Most people don’t give a second thought to the pennies in their pockets. They get tossed into wallets, left in drawers, or dropped into change jars without much attention. But what if one of those pennies was worth a staggering $222 million? That’s the rumor surrounding an extremely rare Lincoln Wheat Penny, and while such a valuation might be a stretch, there are Lincoln Wheat Pennies worth a fortune—some of which may still be out there waiting to be discovered.
What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first minted in 1909 to honor the 100th birthday of Abraham Lincoln. Designed by Victor David Brenner, it was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person instead of an abstract symbol. The front of the coin shows Lincoln’s portrait, while the back features two wheat stalks, representing prosperity.
These pennies were in production until 1958, when they were replaced by the Lincoln Memorial Penny. Over the years, certain rare versions have gained incredible value due to minting errors, unique metal compositions, or low production numbers.
Why Is This Penny Worth $222 Million?
A Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $222 million sounds almost too good to be true, and it probably is. However, some Wheat Pennies have sold for hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of dollars. The rumored $222 million penny would likely have to be:
- A one-of-a-kind minting error never seen before.
- A prototype or misprint coin that was never officially released.
- An ultra-rare version of the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny, one of the most valuable pennies ever produced.
The Famous 1943 Bronze Penny
In 1943, due to World War II copper shortages, the U.S. Mint switched to making pennies out of steel instead of copper. However, a small number of pennies were accidentally struck in bronze (copper) instead of steel, making them extremely rare.
- One of these 1943 Bronze Pennies sold for $1.7 million at auction.
- Only about 20 to 40 of them are believed to exist.
- The steel 1943 pennies are common, but a 1943 bronze penny is a collector’s dream.
If a super rare variation of this penny were to surface, it could be worth an unprecedented amount of money.
How to Tell If You Have a Valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny
If you want to check your coins for hidden treasure, here’s what to look for:
- Check the Year – The most valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies are from 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, and 1943 (bronze).
- Look for Mint Marks – If your penny has an “S” (San Francisco Mint) or “D” (Denver Mint) below the year, it may be more valuable.
- Do the Magnet Test – A steel 1943 penny sticks to a magnet, but a bronze one won’t. If you have a 1943 penny that doesn’t stick, it could be rare.
- Check the Condition – Coins in mint condition (shiny, no scratches, no damage) are worth more than worn-out ones.
Could This Penny Really Still Be in Circulation?
It sounds unbelievable, but rare coins do occasionally slip back into circulation. People who don’t realize their value sometimes spend them like regular pennies, meaning there’s still a slim chance you could find one in your spare change.
Places where rare pennies have been found include:
- Old piggy banks and coin jars
- Garage sales and flea markets
- Inherited coin collections
- Bank coin rolls
What to Do If You Find a Rare Penny
If you think you’ve stumbled upon a valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny, here’s what to do next:
- Don’t Spend It – Set it aside and keep it safe.
- Check Online Resources – Compare it to images of known rare pennies.
- Test It – If it’s a 1943 penny that looks copper-colored, try the magnet test. If it doesn’t stick, it could be worth serious money.
- Get It Verified – Take it to a professional coin appraiser or grading service (PCGS or NGC) to confirm its authenticity.
- Consider Selling It – If it’s the real deal, you can:
- Sell it through an auction house that specializes in rare coins.
- Find a reputable coin dealer who buys rare coins.
- List it on coin collector forums or marketplaces.
Final Thoughts
The idea of a $222 million penny is likely an exaggeration, but the truth is that some Lincoln Wheat Pennies are worth an incredible amount of money. While finding one is rare, it’s not impossible—especially since many valuable coins are still out there in circulation.
So, next time you come across an old penny, take a closer look. It might just be worth a fortune.
Disclaimer: The values mentioned in this article are based on past auction results and market trends. Always consult a professional numismatist for authentication and valuation before making any financial decisions.