This Lincoln Wheat Penny Is Worth $770K— Is It Still Out There?

The Lincoln Wheat Penny may seem like just another coin in your pocket, but certain editions of this unassuming one-cent piece can be worth a small fortune. In fact, one extremely rare version has been valued at an astonishing $770,000.

That’s right—what was once spent on a bubble gum or a carnival ride could now be worth enough to pay off your mortgage. How is this possible? It all comes down to a mix of history, scarcity, and a good ol’ minting error.

A Coin with a Presidential Legacy

Introduced in 1909, the Lincoln Wheat Penny was designed to celebrate President Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday—the first U.S. coin to feature a real person’s likeness. The obverse shows Lincoln’s profile, while the reverse displays two wheat stalks, which is how the coin earned its nickname.

The Wheat Penny remained in circulation until 1958, spanning some of the most pivotal periods in American history, including the Great Depression, World War II, and the post-war economic boom.

The 1943 Penny That Shouldn’t Have Existed

Here’s where it gets interesting. During World War II, the U.S. was in dire need of copper for ammunition, so the Mint switched to zinc-coated steel for pennies in 1943.

However, some leftover bronze blanks from the previous year were accidentally mixed in, leading to a rare number of 1943 pennies being struck in bronze. These pennies are incredibly valuable to collectors today.

Only around 20 of these bronze 1943 Lincoln Wheat Pennies are known to exist. Their combination of rarity and historical significance has caused one of them to be valued at an eye-popping $770,000.

How to Spot a Rare Penny

Do you think you might have a valuable penny in your collection? Here’s what to look for:

• Date: The penny must be stamped with the year 1943.
• Color: The rare bronze version will have a coppery brown hue, not the shiny silver color of steel pennies.
• Weight: The bronze version weighs about 3.11 grams, whereas steel pennies weigh around 2.7 grams.
• Magnet Test: If a magnet sticks to the penny, it’s made of steel and not worth much. If it doesn’t stick, you might have something valuable.

Even if you think you’ve found a treasure, you’ll need to have it authenticated by a professional coin grading service.

Other Wheat Pennies Worth Big Money

While the 1943 bronze penny grabs the most attention, other Wheat Pennies have also fetched impressive prices. Take the 1909-S VDB, for instance. This was the first Lincoln Penny ever minted in San Francisco and is incredibly rare.

In pristine condition, it can sell for as much as $100,000. The 1944 Steel Penny, another wartime error, has also been known to reach six-figure values. Then there’s the 1955 Double Die Penny, which features doubled letters and numbers due to a minting mistake. Depending on its condition, it can bring in anywhere from $1,500 to $50,000.

Hidden Treasures Lurking in Your Pocket?

What makes these coins so exciting is the chance—however unlikely—that you could still have one of these rare pennies hiding in your own collection. People have discovered valuable coins at yard sales, in inherited piggy banks, or tucked away in old coin collections. This blend of history, intrigue, and a bit of luck keeps collectors and casual treasure hunters on the lookout for hidden gems.

More Than Just Money

Beyond their monetary value, these pennies serve as miniature time capsules. They capture the essence of the eras in which they were minted, reflecting the challenges of wartime, economic struggles, and industrial growth. The 1943 bronze penny, in particular, stands as a symbol of how even the smallest objects can tell a big story—one of resilience, accidental fortune, and a lasting connection to America’s past.

So, the next time you receive change at the store or sift through an old jar of coins, take a moment to examine each penny. That ordinary coin might just be your chance to own a piece of history—and perhaps even earn a six-figure payout.

FAQs