Most of us don’t pay much attention to the pennies we carry around. They sit in our pockets, get tossed into coin jars, or disappear into couch cushions. But what if one of those pennies was worth $900,000? That’s the case with some rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies, and believe it or not, some of them might still be in circulation today.
What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first minted in 1909 and remained in production until 1958. It was the first U.S. coin to feature an actual person—Abraham Lincoln—replacing the Indian Head cent. The back of the coin features two wheat stalks, symbolizing prosperity, which is why it’s called a Wheat Penny.
Over the years, millions of these pennies were produced, but some rare versions have become incredibly valuable, especially those with minting errors or unusual metal compositions.
Why Is This Particular Penny Worth $900,000?
Most Lincoln Wheat Pennies are worth only a few cents, but a rare 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny has been sold at auction for $900,000 due to its historical significance and extreme rarity.
Here’s what makes this penny so special:
- World War II Metal Change – In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc-coated steel to save copper for wartime supplies. However, a few pennies were accidentally struck in bronze (copper), making them extremely rare.
- Minting Error – These bronze pennies were never meant to exist, but a few were mistakenly produced and released into circulation.
- Auction Record – One of these 1943 Bronze Lincoln Pennies was sold for $900,000, and experts believe a few more might still be out there.
How to Identify a Valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny
Think you might have a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny in your pocket? Here’s how to check:
- Check the Date & Mint Mark – The most valuable version is the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny. If you find a 1943 penny that looks copper-colored instead of steel, you could have something valuable.
- Try the Magnet Test – The common 1943 Steel Penny will stick to a magnet, but a rare Bronze Penny won’t. If your 1943 penny doesn’t stick, it could be worth checking further.
- Weigh the Coin – A regular 1943 Steel Penny weighs 2.7 grams, while a rare Bronze Penny weighs about 3.11 grams. If you have a small digital scale, this is another way to verify its authenticity.
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
Even if you don’t have a 1943 Bronze Penny, other rare Wheat Pennies are still worth big money. Here are a few:
- 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny – One of the first Lincoln pennies ever made, worth up to $100,000 due to its low production numbers.
- 1944 Steel Wheat Penny – Another wartime minting error, valued at over $100,000.
- 1955 Doubled Die Penny – A printing error caused the date and letters to appear doubled, making this penny worth anywhere from $1,000 to $50,000.
Could You Still Find One in Circulation?
It might sound unbelievable, but some 1943 Bronze Wheat Pennies are still missing, meaning they could be hiding in everyday transactions.
Here’s where valuable pennies have been found before:
- Old piggy banks and coin jars
- Garage sales and flea markets
- Inherited coin collections from grandparents
- Coin rolls from banks
While the chances of finding a $900,000 penny in your spare change are slim, it’s not impossible.
What to Do If You Find a Rare Penny
If you think you’ve discovered a valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny, here’s what you should do next:
- Don’t Spend It! – Keep it in a safe place and avoid cleaning it, as that could lower its value.
- Compare It Online – Look up photos and descriptions of rare pennies to see if yours matches.
- Test It – If it’s a 1943 Copper Penny, try the magnet test—if it doesn’t stick, it might be rare.
- Get It Verified – Take your penny to a professional coin dealer or send it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication.
- Consider Selling It – If it’s valuable, you can sell it through:
- Coin Auctions – Some collectors pay top dollar for rare coins.
- Reputable Coin Dealers – Some coin shops specialize in rare and collectible coins.
- Online Marketplaces – Websites like eBay or numismatic forums can connect you with buyers.
Final Thoughts
A penny worth $900,000 sounds like a once-in-a-lifetime discovery, but rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies do exist. While the chances of finding one are small, they’re not impossible—so next time you get a handful of change, take a closer look.
You never know—you might just be holding a fortune in your hands!
Disclaimer: The values mentioned in this article are based on past auction results and collector interest. Prices fluctuate, and official authentication is necessary before determining a coin’s actual worth. Always consult a professional numismatist before making any financial decisions.
