You might want to take a second look at the pennies rattling around in your drawer. One of them could be worth more than you ever imagined. Among the countless Lincoln Wheat Pennies made over the years, there’s one version so rare that collectors believe it’s worth up to $200 million—and it might still be out there, hiding in everyday change.
Let’s dive into the story behind this remarkable coin, what makes it so valuable, and how you might spot one.
What Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most iconic coins in American history. First introduced in 1909, it was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person, with Abraham Lincoln’s face on the front. The back displays two wheat stalks, which gave it the name “Wheat Penny.”
These coins were produced until 1958, and while millions were made, only a few versions are rare and valuable—especially those with mistakes or unusual materials.
Why One Wheat Penny Is Worth $200 Million
Among all the Lincoln Wheat Pennies, there’s one coin that has become the stuff of legend: a 1943 Wheat Penny made from bronze instead of steel.
Here’s why it’s so special:
- In 1943, due to a copper shortage during World War II, the U.S. Mint started making pennies out of zinc-coated steel.
- But a small number of bronze planchets (the metal discs used for coins) from the previous year were accidentally used.
- Only a handful of these bronze 1943 Wheat Pennies are known to exist today.
Because they’re so rare and surrounded by mystery, collectors have placed sky-high values on them. Some believe a perfect-condition 1943 bronze penny could now be worth up to $200 million—especially if it’s the only known example of its kind or tied to an important discovery.
How to Spot a $200 Million Lincoln Penny
Finding a rare penny doesn’t require special tools—just careful observation and a little luck. Here’s what to look for:
Check the Date
- Look for 1943. Most 1943 pennies are steel and will appear grayish. If yours looks copper or brown, keep reading.
Test with a Magnet
- A steel penny will stick to a magnet.
- A genuine 1943 bronze penny won’t. If you find one that doesn’t stick, it might be worth a fortune.
Look at the Color
- Steel pennies are shiny silver.
- A bronze penny will look more like a regular copper coin.
Check for Mint Marks
- Look just below the date for a small letter:
- “D” for Denver
- “S” for San Francisco
- No letter = Philadelphia
A 1943 bronze penny with a mint mark is even rarer than one without.
Could One Still Be in Circulation?
Yes—and that’s what makes this coin so exciting.
While it’s extremely rare, these pennies have been found in pocket change, old jars, and inherited coin collections. Some people didn’t know what they had and accidentally spent them.
Because it looks like any ordinary penny to the untrained eye, the 1943 bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny could still be out there, hiding in plain sight.
What Should You Do If You Think You’ve Found One?
If you come across a 1943 Lincoln penny that doesn’t match the steel version:
- Do not clean it – this can damage its value.
- Test it with a magnet.
- Take it to a professional coin dealer or grading service (like PCGS or NGC) for authentication.
- Get an official appraisal—it might change your life.
Final Thoughts: A Tiny Coin, a Massive Fortune
The Lincoln Wheat Penny may be one of the smallest coins in your collection, but it could be worth more than a luxury home or a private jet. With a rare 1943 bronze version potentially valued at $200 million, it’s a powerful reminder that true treasures can be hiding in the most unexpected places.
So next time you get pennies back as change, take a moment to look closer—you could be holding a piece of history worth a fortune.