Pennies are often overlooked, tossed into jars, or left in pockets without a second thought. But what if one of those pennies was worth $90 million? Believe it or not, a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny is still rumored to be in circulation, waiting for someone to discover its true value.
Let’s dive into what makes this penny so special, how to identify one, and whether you might have one hiding in your change.
The Lincoln Wheat Penny: A Piece of American History
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person instead of Lady Liberty.
Designed by Victor D. Brenner, the coin’s front (obverse) features Lincoln’s profile, while the back (reverse) showcases two wheat stalks, symbolizing prosperity and strength.
This design remained in circulation until 1958, when it was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial penny. While billions of Wheat Pennies were minted, certain rare editions have become highly valuable collectibles—including one rumored to be worth $90 million.
Why Is This Penny Worth $90 Million?
Not every Lincoln Wheat Penny is valuable, but a select few have become legendary due to minting errors, rare materials, and collector demand. Here’s what makes this particular $90 million Wheat Penny so valuable:
1. Minting Errors
Mistakes during the coin-making process can make some coins incredibly rare. Some Wheat Pennies were accidentally struck using the wrong metal, resulting in one-of-a-kind collector’s items.
- The most famous minting error is the 1943 copper penny.
- In 1943, most pennies were made of steel due to wartime copper shortages.
- However, a few copper pennies were accidentally struck, making them one of the rarest coins in history.
If you find a 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny that’s made of copper instead of steel, it could be worth millions.
2. Limited Production
Some Lincoln Wheat Pennies had very low mintage, making them extremely rare today.
- Coins like the 1909-S VDB and 1914-D are among the rarest, with only a handful still in circulation.
- The 1922 “No D” penny is another valuable find, as it was mistakenly struck without a mint mark.
3. Historical Significance
Certain coins become valuable because they represent important moments in U.S. history. The 1943 copper penny is particularly special because it was created during World War II, when metal shortages led to the switch from copper to steel pennies.
Any coin with a unique history becomes highly sought after by collectors.
4. Condition and Collector Demand
Even if you find a rare Wheat Penny, its condition matters. A well-preserved, mint-condition penny can sell for much more than one that has been heavily used.
Collectors are constantly searching for rare pennies, and as demand grows, so do their prices.
How to Identify a Rare Lincoln Wheat Penny
Want to check if you have a rare Wheat Penny in your collection? Here’s what to look for:
1. Check the Date
Certain years are far more valuable than others. Some of the most valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies include:
- 1909-S VDB – Features the designer’s initials and is extremely rare.
- 1914-D – One of the rarest early Wheat Pennies.
- 1922 No D – A minting error resulted in no visible Denver mint mark.
- 1943 Copper Penny – If your 1943 penny is copper, it could be worth millions.
- 1955 Doubled Die Penny – Features a double image due to a misalignment in the minting process.
2. Look for Minting Errors
Some rare pennies contain mistakes, such as:
- Double-stamped numbers or letters
- Misprinted or missing details
- Off-center strikes
3. Test the Metal
Since most 1943 pennies were steel, a magnet test can help you determine if you have a rare one.
- Steel pennies will stick to a magnet.
- Copper pennies will not.
If you find a 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny that doesn’t stick to a magnet, it might be one of the rarest coins in existence.
Could This $90 Million Penny Still Be in Circulation?
Surprisingly, yes! Some rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies are still being used in everyday transactions without people realizing their value.
Many valuable coins were unknowingly spent decades ago and continue to circulate through the economy today.
If you want to increase your chances of finding a rare Wheat Penny, try searching in:
- Loose change – Always check your pennies before spending them.
- Bank coin rolls – Some collectors find rare coins in rolls of pennies from banks.
- Old coin collections – If your relatives saved old coins, they might have a valuable Wheat Penny.
- Garage sales & flea markets – Some rare coins get sold cheaply by people unaware of their worth.
What to Do If You Find a Rare Penny
Think you’ve found a valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny? Here’s what to do next:
1. Get It Authenticated – Have your coin verified by a professional grading service, such as:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
2. Determine Its Value – Research recent auction prices for similar coins to estimate its worth.
3. Sell Through Trusted Sources – If your coin is truly valuable, consider selling through:
- Auction houses (Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers)
- Online marketplaces (eBay, Coin World Marketplace)
- Professional coin dealers and collectors
Final Thoughts
The idea that a Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $90 million could still be out there is both thrilling and mind-blowing. It proves that hidden treasures still exist in everyday life—if you know what to look for.
Even if you don’t find this exact penny, there are plenty of other rare coins that could be worth thousands or even millions.
So next time you get a penny in your hand, take a closer look. Who knows? You might be holding a fortune without even realizing it.
Disclaimer – The values mentioned in this article are based on market trends, collector interest, and historical auction prices. These values are not guaranteed and may change over time. Always consult a professional numismatist or coin grading service before making any financial decisions regarding rare coins.
