We often overlook pennies, dismissing them as practically worthless. But what if one of those coins was actually a rare treasure worth millions? That’s the reality for some Lincoln Wheat Pennies—especially a legendary 1943 copper version that sold for a staggering $6.9 million.
Could one of these rare coins be hiding in your spare change? Let’s explore the fascinating history of the Lincoln Wheat Penny, the story behind the ultra-valuable 1943 error, and how you can check if you’ve got a fortune in your pocket.
The History of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
Introduced in 1909, the Lincoln Wheat Penny was a groundbreaking coin—it was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person’s portrait (Abraham Lincoln) instead of a symbolic figure like Lady Liberty. Designed by Victor David Brenner, the penny’s obverse (front) shows Lincoln’s profile, while the reverse (back) displays two wheat stalks, giving it the nickname “Wheat Penny.”
These pennies were minted from 1909 to 1958, making them a common sight in everyday transactions. But today, some are worth thousands—or even millions—of dollars due to rare errors and low mintage years.
The $6.9 Million 1943 Copper Penny: A Rare Mistake
During World War II, copper was in high demand for ammunition and military supplies. To conserve resources, the U.S. Mint switched to zinc-coated steel pennies in 1943, making them silver-colored instead of the usual copper brown.
However, a handful of 1943 pennies were accidentally struck on leftover copper blanks—a major minting error. Only about 10 to 20 of these copper 1943 pennies are known to exist today, making them one of the most valuable coins in the world.
The Teen Who Found a Fortune
One of the most famous 1943 copper pennies was discovered by a teenager in the 1940s who noticed it looked different from the steel versions. He held onto it, and decades later, it sold for millions at auction.
How to Spot a Valuable Wheat Penny
Could you have a rare Wheat Penny in your collection? Here’s what to look for:
1. The 1943 Copper Penny (Worth Millions)
- Appearance: Looks like a normal copper penny (not silver).
- Magnet Test: A real 1943 steel penny will stick to a magnet; a copper one won’t.
- Weight: A copper penny weighs 3.11 grams, while a steel one weighs 2.7 grams.
2. Other Rare & Valuable Wheat Pennies
Year Mint Mark Estimated Value (Uncirculated) 1909-S VDB S $1,000+ 1914-D D $200+ 1922 No D None $500+ 1931-S S $100+ 1955 Double Die None $1,000+
3. Error Coins to Watch For
- Double Die Obverse (DDO): Misprinted lettering.
- Off-Center Strikes: Misaligned designs.
- Repunched Mint Marks (RPM): Extra mint mark impressions.
Where to Search for Valuable Pennies
- Old coin jars or piggy banks
- Estate sales & flea markets
- Bank rolls (ask for old penny rolls)
- Inherited collections
Tips for New Coin Collectors
- Never clean coins—it lowers their value.
- Use a magnifying glass to check for errors.
- Join coin forums (like Reddit’s r/coins) for advice.
- Get rare coins graded by PCGS or NGC.
- Check every Wheat Penny—you never know!
FAQs About Lincoln Wheat Pennies
1. How much is a normal 1943 steel penny worth?
Most are worth 10 to 50 cents, but uncirculated ones can fetch $1-$5.
2. Are all 1909-S VDB pennies valuable?
Yes! Even worn ones are worth $500+, while mint-condition coins can sell for thousands.
3. What’s the rarest Wheat Penny?
The 1943 copper penny is the most famous, but the 1909-S VDB and 1922 No D are also extremely rare.
4. Can I find rare pennies in circulation today?
It’s unlikely but possible—people still occasionally find valuable coins in old change.
5. Where can I sell a rare Wheat Penny?
Reputable dealers, auction houses (like Heritage Auctions), or online marketplaces (eBay, Coin forums).
Final Thought: Is Your Spare Change Hiding a Fortune?
Most Wheat Pennies are worth only a few cents, but a lucky few are worth life-changing money. The next time you see an old penny, take a closer look—you might just be holding a $6.9 million treasure!
Have you ever found a rare coin? Share your story in the comments!