Most people don’t pay much attention to pennies, but what if one of those little coins was worth $870,000? That’s exactly the case with a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny, and believe it or not, some of these valuable pennies are still in circulation today.
So, what makes this penny so special, and how can you tell if you have one? Let’s break it down.
What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first minted in 1909 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. It features: ✔ Front (Obverse): Lincoln’s profile with the words “IN GOD WE TRUST”, “LIBERTY”, and the minting year.
✔ Back (Reverse): Two wheat stalks framing “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”.
💰 Produced until 1958, these pennies were later replaced by the Lincoln Memorial Penny, which is more familiar today.
While millions of these pennies were made, a few rare versions have become extremely valuable, especially the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny.
Why is This Penny Worth $870,000?
Not every Lincoln Wheat Penny is valuable, but certain rare editions have sold for record-breaking prices at auctions.
The most valuable one is the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny.
Here’s why this penny is worth $870,000:
1️⃣ World War II Metal Change:
- In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel to conserve copper for war supplies.
2️⃣ A Rare Minting Mistake:
- A small number of pennies were accidentally struck in bronze (copper) instead of steel.
- These rare error coins became some of the most sought-after pennies in history.
3️⃣ Record-Breaking Sale:
- In 2019, one of these rare 1943 Bronze Pennies sold for $870,000 at auction, making it one of the most expensive pennies ever sold.
📌 Only a handful of these pennies exist, and their rarity makes them extremely valuable to collectors.
How to Identify a Rare Lincoln Wheat Penny
Think you might have one of these valuable pennies? Here’s how to check:
✔ Look at the Year:
- The rarest 1943 pennies are bronze (copper) instead of steel.
✔ Try the Magnet Test:
- A steel penny will stick to a magnet, but a bronze one will NOT.
- If your 1943 penny doesn’t stick, you might have a rare treasure!
✔ Look for Mint Marks:
- Coins with an “S” (San Francisco Mint) or “D” (Denver Mint) can be even more valuable.
✔ Check for Errors:
- Some Wheat Pennies have printing errors, like double-die prints or missing details, making them worth even more.
Could These Pennies Still Be in Circulation?
💰 Yes!
While most rare pennies have been collected, some are still out there, hiding in:
✔ Pocket change
✔ Old piggy banks
✔ Forgotten coin jars
✔ Estate sales and flea markets
Many people don’t realize their true value and spend them unknowingly.
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
The 1943 Bronze Penny isn’t the only valuable Wheat Penny. Here are a few others worth big money:
| Year & Type | Why It’s Valuable | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny | Only 484,000 were minted, making it one of the rarest. | Up to $100,000 |
| 1914-D Lincoln Penny | A rare edition from the Denver Mint. | $30,000+ |
| 1922 No “D” Penny | Mint mark was accidentally left out. | Thousands of dollars |
What to Do If You Find a Rare Lincoln Wheat Penny
Think you’ve stumbled upon a valuable penny? Here’s what to do next:
✔ 1. Verify Authenticity:
- Compare it to online coin guides or take it to a professional coin dealer.
✔ 2. Get It Appraised:
- Professional grading services like:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
- These services authenticate and grade your coin’s true value.
✔ 3. Consider Selling It:
- If it’s genuinely rare, you could sell it through:
- 🏆 Coin Auctions – Serious collectors pay top dollar.
- 💰 Reputable Coin Dealers – Can evaluate and purchase your coin.
- 🌐 Online Marketplaces – Websites like eBay & numismatic forums connect collectors worldwide.
📌 Tip: Never clean your rare coins, as it can significantly reduce their value.
Final Thoughts
The Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $870,000 is one of the most exciting discoveries in coin collecting history.
💰 While it’s rare, there’s still a chance one could be hiding in your pocket change!