Most people don’t think twice about pennies, but what if one was worth $121 million? That’s the case with a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny, making it one of the most valuable coins ever discovered. Even more surprising, some of these rare pennies are still in circulation, meaning there’s a tiny chance you could come across one in your loose change.
History of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was introduced in 1909 to celebrate 100 years since Abraham Lincoln’s birth. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real historical figure, a major shift from previous coin designs.
Designed by Victor David Brenner, the coin features Lincoln’s portrait on the front and two wheat stalks on the back, symbolizing strength and prosperity. The design remained in use until 1958, when it was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial Penny.
While most Lincoln Wheat Pennies are common, a few rare ones have become legendary due to minting mistakes.
Why Is This Penny Worth $121 Million?
Not every Lincoln Wheat Penny is valuable, but some rare versions are worth a fortune. The $121 million valuation comes from a one-of-a-kind 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny that was accidentally struck in copper instead of steel.
Here’s why it’s so rare:
- World War II Metal Switch – In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel to conserve copper for war supplies. However, a few copper pennies were mistakenly produced.
- Extremely Limited Number – Only a handful of 1943 copper pennies exist, making them one of the rarest coins in U.S. history.
- High Demand from Collectors – Because of its rarity, this penny has reached record-breaking prices at auctions.
If you ever find a 1943 penny, it’s worth checking if it’s the valuable copper version.
Can You Still Find One in Circulation?
It might sound unbelievable, but some rare coins are still in circulation. Many people don’t realize the value of old pennies and spend them like regular coins.
If you want to check your pennies, here’s what to look for:
- Date: A 1943 penny is what you need.
- Metal Test: Use a magnet. Steel pennies stick to a magnet, but a rare copper version won’t.
- Condition: While worn-out pennies still hold value, a well-preserved one can be worth even more.
Though the odds are low, finding one would be like winning the lottery.
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
Even if you don’t find the 1943 copper penny, there are other valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies worth checking for:
- 1909-S VDB Penny – One of the earliest Lincoln pennies, with a limited production run.
- 1944 Steel Penny – Another minting error where steel was mistakenly used instead of copper.
- 1955 Double Die Penny – A famous misprint where letters and numbers appear doubled.
Some of these pennies sell for thousands of dollars, so checking your spare change might be worth it.
What to Do If You Find One
If you think you’ve found a valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny, here’s what to do next:
- Do Not Clean the Coin – Cleaning can lower its value.
- Get It Authenticated – Take it to a professional coin dealer or a grading service like PCGS or NGC.
- Sell It Through Reputable Sources – If it’s real, you can auction it through trusted rare coin dealers or auction houses.
Final Thoughts
The idea of a $121 million penny might sound unbelievable, but it’s proof that rare coins can still be found in everyday places. While the chances of finding one are incredibly small, it’s always worth checking your old pennies. Who knows? You might be holding a hidden fortune without even realizing it.
Disclaimer: Coin values change over time due to rarity, condition, and market demand. Always verify information with professional numismatists before making any buying or selling decisions.
