If you’ve ever tossed a penny aside, thinking it’s just spare change, you might want to take a closer look. Some of those old Lincoln Wheat Pennies are worth a small fortune—one even sold for a jaw-dropping $600,000! And the craziest part? Some of these valuable pennies are still floating around in circulation. That means you could find one just by checking your pocket change! Let’s dive into what makes this penny so special and how you can spot one.
A Quick History of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny made its debut in 1909 to celebrate the 100th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln. Designed by Victor D. Brenner, it was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person’s image. The reverse side had two wheat stalks, giving it the nickname “Wheat Penny.” This design stuck around until 1958, when the Lincoln Memorial design took over in 1959.
What Makes a Lincoln Penny Worth $600K?
Not all Lincoln Wheat Pennies are rare, but a few stand out—and those can be worth big bucks. The holy grail of them all? The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny.
Here’s the backstory: During World War II, the U.S. Mint needed copper for military supplies, so they switched to using zinc-coated steel for pennies in 1943. But a handful of pennies were mistakenly struck in bronze (copper). These ultra-rare coins are now worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. One of them even sold for $600,000 at auction!
How to Spot a 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny
Think you might have one? Here’s how to check:
- Look at the Year: The penny should say “1943.”
- Check the Color: A genuine 1943 bronze penny will have a copper color, while common steel pennies look silver.
- Try the Magnet Test: A steel penny will stick to a magnet, but a bronze one won’t. If yours doesn’t stick, you might have a winner.
- Weigh It: A steel penny weighs about 2.7 grams, while a bronze one is around 3.11 grams. If it’s heavier, you might be sitting on a treasure.
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
The 1943 Bronze Penny isn’t the only rare one. Here are a few other Lincoln Wheat Pennies that could be worth a fortune:
- 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny – This one features the initials of designer Victor D. Brenner. Some versions sell for over $100,000.
- 1944 Steel Lincoln Penny – Another rare error coin, with some selling for over $100,000.
- 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny – A cool printing error where the text appears doubled. These are worth thousands.
Can You Still Find One in Circulation?
Believe it or not, some of these rare pennies are still out there. People often overlook old pennies and spend them without checking. If you take the time to look through your spare change or grab some coin rolls from the bank, you might just strike gold—or at least copper!
Final Thoughts
The Lincoln Wheat Penny isn’t just a piece of history—it could be your ticket to a big payday. With some selling for as much as $600,000, it’s worth keeping an eye out for these rare finds. So next time you get a handful of pennies, take a second to check them. Who knows? You might just be holding a small fortune!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, always confirm details with official sources.
