoln Wheat Pennies are valuable, but specific errors and rare editions make them highly sought after. The most famous and valuable one is the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny.
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from using copper to zinc-coated steel for pennies to conserve copper for military use. However, a small number of 1943 pennies were mistakenly struck in bronze (copper), making them extremely rare. Only a few of these coins exist, and collectors are willing to pay millions for them.
One of these 1943 Bronze Pennies was sold for $21 million, making it the most valuable penny in existence. The shocking part is that some of these coins might still be in circulation, hiding in everyday pocket change.
How to Identify a Rare 1943 Bronze Penny
If you come across a 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny, here’s how to check if it’s the valuable bronze version:
- Magnet Test: The rare bronze penny will not stick to a magnet, while the common steel version will.
- Weight Test: The valuable penny weighs 3.11 grams, while the steel version weighs 2.7 grams.
- Mint Mark: Check for “D” (Denver) or “S” (San Francisco) below the year; however, even a 1943 bronze penny from Philadelphia (no mint mark) is valuable.
Other Valuable Wheat Pennies
Apart from the 1943 Bronze Penny, other Lincoln Wheat Pennies can also be valuable, such as:
- 1909-S VDB Penny – Only 484,000 were made, worth up to $100,000 today.
- 1944 Steel Penny – Another rare error coin worth over $100,000.
- 1922 No D Penny – A mistake in Denver’s minting process, valued at $10,000+.
Could You Have One of These Rare Pennies?
With millions of Lincoln Wheat Pennies still in circulation, there is always a small chance of finding a rare one. Checking old pennies carefully might lead to an unexpected fortune! Coin collectors recommend keeping an eye on 1943 pennies, 1909-S VDB pennies, and other rare varieties that could be worth thousands or even millions.
Final Thoughts
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is not just a historical coin but also a potential hidden treasure. With some rare editions still in circulation, anyone could unknowingly have a multi-million-dollar penny in their pocket. Checking your spare change might just make you a millionaire overnight!
Disclaimer: The prices mentioned for rare coins, including the Lincoln Wheat Penny, are not guaranteed and may not be entirely accurate due to market fluctuations and varying appraisals.
