Imagine finding a penny in your pocket that’s worth $6.7 million. Sounds crazy, right? But it has actually happened! Some lucky people found a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny and sold it for millions. These old coins are now super valuable—and some might still be out there.
Lincoln Wheat Pennies Can Be Worth Millions
The most famous penny is the 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny. During World War II, the U.S. Mint used steel instead of copper to make pennies. But by mistake, a few copper blanks were still in the machines—and they made a few copper pennies in 1943. Only about 20 of these rare pennies are known today. That’s what makes them so valuable. One of them was sold for a record $6.7 million!
Other Rare Lincoln Pennies
There are other valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies too, like:
- 1909-S VDB Penny – Has the designer’s initials
- 1914-D Penny – Hard to find
- 1931-S Penny – Low mintage
- Double-die Errors – When the design is stamped twice by mistake
These rare coins can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
History of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first made in 1909 and continued until 1958. It was the first U.S. coin to have a real person’s face—Abraham Lincoln. The back of the coin has two wheat stalks on each side. That’s why people call it the “Wheat Penny.” In 1959, the design changed to the Lincoln Memorial.
$6.7 Million Penny: The Big Sale
The penny that sold for $6.7 million was one of the rare 1943 copper versions. Experts tested it to prove it was real. They checked the metal, weight, and design details. Once confirmed, it was auctioned—and collectors went crazy! The price went higher and higher until it hit $6.7 million. That’s one expensive penny!
How to Spot a Valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny
Want to check if your penny is worth money? Here’s what to look for:
- Date: The 1943 copper penny is the rarest
- Mint Mark: Look for an “S” (San Francisco), “D” (Denver), or no letter (Philadelphia)
- Magnet Test: If a 1943 penny sticks to a magnet, it’s steel. If it doesn’t—it might be copper!
- Weight: Copper pennies weigh about 3.11 grams, steel ones are 2.7 grams
- Errors: Look for double images, off-center prints, or other mistakes
Can You Still Find One Today?
Yes, it’s possible! Many people have found rare coins in coin jars, piggy banks, or old wallets. Some even got lucky by going through bank rolls of pennies.
Even if you don’t find a $6.7 million penny, there are still many valuable old coins out there.
How to Start Collecting Coins
If this sounds fun, here’s how you can start:
- Go through your old coins
- Look for pennies from before 1959
- Use a magnifying glass to see mint marks and errors
- Learn more from coin books, websites, and YouTube videos
- Join a local coin club
- If you find a rare one, contact a coin expert or send it to a grading service (like PCGS or NGC)
Tip: Don’t clean old coins! It can lower their value.
Why People Love Coin Collecting
Coins are more than just money. They are a piece of history. For example, the 1943 copper penny tells a story from World War II. Coin collecting is fun, educational, and sometimes profitable. Finding a valuable penny is like finding hidden treasure!
Conclusion
The 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny shows us that even small things—like a penny—can be worth millions. You don’t need to be a collector to find one. All it takes is a little curiosity and a close look at your change. So next time you check your pocket, remember: your next penny could be worth a fortune!
FAQs
What makes the 1943 copper penny so special?
It was a minting mistake during World War II—only a few were made.
How do I know if my penny is valuable?
Check the date, mint mark, and look for errors. Try the magnet test if it’s from 1943.
Can I still find valuable Wheat Pennies today?
Yes, they may still be in circulation or hiding in old jars.
What is the most valuable Lincoln Penny?
The 1943 copper penny, worth up to $6.7 million.
How can I start coin collecting?
Start by checking old coins, doing research, and joining a coin club.
