Ever tossed a penny into a jar or ignored one in your pocket? Think again. A rare Lincoln Wheat Penny has shocked collectors with an estimated value of $6.7 million and amazingly, it might still be in everyday use.
This news has sparked a coin-hunting craze, with hobbyists and collectors searching for this piece of American history. Here’s all you need to know about the super-valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny.
What Makes the Lincoln Wheat Penny So Special?
Minted from 1909 to 1958, the Lincoln Wheat Penny has two wheat stalks on the back instead of the Lincoln Memorial seen on newer pennies. While many Wheat Pennies are kept for nostalgia or small value, one rare type is believed to be worth millions.
The super-rare penny is likely a 1943 copper-alloy Wheat Penny or another coin with a minting mistake from a time when U.S. coins were changing. During World War II, copper was short, so most 1943 pennies were made of steel. But a few copper ones were accidentally made, and these are now some of the rarest coins ever.
Details of the $6.7 Million Wheat Penny
Here’s what experts say about this ultra-valuable penny:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 1943 |
| Material | Copper (instead of steel) |
| Mint Mark | None or “D” (Denver) |
| Estimated Value | $6.7 Million |
| Known Examples | Fewer than 20 worldwide |
| Weight | About 3.11 grams (copper) |
These copper 1943 pennies were likely made by mistake during production switches, as they were never meant to be released.
Still in Circulation? Maybe
While most of these rare coins are with collectors or auction houses, experts think one or two might still be out there, unnoticed. They could be hiding in:
- Old piggy banks or coin jars
- Estate sales or inherited coin sets
- Change from shops
- Flea markets or garage sales
This chance has got amateur coin hunters and curious folks excited.
How to Check If You Have One
To see if your Lincoln Wheat Penny could be worth millions, check for:
- The date “1943”
- A reddish-brown copper color, not steel grey
- A mint mark under the date (blank, “D” for Denver, or “S” for San Francisco)
- Use a magnet steel pennies stick, copper ones don’t
- Weigh it; copper pennies are heavier (about 3.11g)
If you think you’ve got a rare penny, get it checked by a professional coin expert or a trusted coin grading service.
Final Thoughts: Your Change Could Be a Fortune
The thought that a one-cent coin could be worth millions is thrilling and hard to believe. The $6.7 million Lincoln Wheat Penny shows that treasures don’t always shine they might just jingle in your pocket.