Most of us don’t give pennies much thought. They sit in coin jars, get lost under couch cushions, or are tossed into tip trays without a second glance. But what if one of those pennies was worth a staggering $168,000?
Believe it or not, a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny from 1943 could still be out there in circulation. Imagine checking your change and discovering a small fortune! Let’s take a closer look at what makes this coin so valuable, how to identify it, and what to do if you find one.
What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first introduced in 1909 to celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person, replacing the traditional Lady Liberty designs.
How to Recognize a Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Front (Obverse): Features Lincoln’s portrait, along with “In God We Trust,” “Liberty,” and the minting year.
- Back (Reverse): Displays two wheat stalks, which is why it’s called the “Wheat Penny.”
This design was used until 1958, when it was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial Penny.
While most Lincoln Wheat Pennies are worth only a few cents, certain rare editions have become highly valuable collectibles.
Why Is This Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $168,000?
The 1943-S Bronze Wheat Penny is one of the rarest coins in U.S. history, and collectors are willing to pay huge amounts of money for one.
Here’s Why It’s So Special:
1. A Minting Mistake That Became a Treasure
- In 1943, the U.S. Mint stopped using copper for pennies and switched to zinc-coated steel to conserve metal for World War II supplies.
- However, a small number of pennies were accidentally struck on leftover bronze (copper) planchets from 1942.
- This rare printing error turned these coins into one of the most valuable pennies ever discovered.
2. Limited Availability
- It’s estimated that only a handful of these 1943-S Bronze Pennies exist today.
- Most 1943 pennies were made of steel, so if you find a 1943 penny that looks copper, it could be incredibly rare.
3. Auction Prices Are Skyrocketing
- A 1943-S Bronze Penny was recently valued at $168,000, making it one of the most valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies.
- Prices for these rare coins continue to rise as collectors search for them.
How to Check If You Have the $168,000 Penny
If you’re curious whether you have one of these rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies, here’s how to find out:
1. Check the Date and Mint Mark
- The 1943 Wheat Penny is the one to look for.
- The rare bronze version has an “S” mint mark (San Francisco Mint) below the date.
2. Try the Magnet Test
- Steel 1943 pennies are magnetic and will stick to a magnet.
- A rare 1943 bronze penny will NOT stick—if yours doesn’t, you might have a hidden treasure!
3. Look at the Color
- Most 1943 pennies were made of steel, so they appear silver or gray.
- A rare 1943-S bronze penny has a reddish-brown (copper) color.
4. Weigh the Penny
- A steel 1943 penny weighs 2.7 grams.
- A bronze 1943 penny weighs 3.11 grams.
- If your 1943 penny is copper-colored and weighs 3.11 grams, you could be holding a rare and valuable coin.
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
While the 1943-S Bronze Penny is one of the most sought-after, other Lincoln Wheat Pennies are also worth thousands:
- 1909-S VDB Wheat Penny – Worth up to $50,000 (rare first-year edition).
- 1944 Steel Penny – Valued at over $100,000 due to a minting error.
- 1955 Double Die Wheat Penny – Sells for $1,500 to $50,000 because of a misprinted date and lettering.
Could You Still Find a Rare Lincoln Wheat Penny in Circulation?
Yes! Even though these coins are rare, some have been found in everyday transactions.
Many people spend these pennies without realizing their value, meaning they could still be out there waiting to be discovered.
Where Might You Find One?
1. Old piggy banks and coin jars
2. Loose change from stores
3. Rolls of pennies from banks
4. Garage sales, flea markets, and estate sales
If you happen to come across an old penny, always check the year—you never know what you might find!
What to Do If You Find a Rare Penny?
If you think you’ve found a 1943-S Bronze Wheat Penny, follow these steps:
1. Do NOT Clean It!
- Cleaning the coin can ruin its surface and lower its value significantly.
- Even if it looks dirty, leave it as it is.
2. Get It Authenticated
- Take it to a professional coin grading service, such as:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
- These experts will verify if the coin is real and determine its condition.
3. Sell It the Right Way
Rare coins often sell for the highest prices at major auctions. Consider selling through:
- Heritage Auctions
- Stack’s Bowers
- Certified rare coin dealers
Avoid selling to unknown buyers online—always work with a trusted expert to ensure you get the best price.
Final Thoughts
The Lincoln Wheat Penny valued at $168,000 is a rare and exciting piece of U.S. history.
While finding one is extremely rare, it is possible. So next time you come across an old penny, take a closer look—you might just be holding a small fortune in your hand.
Disclaimer: The values mentioned for rare coins, including the Lincoln Wheat Penny, may fluctuate over time. Always consult a professional numismatist before making financial decisions related to rare coins.
