Imagine pulling out a penny from your wallet and finding out it’s worth $12.7 million. Sounds impossible, right? But this actually happened. The Lincoln Wheat Penny, a coin that looks very simple, has become a dream coin for many collectors. why this coin is so valuable, how to spot one, and where it might be hiding.
Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a one-cent coin made in the United States from 1909 to 1958. It shows President Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat stalks on the back. That’s why it’s called the Wheat Penny.
This coin was the first U.S. coin to show a real person. It was made in 1909 to celebrate Lincoln’s 100th birthday. Most of these coins are not rare. But a few special ones, like the 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny, are worth a lot of money.
1943 Bronze Wheat Penny So Rare
In 1943, the U.S. was fighting in World War II. The military needed copper to make war supplies. So, that year, the Mint used steel instead of copper to make pennies. But by mistake, a few bronze coins were made in 1943.
These bronze pennies are very rare. Only about 20 are known to exist. That’s why they are so valuable. One 1943-D Bronze Penny was sold for $1.7 million in 2010. Experts now believe it could sell for $12.7 million or even more.
Valuable
Only a few 1943 bronze pennies exist today. Some have mint marks from Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco. The one from Denver is the rarest. These coins were made during a big war, which adds to their value. Also, coins that look almost new are worth much more.
Real-Life Discovery Stories
In 1947, a young boy named Don Lutes Jr. found a 1943 bronze penny in his school lunch change. He kept it for many years without knowing how valuable it was. After he passed away in 2018, the coin was sold for $204,000. The money was donated to a local library.
Stories like this keep people excited. It makes you wonder if you could find one too.
How to Spot a $12.7 Million Wheat Penny
Think you might have a valuable penny? There are some simple ways to check. First, look at the year. You want to find a 1943 penny. Then check under the date for a mint mark. If there’s no letter, it’s from the Philadelphia Mint. If there’s a “D,” it’s from Denver. An “S” means San Francisco. The Denver version is the most valuable. Other valuable years include 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, and 1955 Doubled Die.
Next, try the magnet test. Most 1943 pennies were made from steel, so they stick to a magnet. But the rare bronze ones don’t. If your 1943 penny doesn’t stick, it could be a rare one.
Then, check the weight and color. Bronze pennies weigh about 3.11 grams and look copper-colored. Steel pennies weigh about 2.7 grams and look gray. Use a small scale to check. And don’t clean the coin. Cleaning can lower its value.
Look closely for minting mistakes too. Some coins have double prints or wrong designs. These errors can make a coin more valuable.
Finally, if you think you’ve found something special, get it checked. Contact a coin expert or grading service like PCGS or NGC. They can tell if it’s real and how much it’s worth.
Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
Here are some of the most valuable Wheat Pennies and what they are worth today.
| Year | Mint | Type | Value Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 | D | Bronze | Up to $12.7M | Only 1 known |
| 1943 | S | Bronze | $500K–$2M | Around 6 known |
| 1943 | — | Bronze | $100K–$1.7M | 10–15 known |
| 1944 | S | Steel | $75K–$500K | Around 30 known |
| 1909 | S VDB | Low Mintage | $700–$50K | 484,000 made |
| 1955 | — | Doubled Die | $1K–$25K | Visible double print |
Find a Rare Penny
You might think it’s too late to find one of these coins. But many are still out there. You might find one in your pocket change, especially in older towns. Old jars and piggy banks can also hide valuable coins. Check family coin albums that were passed down. Some collectors buy coin rolls from banks to search for rare ones. You can also visit flea markets or estate sales where coins are sold without knowing their value.
Collecting Wheat Pennies
Collecting these coins isn’t just about money. It’s about fun and learning. Every coin is a small piece of history. Some are from the Great Depression, others from World War II. People love the stories behind them.
One man in Massachusetts found a rare 1943 penny in his father’s old collection. He had it checked and sold it for $200,000. Stories like this make people want to keep looking.
Great for Beginners
It’s cheap to start. Most Wheat Pennies cost just a few cents. You can learn a lot about history and coins. And you can meet others who share the same interest. Many join online groups or local clubs.
Find a Rare Penny
Don’t clean it. Cleaning can scratch the surface and lower the price. Store it safely in a coin holder or a soft cover. Get it graded by experts like PCGS or NGC. They will check if it’s real and tell you its condition. Sell it wisely. Trusted dealers or big auction houses are better than random online sites. Look up recent auction prices so you know what it’s really worth.
Could You Be Holding a Fortune
The Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $12.7 million shows that amazing treasures can be hiding in plain sight. It could be in your change jar, wallet, or old coin collection.
Take a closer look the next time you get a penny. It might be just another coin—or it might change your life. So why wait? Start your own treasure hunt today. Your lucky penny might be closer than you think.
FAQs
How do I know if my 1943 penny is bronze
Use a magnet. If it doesn’t stick and looks copper, it might be bronze.
Are all Wheat Pennies valuable
No. Only rare years or error coins are worth a lot.
Where can I sell a rare penny
Sell to trusted coin dealers or big auction houses.
Is there really a $12.7 million penny
Yes, experts believe a rare 1943-D bronze penny could be worth that much.
Can I still find one today
Yes, but it’s very rare. Always check your change and old coin jars.
