What if the penny you ignored on the ground was actually worth $10 million? Sounds impossible, right? But in the world of coin collectors, one very rare Lincoln Wheat Penny has been valued at that jaw-dropping amount. And the most surprising part—it might still be out there, hiding in someone’s pocket, jar, or old drawer.

What Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?

The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first made in 1909. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person—President Abraham Lincoln. This special coin was created to celebrate Lincoln’s 100th birthday. The front (called the “obverse”) has Lincoln’s portrait, and the back (the “reverse”) shows two wheat ears, which gave the coin its name. The wheat design was used until 1958, after which it was replaced with the Lincoln Memorial.

The Story Behind the $10 Million Penny

Not every Lincoln Wheat Penny is valuable. In fact, most of them are only worth a few cents. But there is one rare version, known as the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny, that’s so rare and special, experts believe it could now be worth up to $10 million.

Why is it so rare? In 1943, during World War II, the U.S. government needed copper for making bullets and military supplies. So, the U.S. Mint started making pennies out of steel instead of the usual copper. These steel pennies have a silver-like color and are very common.

However, by mistake, a few copper (bronze) blanks were left in the minting machines from 1942. These blanks were struck into pennies and released into circulation. Only about 10 to 15 of these 1943 bronze pennies are known to exist. One of them could still be hiding in the everyday change people use.

Why It’s Worth $10 Million

Several reasons make this coin so incredibly valuable:

• Rare Error: The bronze 1943 penny was never meant to be made. It was an accident, which makes it extremely rare.
• Historical Significance: It’s tied to World War II, a major global event, and honors Abraham Lincoln.
• Collector Demand: Rich coin collectors around the world are always looking for the rarest coins to add to their collections.
• Condition: If the coin is found in mint or near-mint condition, it could fetch the highest possible price.

In recent years, one of these coins was sold for nearly $2 million. Experts now believe that with rising demand and limited supply, another well-preserved version could be worth as much as $10 million in a private sale or auction.

How to Spot the Rare 1943 Bronze Penny

If you find a 1943 penny, check its color first. If it looks silver or gray, it’s the common steel version. But if it looks like a regular copper penny, it could be the rare one.

Here’s a quick test:

Use a magnet. A steel penny will stick to the magnet. A genuine 1943 bronze penny will not stick. However, many fakes also don’t stick, so it’s best to get it checked by a professional coin grading service.

Still in Circulation: Is That True?

Yes, it’s very possible. Some of these coins slipped into circulation without anyone noticing. Over the years, they’ve shown up in pocket change, at garage sales, or in old coin collections. That means you could have a $10 million penny without even realizing it!

What to Do If You Think You Found One

• Don’t clean or damage the coin.
• Keep it safe.
• Show it to a trusted coin expert or grading service.
• Never sell it without knowing its true value.

Conclusion: Look Before You Spend

The story of the $10 million Lincoln Wheat Penny is a great reminder to pay attention to the small things. That old-looking penny in your drawer might just be a once-in-a-lifetime treasure. So next time you get a handful of change, take a closer look—your fortune could be hiding in plain sight.

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.