A Tiny Coin with a Huge Price
Imagine finding a penny in your pocket worth $21 million! The Lincoln Wheat Penny, minted from 1909 to 1958, is famous for its simple design with Abraham Lincoln on the front and wheat stalks on the back. Most are worth just a cent, but one rare 1943 penny recently made headlines for its massive auction price. Found in a New Jersey coin jar, this penny has sparked a craze, with people digging through change to find their own treasure. Could one be hiding in your wallet?
Why This Penny Is So Special
The 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny is a legend because of a minting mistake. During World War II, pennies were made of steel to save copper for the war, but a few were accidentally struck in bronze. Only about 20 of these bronze pennies are known to exist, making them incredibly rare. The $21 million penny was in pristine condition, graded “MS-63” by experts, with a shiny surface and sharp details. Collectors go wild for these coins because they’re a piece of history with a one-of-a-kind story.
Other Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies
Besides the 1943 Bronze, other Lincoln Wheat Pennies can fetch big money. Here are four more to look for:
| Penny Type | Description | Highest Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1943 Bronze | Copper penny made by mistake during steel production | $21 million |
| 1909-S VDB | First Lincoln penny with designer’s initials, low mintage | $2.2 million |
| 1955 Double Die | Blurry date and words from double stamping | $1.1 million |
| 1922 No D | Missing Denver mint mark due to error | $500,000 |
These coins are still out there, hiding in piggy banks or old collections.
How to Spot a Valuable Penny
To find a rare penny, check the date and mint mark, a small letter under the date (“D” for Denver, “S” for San Francisco, or none for Philadelphia). For 1943 pennies, use a magnet: steel ones stick, bronze ones don’t. Look for doubled text or missing marks with a magnifying glass. The 1943 Bronze penny looks coppery, not silver, and weighs about 3.11 grams. Never clean your coins, as it lowers their value. Store them in a soft holder and take them to a coin dealer or grading service like PCGS to verify if they’re real.
Where to Sell Your Find
If you find a rare penny, get it checked by pros at PCGS or NGC to confirm its worth. Auction houses like Heritage Auctions are ideal for high-value coins, like the 1943 Bronze that sold for $21 million. You can also try eBay, but use clear photos and honest details to attract serious buyers. Lesser-known error coins can still fetch thousands, but watch out for fakes, as some people alter coins to trick buyers. A professional grading ensures you get a fair price and avoid scams.
Join the Treasure Hunt Today
The $21 million Lincoln Wheat Penny proves that life-changing treasures can hide in plain sight. With billions of these pennies minted, some rare ones are still in circulation, tucked away in change jars or vending machines. Grab a magnifying glass and start checking your coins for these errors. Even if you don’t find a million-dollar penny, collecting is a fun way to explore history. As stories of huge sales spread, now’s the perfect time to hunt for your own fortune.