Most people don’t think much about pennies. They pile up in coin jars, get left in old drawers, or are quickly handed over as spare change. But what if one of those pennies was actually worth $175,000?
Believe it or not, there are rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies still floating around, and if you’re lucky, you might just find one in your everyday transactions. Let’s take a look at what makes this particular penny so valuable and how you can spot one if it’s in your hands.
What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first minted in 1909 to honor the 100th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln. It was a historic coin for a few reasons:
- It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person, replacing Lady Liberty.
- It was designed by Victor David Brenner, whose initials “VDB” appeared on some versions.
- It remained in production until 1958, when it was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial Penny.
Most Lincoln Wheat Pennies are only worth one cent, but a few rare versions have become highly valuable collector’s items.
What Makes This Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $175,000?
Not every Lincoln Wheat Penny is valuable, but some rare versions have skyrocketed in worth due to minting errors and limited availability.
During World War II, the U.S. Mint stopped making pennies from copper to save metal for the war effort. Instead, pennies in 1943 were made of zinc-coated steel.
However, a small number of 1943 pennies were mistakenly struck on leftover copper planchets from 1942. These error coins became one of the rarest and most valuable pennies in history.
- Estimated to be only 20 to 40 in existence, these pennies are nearly impossible to find.
- Collectors are willing to pay up to $175,000 or more for one in good condition.
This coin’s rarity and historical significance make it one of the most desirable collectibles in U.S. numismatic history.
How to Identify a 1943 Copper Wheat Penny
If you think you might have a $175,000 penny, here’s how to check:
1. Look at the Date and Color
- Most 1943 pennies were made of steel and appear silver or grayish in color.
- If your 1943 penny is copper-colored, it could be a rare version.
2. Try the Magnet Test
- A regular 1943 steel penny will stick to a magnet.
- A 1943 copper penny will NOT stick—if yours doesn’t, you may have found something special.
3. Weigh the Penny
- A steel penny weighs 2.7 grams.
- A copper penny weighs 3.11 grams.
- If your 1943 penny weighs 3.11 grams and doesn’t stick to a magnet, it could be an authentic copper version.
4. Watch for Fakes
- Some people have altered 1948 pennies to look like 1943 by shaving down the number “8” into a “3.”
- Always inspect the date closely and compare it to known examples of genuine 1943 copper pennies.
What to Do If You Find One?
If you believe you’ve discovered a rare 1943 Copper Wheat Penny, here’s what to do:
1. Do NOT Clean It
- Cleaning a rare coin can damage its surface and drastically reduce its value.
- Even if it looks dirty, leave it as it is.
2. Get It Professionally Authenticated
- Take it to a reputable coin dealer or numismatist for evaluation.
- Consider sending it to a professional grading service, such as:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
3. Sell It Through the Right Channels
- Rare coins fetch the best prices at auctions or through trusted dealers.
- Consider selling through:
- Heritage Auctions
- Stack’s Bowers
- Certified rare coin dealers
- Avoid selling to random buyers online, as scammers often try to take advantage of inexperienced sellers.
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
While the 1943 Copper Penny is the most famous, other rare Wheat Pennies can also be worth thousands:
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny – Up to $50,000
- One of the first Lincoln Wheat Pennies, minted in San Francisco.
- Features the initials “VDB” on the back.
- A limited number were produced, making it highly sought-after.
2. 1914-D Lincoln Penny – Worth $5,000 to $30,000
- Minted in Denver (“D” mint mark).
- Fewer than 1.2 million were made, making it rare.
3. 1922 No D Lincoln Penny – Worth Over $10,000
- A minting error caused some pennies to be struck without the “D” mint mark.
- Because of this mistake, they have become highly valuable collector’s items.
4. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny – Worth $1,500 to $10,000
- A printing error created a doubled image on the date and lettering.
- One of the most famous error coins in U.S. history.
Could These Rare Pennies Still Be in Circulation?
Yes, it’s possible—though rare. Over the years, some of these valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies have been accidentally spent or overlooked.
Some lucky people have discovered rare pennies in:
1. Loose change from stores
2. Coin jars and piggy banks
3. Rolls of pennies from banks
4. Garage sales, flea markets, and estate sales
People have unknowingly spent rare pennies worth thousands of dollars—only to find out later they had given away a fortune.
Final Thoughts
The 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most valuable error coins ever, with a price tag that can reach $175,000. While the chances of finding one are low, they aren’t impossible.
So, before you dismiss that old penny in your pocket, take a closer look—you might just be holding a life-changing treasure.
Disclaimer: The values mentioned for rare coins, including the Lincoln Wheat Penny, may fluctuate over time. Always consult a professional numismatist before making financial decisions related to rare coins.