Have you ever looked closely at the pennies in your pocket? One of those small coins might be worth a lot more than you think! The Lincoln Wheat Penny, especially a rare kind from 1943 made of copper, has caught the attention of coin collectors for many years.
Some news stories say it could be worth $99.99 million, but that is an exaggeration. Still, real pennies like this have sold for very high prices. These coins are not just money; they are a piece of American history that many people still look for today.
History Behind the Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny first came out in 1909. It was made to celebrate the 100th birthday of Abraham Lincoln. A sculptor named Victor David Brenner designed it. This penny was special because it was the first U.S. coin to show a real person’s face instead of symbols like Lady Liberty. On the front, you can see Lincoln’s profile.
On the back, there are two wheat stalks, which show the importance of farming in America. The Wheat Penny was made from 1909 to 1958, and then the design was changed to show the Lincoln Memorial on the back.
1943 Copper Penny Mistake
What makes some Lincoln Wheat Pennies very valuable is a mistake made during World War II. In 1943, copper was needed for the war, like for making bullets and wires. So, the U.S. Mint stopped using copper for pennies and made them from steel coated with zinc instead. But a few pennies were accidentally made with leftover copper from 1942. These copper pennies have the year 1943 on them but are made of copper, not steel. This error made these pennies very famous and very rare.
True Value of Rare Wheat Pennies
Some headlines say these pennies are worth $99.99 million, but the real prices are still very high, just not that high. The most expensive 1943 copper penny sold for $1.7 million in 2010 to a coin dealer in New Jersey. Other 1943 copper pennies have sold for between $204,000 and $336,000 in auctions.
The 1943-D penny, made in Denver, is worth over $1 million. Only about 15 to 20 of these 1943 copper pennies are known to exist, making them some of the rarest and most valuable coins in the U.S.
Valuable Wheat Penny
Wondering if you have a valuable penny? Here’s what to look for:
- The back side should have two wheat stalks. This shows it is a Wheat Penny (made from 1909 to 1958).
- Check the year. The 1943 copper penny is the most valuable. Other rare years are 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, and 1922 plain.
- For a 1943 penny, look at the color. It should be reddish-brown, not silver.
- Use a magnet. Copper pennies don’t stick to magnets. Steel pennies will.
- Copper pennies weigh about 3.11 grams.
- Look for small letters below the year called mint marks. Some mint marks mean the coin is rarer.
Keep in mind, many fake pennies exist. If you think you have a valuable one, ask a coin expert to check it.
The Thrill of the Hunt
What makes the Lincoln Wheat Penny story exciting is that some rare pennies might still be waiting to be found. These coins can be hidden in old collections, piggy banks, or even loose change. Finding a million-dollar penny is very rare, but the chance to find something special keeps people searching. Collectors enjoy looking through thousands of pennies hoping to find one that could change their lives.
Beyond Monetary Value
The Lincoln Wheat Penny means more than money. Every penny tells a story about America from over 100 years ago. They remind us of history, art, and tough times during the war when materials were scarce. Whether the penny is worth just one cent or hundreds of thousands of dollars, it is a little piece of American history. That makes it a treasure worth keeping.
Disclaimer
This article is for information only. Coin values change with time, the market, and collector interest. The $99.99 million price is much higher than real auction prices. If you find a rare coin, always get it checked by a professional. Watch out for fake coins, which are common.
FAQs
What is a Lincoln Wheat Penny?
A penny made from 1909 to 1958 with wheat on the back.
Why is the 1943 copper penny rare?
Most 1943 pennies were steel, but some were accidentally made with copper.
Can I check if my penny is copper?
Yes, look at the color or use a magnet (copper won’t stick).
Are Lincoln Wheat Pennies still worth money?
Yes, some can be very valuable, especially rare dates.
Where can I get a penny checked?
Take it to a coin expert or grading service.
