Most of us don’t think twice about pennies. They sit in our wallets, get tossed into coin jars, or end up lost in couch cushions. But what if one of those tiny coins could be worth $6.6 million? Sounds crazy, right? Believe it or not, there’s a super rare Lincoln Wheat Penny that sold for an eye-watering $6.6 million at auction. Even more shocking? A few of these rare pennies might still be in circulation today!
What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first introduced in 1909 to honor the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real historical figure. Designed by Victor David Brenner, this penny has Lincoln’s portrait on the front and two wheat stalks on the back, symbolizing prosperity.
While most Wheat Pennies are only worth a few cents, a handful of rare variations have become incredibly valuable over the years. And one of them—the legendary 1943 Copper Penny—has turned into a multi-million-dollar collector’s dream.
Why Is This Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $6.6 Million?
Most Lincoln Wheat Pennies aren’t worth much, but the 1943 Copper Penny is a different story. Here’s what makes it so special:
- Wartime Metal Change – In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel for pennies to conserve copper for World War II. However, a few copper pennies were accidentally minted that year.
- Minting Mistake – A small batch of copper blanks was left in the minting machines by accident, creating a handful of genuine 1943 Copper Pennies.
- Extremely Rare – It’s estimated that only about 15 to 20 of these pennies exist today, making them one of the rarest coins in U.S. history.
- Record-Breaking Sale – One of these 1943 Copper Pennies was auctioned for $6.6 million, making it one of the most valuable pennies ever sold.
Could This Rare Penny Still Be in Circulation?
Believe it or not, yes. Since the 1943 Copper Penny looks like any regular penny, it’s possible that some people have unknowingly spent them over the years. That means a few of these multi-million-dollar pennies might still be out there—hiding in everyday transactions, waiting to be discovered.
If you check your spare change, old piggy banks, or inherited coin collections, you could be holding a small fortune without even knowing it.
How to Check If You Have a $6.6 Million Penny
Think you might have a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny? Here’s how to check:
- Look at the Year – The most valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny is from 1943.
- Try the Magnet Test – A regular 1943 Steel Penny is magnetic and will stick to a magnet. A rare 1943 Copper Penny won’t.
- Check the Color – A genuine 1943 Copper Penny has a reddish-orange hue, unlike the grayish color of steel pennies.
- Weigh It – A 1943 Steel Penny weighs 2.7 grams, while a rare Copper Penny weighs 3.11 grams. If your 1943 penny is copper-colored and weighs 3.11 grams, you might be in luck!
- Get It Verified – If you think you’ve found a rare penny, take it to a coin expert or grading service (like PCGS or NGC) to authenticate it.
Where Could You Find One?
If you’re wondering where these rare pennies could be hiding, here are some places to look:
- Old piggy banks and coin jars – Many people save pennies without checking their value.
- Garage sales and flea markets – Sometimes, rare coins end up being sold for pennies (literally!).
- Inherited coin collections – If a relative collected coins, their collection could contain hidden treasures.
- Bank coin rolls – Some collectors hunt for valuable pennies by exchanging cash for coin rolls at banks and searching through them.
What to Do If You Find a Rare Penny
If you think you’ve discovered a valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny, don’t rush to spend it! Here’s what to do next:
- Keep It Safe – Store the coin in a protective holder to prevent damage.
- Compare It Online – Look up photos of authentic 1943 Copper Pennies and compare them to yours.
- Test It – Use the magnet test to see if it’s steel or copper.
- Get It Professionally Graded – Take it to a certified coin dealer or send it to PCGS or NGC for official verification.
- Consider Selling It – If it’s genuine, you can sell it through:
- Coin Auctions – Professional auction houses can fetch the highest price.
- Reputable Coin Dealers – Some dealers specialize in rare coins.
- Online Marketplaces – Websites like eBay or coin forums connect sellers with collectors.
Final Thoughts
A penny worth $6.6 million sounds almost too good to be true, but the reality is that some of these rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies still exist. While finding one is extremely rare, it’s not impossible—so next time you come across an old penny, take a closer look.
Who knows? You might be holding a fortune in your hands.
Disclaimer: The values mentioned in this article are based on past auction results and collector interest. Actual values may vary. Always consult a professional numismatist before making any financial decisions.
