Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $170 Million? It Could Be Hiding in Your Pocket
That old penny sitting in your change jar or at the bottom of your drawer might be worth way more than one cent. While most people overlook pennies, some rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies have sold for massive amounts—one is even rumored to be worth $170 million. These tiny coins have sparked a nationwide treasure hunt, turning everyday people into collectors. Before you toss out your spare change, take a closer look—one small coin could hold a huge surprise.
A Penny That Made History
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first made in 1909 and marked a big change in U.S. coins. It was the first time a real person—President Abraham Lincoln—was featured on American money. Designed by Victor David Brenner, the front of the coin shows Lincoln’s profile with the words “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The back shows two wheat stalks surrounding the words “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” This design lasted almost 50 years and became one of the most well-known coins in the country.
The 1943 Penny Mistake That Made Millions
During World War II, copper was needed for making military supplies, so in 1943, the U.S. Mint switched to using steel coated with zinc to make pennies. But a few copper blanks from 1942 were accidentally used in 1943. These rare copper 1943 pennies were never supposed to exist, making them extremely valuable. Today, they can sell for hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.
Why Some Pennies Are Worth So Much
Not all old pennies are valuable, but certain Lincoln Wheat Pennies are worth big money because they’re rare, have minting mistakes, or are part of a special historical run. Some examples include:
- 1909-S VDB: Only 484,000 were made. It shows the initials of the designer and was minted in San Francisco.
- 1943 Copper Penny: A mistake coin that was supposed to be steel but was made with copper.
- 1955 Double Die: Has visible doubling in the lettering and numbers due to a minting error.
These kinds of coins are what collectors look for—and they’re willing to pay top dollar for them.
Rare Coins Could Still Be Out There
One of the most exciting things about Lincoln Wheat Pennies is that some of the rare ones might still be in circulation. Because most people don’t pay close attention to their coins, it’s possible that valuable pennies are still out there—mixed in with everyday change, coin jars, or forgotten collections. This gives everyone a chance to strike it lucky just by checking their change.
How to Spot a Valuable Penny
If you want to start looking for rare pennies, here’s what to watch for:
- Check the Date: Look closely at pennies from 1909, 1914, 1922, 1931, and 1943.
- Look for Mint Marks: These are small letters on the front of the coin. “S” means San Francisco, “D” means Denver, and no mark usually means it was made in Philadelphia.
- Know the Special Types:
- 1909-S VDB: Extremely rare and valuable.
- 1943 Copper: If your 1943 penny sticks to a magnet, it’s steel. If not, you might have a rare copper one.
- 1955 Double Die: Shows doubled letters and numbers.
- Check the Condition: Coins in perfect or near-perfect shape (called “Mint State”) are worth much more.
How to Protect Your Penny
Think you’ve found a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny? Don’t clean it—scrubbing or polishing can lower its value. Instead:
- Handle it by the edges.
- Store it in a coin holder or protective case.
- Use gloves to avoid adding oils or dirt.
- Have it checked by a professional coin dealer or grading service to confirm its authenticity and condition.
More Than Just Money
These coins aren’t just about dollars and cents—they’re pieces of American history. They’ve been around through wars, economic struggles, and major events. Some may have even been used by soldiers or saved by kids during tough times. Each Lincoln Wheat Penny tells a story and connects us to the past.
The Hunt Goes On
People all over the country are still searching for these rare pennies. While finding one worth millions is rare, even common Lincoln Wheat Pennies in good condition can be worth more than a cent. It’s a hobby anyone can enjoy, and who knows? The next time you check your change, you could find a penny that’s worth a fortune.
Disclaimer:
This article is for educational purposes only. Coin prices change often and depend on the coin’s individual features. Always get a professional opinion before buying or selling rare coins.