Most people don’t think twice about a penny. It’s the smallest coin in U.S. currency and often gets left behind in jars or drawers. But what if we told you that a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny could be worth up to $2 million? Even more exciting, this valuable coin might still be in circulation — meaning it could be sitting in your pocket right now.
What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a historic one-cent coin that was first introduced in 1909. It features the face of President Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat stalks on the back, which is why it’s called the “Wheat Penny.” These coins were produced until 1958, after which the design was changed to the Lincoln Memorial.
While millions of Wheat Pennies were made, certain versions are extremely rare and highly valuable today.
Why Is One Lincoln Penny Worth $2 Million?
One specific version of the Lincoln Wheat Penny from 1943 has gained huge attention from collectors. In that year, due to World War II, the U.S. Mint stopped using copper to make pennies and switched to zinc-coated steel. This was to save copper for making war supplies like bullets and wires.
However, by accident, a few pennies in 1943 were still made from copper or bronze. These error coins are very rare — only a small number were ever made — and they are now worth a fortune.
One of these rare 1943 bronze Lincoln pennies was sold for as much as $2 million in a private auction. Its value comes from its rarity, historical importance, and collector demand.
How to Spot the $2 Million Lincoln Penny
If you’re curious to know whether you might have one of these rare coins, here’s what to look for:
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Year: Check the date on the coin. It should say 1943.
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Material: Most 1943 pennies are steel and will stick to a magnet. But the rare bronze version will not stick.
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Color: A steel penny looks silver or gray, while a bronze penny has a reddish-brown or copper color.
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Weight: A steel penny weighs about 2.7 grams, while a bronze penny weighs around 3.11 grams.
If you find a 1943 penny that doesn’t stick to a magnet and looks copper in color, it’s worth taking to a coin expert or appraiser for a proper check.
Other Valuable Wheat Pennies to Look For
Apart from the 1943 bronze penny, there are other Wheat Pennies that could be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars:
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1909-S VDB: One of the first Lincoln pennies ever made, and very rare.
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1914-D: A key date coin that’s hard to find.
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1955 Double Die: This penny shows a double image on the front and is highly collectible.
These coins are still sometimes found in old piggy banks, coin jars, or at flea markets.
Why Is This Coin Still in Circulation?
You might wonder how such a valuable penny is still out there. The truth is, many people don’t realize what they’re holding. They may see an old penny and spend it without a second thought. That’s why some rare coins like the 1943 bronze Wheat Penny are still being discovered in everyday change.
Conclusion: Check Your Pennies – One Might Be Worth $2 Million
A penny may seem small and unimportant, but in rare cases, it can be worth millions. The 1943 bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny is one such coin, with a value of up to $2 million. If you have a collection of old coins or just some loose change at home, it’s worth taking a closer look. That one little penny could be the key to a life-changing discovery.
Disclaimer: The prices mentioned for rare coins, including the Lincoln Wheat Penny, are not guaranteed and may not be entirely accurate due to market fluctuations and varying appraisals.