It’s easy to overlook a penny. Most of us toss them into jars, leave them in cars, or ignore them completely. But what if one of those forgotten coins was secretly worth $9.7 million? Believe it or not, that’s the rumored value of one extremely rare Lincoln Wheat Penny—and it may still be out there, hiding in someone’s pocket change.
The Story Behind the Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first introduced in 1909, honoring Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. It was the first U.S. coin to show a real person, with Lincoln’s face on the front and two wheat stalks on the back. This design was used until 1958, when it was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial version.
Why Is One Penny Worth $9.7 Million?
While most pennies are worth just one cent, a few are worth thousands—or even millions—due to mistakes made during the minting process. The most famous example is the 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny. In 1943, pennies were supposed to be made of steel to save copper for World War II. But a few copper blanks were accidentally used, creating one of the rarest and most valuable coins in U.S. history.
Only around 20 to 40 of these 1943 copper pennies are known to exist. One of them reportedly sold for $1.7 million, and collectors believe that in perfect condition, another could fetch as much as $9.7 million if sold today in a high-profile private sale.
Other Wheat Pennies That Are Valuable
Even if you don’t have the $9.7 million coin, some Lincoln Wheat Pennies can still be worth big money:
- 1909-S VDB – Early design with rare San Francisco mint: $100,000+
- 1914-D – Low production run from the Denver mint: $10,000–$30,000
- 1955 Doubled Die – Has a visible error where the text appears doubled: $1,000–$50,000
How to Spot a Rare Penny
If you want to check your pennies for hidden value, here’s what to do:
- Look at the year and mint mark under the date.
- Do a magnet test – steel 1943 pennies will stick to a magnet; rare copper ones won’t.
- Look for mint errors like double letters or off-center designs.
- Check the condition – pennies in better shape are worth more.
Where You Might Find One
- Old coin jars
- Garage sales or estate sales
- Coin rolls from your local bank
- Collections passed down from relatives
These coins can turn up in unexpected places. Many people don’t realize what they have until it’s too late.
What to Do If You Think You’ve Found One
- Don’t clean it – cleaning can damage the coin and lower its value.
- Handle carefully – use gloves or hold it by the edges.
- Place it in a plastic coin holder.
- Have it graded and authenticated by a trusted service like PCGS or NGC.
Once verified, a rare coin should be sold through a specialized auction or trusted dealer.
Final Thoughts
It might sound like a dream, but it’s entirely possible that a $9.7 million Lincoln Wheat Penny is still out there. Whether it’s sitting in a dusty jar or waiting in a forgotten roll of change, someone will find it eventually. So, before you ignore that next penny—take a closer look. It could be the most valuable coin in your life.