The Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $170 Million, Still in Circulation?

You Might Be Holding a Penny Worth Millions—Here’s Why You Should Check Your Change

Most of us don’t think much about pennies. They end up in jars, under couch cushions, or forgotten in your car’s cup holder. But what if one of those tiny copper coins could be worth $170 million? Sounds unbelievable, right? Yet some rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies have sparked a huge buzz—turning regular pocket change into a collector’s dream. Now, people all across the country are digging through their spare coins in hopes of striking it rich.

Let’s find out what makes these special pennies so valuable—and why it might be worth checking your loose change.

A Penny That Changed the Game

The Lincoln Wheat Penny first came out in 1909—and it was a big deal. For the first time, a real person (not a symbol or figure from mythology) appeared on a U.S. coin. That person was Abraham Lincoln, and the coin marked the 100th anniversary of his birth.

Artist Victor David Brenner designed the coin. The front shows Lincoln’s profile and the words “IN GOD WE TRUST.” On the back, you’ll see two wheat stalks around the words “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” This simple design earned it the name “Wheat Penny.”

But it wasn’t just about looks. This coin represented a new way of thinking—it made money feel more personal and patriotic. Over time, it became one of the most loved coins in U.S. history.

The Wartime Mistake Worth a Fortune

Here’s where things get really interesting. During World War II, the U.S. needed copper for weapons and equipment. So in 1943, the Mint made pennies out of steel coated in zinc.

But by mistake, a few leftover copper blanks from 1942 were still in the machines. As a result, a small number of 1943 pennies were made with copper instead of steel. These rare pennies were never meant to exist—and now, they’re worth a fortune. Some have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars, and a few have even gone for millions.

What Makes a Penny Worth So Much?

Age isn’t the only thing that makes a coin valuable. Rarity, condition, and mistakes during production are even more important. The most valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies usually fall into these categories:

• Errors: Like the famous 1943 copper penny or the 1955 Double Die, where the lettering appears doubled.
• Low Mint Numbers: For example, the 1909-S VDB was only made 484,000 times.
• Historical Importance: Coins made during big events, like wars, often gain extra value.

When you combine these factors with high demand from collectors, even a single penny can be worth five or six figures.

Could These Pennies Still Be Out There?

Surprisingly, yes! Some of these rare Wheat Pennies are still in circulation. Since billions of pennies are used every day and most people don’t check them closely, valuable ones could be hiding in plain sight—in a drawer, cash register, or your pocket.

It’s like having a lottery ticket you didn’t know you owned.

What to Look For

Think you might have one of these rare coins? Keep an eye out for these signs:

• Key Dates: Especially 1909 (with “S” and “VDB”), 1914-D, 1922 with no “D,” 1931-S, 1943 copper, and 1955 Double Die.
• Mint Marks: Found under the date. “S” means San Francisco, “D” is Denver, and no mark is Philadelphia.
• Material: A 1943 penny that sticks to a magnet is steel. If it doesn’t—it might be the rare copper version.
• Condition: Unused or “Mint State” coins are worth far more than worn ones.

Don’t Clean It!

If you think you’ve found a valuable coin, don’t try to clean it. Polishing can ruin its value. Instead, handle it carefully (use gloves if possible), and store it in a coin sleeve. Then have it checked by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. Certified coins sell for much more.

More Than Just Money

Yes, the thought of finding a $170 million penny is exciting—but these coins are also a part of history. Imagine a penny that was in someone’s pocket during the Great Depression or World War II. These coins are tiny time machines that tell real stories from America’s past.

The Search Goes On

The Lincoln Wheat Penny is still one of the most collected coins in the U.S. Whether you’re a serious collector or someone who just likes the thrill of the hunt, there’s something special about searching for hidden treasure in your spare change.

So go ahead—check that old jar or peek in your pockets. In a world full of surprises, one little penny could change everything.