Most of us don’t think twice about pennies. They get tossed into wallets, dropped in piggy banks, or lost under couch cushions. But what if one of those pennies was actually worth $2.2 million? Believe it or not, some rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies are out there, and one might still be in circulation today!
What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first introduced in 1909 to honor Abraham Lincoln, making it the first U.S. coin to feature a real person instead of the usual Lady Liberty. Designed by Victor D. Brenner, the coin’s design included:
- Front (Obverse): Abraham Lincoln’s profile.
- Back (Reverse): Two wheat stalks, symbolizing prosperity.
This design was used until 1958, after which it was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial Penny. While most Wheat Pennies are common, certain rare versions have become extremely valuable due to minting errors, historical significance, and limited numbers.
Why Is This Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $2.2 Million?
Not every Lincoln Wheat Penny is valuable, but a few rare versions have sold for millions. The $2.2 million penny is one of the rarest because:
- Minting Error – In 1943, pennies were supposed to be made of steel, but a few were accidentally struck on leftover copper planchets from 1942.
- World War II Metal Change – Due to wartime copper shortages, the U.S. Mint switched to steel pennies in 1943. However, a handful of copper pennies slipped through, making them incredibly rare.
- Auction Record – One of these 1943 Copper Pennies was sold for $2.2 million, making it one of the most expensive pennies in the world.
How to Identify a Rare 1943 Copper Penny
Think you might have a valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny? Here’s how to check:
- Check the Year – The most valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny is from 1943.
- Try the Magnet Test – A 1943 Steel Penny will stick to a magnet, but a rare 1943 Copper Penny won’t.
- Check the Color – A 1943 Copper Penny has a reddish-brown hue, while a common steel version is silver-gray.
- Look for Mint Marks – These rare pennies were produced in Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S).
If your 1943 penny doesn’t stick to a magnet and has a copper color, you might be holding a $2.2 million treasure!
Could This Rare Penny Still Be in Circulation?
Surprisingly, yes! Some rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies are still out there, waiting to be discovered. Many people don’t recognize their worth and unknowingly spend them like regular pennies.
Here’s where valuable pennies have been found before:
- Old piggy banks and coin jars
- Garage sales and flea markets
- Coin rolls from banks
- Inherited coin collections
While finding a $2.2 million penny is rare, it isn’t impossible.
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
Even if you don’t find the $2.2 million penny, some other rare Wheat Pennies are worth thousands of dollars:
- 1909-S VDB Penny – One of the first Lincoln pennies ever made, worth up to $100,000.
- 1914-D Penny – A low-mintage penny, valued at $5,000+.
- 1955 Doubled Die Penny – A famous printing error makes the letters and numbers appear doubled, making this penny worth $1,000 or more.
What to Do If You Find a Rare Penny
If you think you’ve discovered a valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny, here’s what to do:
- Keep It Safe – Store it in a protective case to prevent damage.
- Compare It Online – Look up authentic rare pennies and compare them to yours.
- Test It – If it’s a 1943 Copper Penny, do the magnet test—if it doesn’t stick, it might be valuable.
- Get It Verified – Take it to a coin expert or grading service (PCGS or NGC) to confirm its authenticity.
- Consider Selling It – If it’s genuine, you can sell it through:
- Coin Auctions – Collectors pay top dollar for rare coins.
- Reputable Coin Dealers – Some dealers specialize in buying valuable pennies.
- Online Marketplaces – Websites like eBay or numismatic forums connect collectors and sellers.
Final Thoughts
A penny worth $2.2 million might sound too good to be true, but rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies do exist. While finding one isn’t easy, it’s not impossible—so next time you get a handful of pennies, take a closer look.
Who knows? You might just be holding a hidden treasure!
Disclaimer: The values mentioned in this article are based on past auction results and collector demand. Actual values may vary due to market fluctuations. Always consult a professional numismatist for authentication before making financial decisions.
