Most people don’t give pennies a second thought—they toss them in jars, leave them in cars, or ignore them altogether. But did you know one tiny penny might be worth $3.36 million? That’s right—a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny once sold for that jaw-dropping price, and it’s possible more are still out there today.
What’s the Big Deal About the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first minted in 1909 to honor President Abraham Lincoln. It features his face on the front and two wheat stalks on the back. This design was used until 1958. Millions were made, but a few rare versions have become incredibly valuable due to errors or limited production.
The $3.36 Million Penny
So, what makes a penny worth over $3 million?
It comes down to a combination of rarity, condition, and a minting mistake. The penny in question is likely a 1943 copper Wheat Penny. That year, pennies were supposed to be made of steel because copper was needed for World War II. But a few copper blanks accidentally made it into the minting process.
Only about 20–40 of these 1943 copper pennies are known to exist. One in top condition sold at auction for $3.36 million. That’s the power of rarity and demand.
How to Know If You Have a Rare Penny
Here’s a simple way to check:
- Look at the year – Is it 1943?
- Check the color – Steel pennies look gray or silver. If yours is brown or copper-colored, it might be special.
- Do the magnet test – Steel sticks to a magnet. Copper doesn’t. If your 1943 penny doesn’t stick, you may have found gold—in the form of copper.
Also, look out for these other valuable Wheat Pennies:
- 1909-S VDB
- 1914-D
- 1922 No D
- 1931-S
- 1955 Doubled Die
Where Could You Find One?
Valuable coins often turn up in:
- Change jars
- Coin rolls from the bank
- Inherited collections
- Flea markets and estate sales
Some collectors even go through hundreds of penny rolls hoping to find one rare coin.
Found Something Interesting? Here’s What to Do
- Handle carefully – Don’t clean the coin.
- Store it safely – Use a coin holder.
- Get it authenticated – Send it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC.
- Talk to experts – Coin dealers or auction houses can help you sell it properly.
Final Thoughts
While a $3.36 million penny might sound like a dream, it’s a real part of American coin history. And the best part? It could still be hiding in someone’s pocket, jar, or drawer.
Could it be yours? Check your change—you never know what you’ll find.