Imagine finding a coin in your pocket change worth millions of dollars. Sounds unbelievable, right? But it’s true! A rare version of the Lincoln Wheat Penny, originally worth just one cent, has been valued at over $80 million by collectors. What’s even more surprising is that this rare coin may still be in circulation, which means you could possibly find it in your own home, wallet, or old coin jar.
What Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, also known as the “Wheat Cent,” was first introduced in 1909. It was created to celebrate the 100th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln, making it the first U.S. coin to feature a real person. The coin was minted until 1958, and the reverse side has two wheat stalks, giving it the name “Wheat Penny.”
Most Wheat Pennies are worth just a few cents or maybe a couple of dollars to collectors. But one rare version of this coin is extremely valuable due to some unique features.
Why Is This Penny Worth $80 Million?
Not every Lincoln Wheat Penny is worth millions. The one that has shocked collectors and historians is special because of a combination of rare factors, such as:
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Minting Error: Some of these valuable coins were made with mistakes like being struck on the wrong metal planchet or with doubled images (called “double die” errors).
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Material Used: During World War II, the U.S. Mint used steel instead of copper for pennies to save copper for war needs. However, a few copper pennies were accidentally made in 1943, and these are now extremely rare.
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Low Mintage: Some years and mint locations only produced a very small number of these coins, making them rare today.
One of the most valuable versions is the 1943 Bronze (Copper) Lincoln Wheat Penny, which was mistakenly made with copper instead of steel. There are only a few known to exist, and their value has skyrocketed in recent years.
How to Identify the Rare $80 Million Penny
If you think you might have a valuable Wheat Penny, here are some signs to look for:
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Year: Check if it is from 1943 and made of copper, not steel. You can test this with a magnet—steel pennies will stick; copper ones won’t.
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Weight: Copper pennies weigh 3.11 grams, while steel pennies weigh less (about 2.7 grams).
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Look for Errors: Check for double images on the date or lettering, or other unusual features.
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Mint Mark: Some valuable coins have certain mint marks (like “D” for Denver or “S” for San Francisco).
If you suspect you have a rare coin, do not clean it, as that may reduce its value. Instead, take it to a professional coin dealer or grading service.
Still in Circulation – What Are the Chances?
Though rare, some of these pennies are still out there. People may have inherited them, found them in old collections, or simply overlooked them in change. There are reports of lucky individuals discovering valuable coins in garage sales, piggy banks, or old jars.
Because of their age and appearance, these pennies may not look shiny or new—but don’t let that fool you. A worn-down coin could still be worth a fortune.
Final Thoughts: Keep an Eye on Your Change
The story of the Lincoln Wheat Penny valued at $80 million is a reminder that sometimes, great treasures are hidden in the most ordinary places. Whether you’re a serious collector or just someone curious about coins, it’s worth checking your change.
Who knows? The next time you clean out your drawer or receive coins after a purchase, you might just be holding history—and a fortune—in your hand.
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.
