Have you ever looked at a penny and thought it could be worth millions? Sounds crazy, right? But there’s a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny that might just be worth $77 million. It’s true, and it could be sitting quietly in someone’s change jar or purse right now. Let’s talk about why this old coin is so special and how you might be lucky enough to find one.
What Is a Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first made in 1909. It was created to honor Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. It was also the first American coin to show a real person’s face.
The front side shows Lincoln’s profile. On the back, you’ll see two wheat stalks and the words “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” This design was used until 1958. After that, a new design with the Lincoln Memorial replaced it.
Most of these old pennies are not worth more than a few cents. But some rare ones are super valuable, especially one special penny from 1943.
$77 Million Penny 1943 Penny So Valuable
In 1943, the U.S. was in World War II. Copper was needed for making war supplies. So, the government decided to make pennies from steel coated with zinc.
But a few copper coins from 1942 got mixed in by mistake. These 1943 copper pennies are now extremely rare. Experts say only around 15 to 20 exist today.
One of these pennies sold for $1.7 million in 2010. Today, collectors think one could be worth as much as $77 million. That’s how rare and wanted it is.
In 1947, a teenager named Don Lutes Jr. found one of these rare copper pennies in his pocket change at school. He held on to it his whole life. After he passed away in 2019, the penny was sold at auction for $204,000. The money went to a library he supported.
Stories like Don’s show that these coins can pop up in the most unexpected places.
What to Look For in the 1943 Copper Penny
Here’s how to check if your penny could be the $77 million one:
- Date: The front should say “1943.”
- Magnet Test: Hold a magnet to it. Steel pennies will stick. Copper ones won’t.
- Weight: Copper pennies weigh 3.11 grams. Steel ones weigh about 2.7 grams.
- Condition: If your penny is in good shape, it could be worth even more.
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
Not just the 1943 copper penny—there are a few other valuable ones too:
| Year | Type | Estimated Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 | Copper Penny | Up to $77 million | Only about 15–20 known |
| 1909-S | VDB | $950 – $2,200 | Rare initials on the back |
| 1914-D | Standard | $280 – $5,500 | Very low number made |
| 1955 | Double Die Error | $1,000 – $5,000 | Letters appear doubled |
| 1944 | Steel Penny | $77,000 – $110,000 | Another rare minting error |
Why $77 Million Coin Still Be Around
You may wonder how such a valuable penny could still be out there. The answer is simple. Most people don’t pay attention to pennies. They throw them in jars or give them away without thinking.
Also, many people inherit coin collections and don’t know what’s in them. A valuable penny could easily end up in a drawer, forgotten for years.
One expert said that families often find rare coins without even knowing it. So, yes, a $77 million penny might still be out there.
Tips To Find a Rare Penny
Want to start your own search? Here’s what you can do:
- Check Your Change: Look for pennies made between 1909 and 1958. These are all Wheat Pennies.
- Look for Special Years: Focus on 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1943 copper, and 1955 double die.
- Use a Magnet: This helps you find out if a 1943 penny is steel or copper.
- Don’t Clean Coins: Cleaning can reduce their value. Keep them as you find them.
- Get It Checked: Use a coin grading service like PCGS or NGC to find out if your coin is real and valuable.
Many people have found rare coins in old wallets, vending machines, or family collections. So always keep an eye out!
Why Coin Collecting Is So Fun
Collecting coins is more than just money. It’s like finding tiny pieces of history. Each Wheat Penny tells a story—from the Great Depression to World War II. For many people, looking through coins is like going on a small treasure hunt.
A woman named Sarah from Ohio once found a 1943 steel penny in her grandma’s coin jar. It wasn’t the copper one, but it made her fall in love with coin collecting. Now, she checks every penny she gets.
Final Thoughts
The Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $77 million is not just a coin. It’s a piece of American history and a collector’s dream. You might find one in your home, pocket, or even from a family member. So next time you get a penny, don’t ignore it. Take a good look—it might just change your life.
FAQs
What is special about the 1943 penny?
It was made using copper by mistake during the war.
How can I test my 1943 penny?
Use a magnet. If it doesn’t stick, it might be copper.
Are all Wheat Pennies valuable?
No, only some rare ones are valuable.
Could a rare penny still be in my change?
Yes, it’s possible you might find one.
Where do I sell a valuable penny?
Contact a coin dealer or auction house.
