While most of us don’t give a second thought to pennies, a Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $3,172,500 was once sold at auction—and it’s possible that more of these rare coins are still out there, waiting to be discovered. This could be your chance to find a valuable piece of American history hidden in your pocket change!
Why is the Lincoln Wheat Penny So Special?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was introduced in 1909 to celebrate President Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. It features Lincoln’s portrait on the front, with two stalks of wheat on the back. This design was used until 1958. Although most of these pennies are common, certain rare versions have become incredibly valuable due to minting errors or low production numbers.
The $3,172,500 Penny
One of the most famous rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies is the 1943 copper penny. In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched to making steel pennies to save copper for the war effort. However, a few copper blanks were mistakenly used, leading to the creation of ultra-rare 1943 copper pennies.
One of these pennies, in mint condition, was sold for an astounding $3,172,500. Today, only around 20 to 40 of these pennies are believed to exist, making them highly sought after by collectors.
How to Identify a Rare Lincoln Wheat Penny
Here’s what you need to look for:
- Check the year – Look for 1943 on the penny.
- Look at the color – Steel pennies made in 1943 are silver-colored. If your penny looks brown or copper, it might be the rare copper version.
- Do the magnet test – Steel pennies will stick to a magnet, but copper ones won’t. If your 1943 penny doesn’t stick to a magnet, it’s worth further investigation.
- Check for other rare dates – Other valuable Wheat Pennies include:
- 1909-S VDB
- 1914-D
- 1922 No D
- 1955 Doubled Die
Where Could You Find One?
Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies might turn up in:
- Coin jars or piggy banks
- Estate sales or garage sales
- Coin rolls from the bank
- Old coin collections passed down from family
Some collectors even spend hours searching through penny rolls from the bank, hoping to find one of these hidden treasures.
What to Do If You Find a Rare Penny
If you think you’ve found a valuable penny, follow these steps:
- Don’t clean the coin – Cleaning can damage it and reduce its value.
- Handle it carefully – Use gloves or hold it by the edges.
- Store it safely – Place the coin in a protective holder to prevent damage.
- Get it authenticated – Have a professional coin grading service, like PCGS or NGC, verify its authenticity and condition.
- Sell it wisely – Use trusted coin dealers or auction houses to sell your valuable find.
Final Thoughts
A Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $3,172,500 might sound like a long shot, but it’s a real possibility. With some luck, you could be the next person to stumble upon one of these valuable coins. So take a moment to check your change—you never know what hidden treasures might be waiting to be discovered.