Did you know that a simple penny could be worth $1.8 million? It’s true! A rare Lincoln Wheat Penny, originally worth just one cent, has become one of the most valuable coins in the world. And here’s the kicker – some of these rare pennies might still be in circulation! Let’s dive into the story of this incredible coin, learn why it’s so valuable, and find out how you can check if you have one.
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What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
Abraham Lincoln’s 100th year saw the debut of the Lincoln Wheat Penny in 1909 It was, in fact, the first coin with a face (of any actual person on it instead of Lady Liberty or some other symbol, to be released in United States.
Key Features of the Lincoln Wheat Penny:
- Front (Obverse): A portrait of Abraham Lincoln.
- Back (Reverse): Two wheat stalks with the words “One Cent” and “United States of America.”
- Material: Mostly made of 95% copper, except for the 1943 steel pennies and a few rare bronze versions.
Why is This Penny Worth $1.8 Million?
There are some Lincoln Wheat Pennies that are crazy rare and they all came from the minting mistake with their fascinating history. The one that would be $1.8 million in worth is an interesting 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny. THE True reason it’s so exclusive alone
- Minting Mistake:
- In 1943, pennies were supposed to be made of steel to save copper for World War II.
- But a few were accidentally made using bronze (copper) blanks from 1942, making them incredibly rare.
- Extreme Rarity:
- Only about 20 to 30 of these 1943 Bronze Pennies are known to exist.
- Collector Craze:
- Because of its rarity and historical significance, collectors are willing to pay millions for it.
Could This Rare Penny Still Be in Circulation?
Yes, it is! While these one of a kind pink penny hasn’t been found and sold out, a few pennies might never have emerged. And yes, they could be lurking in long forgotten piggy banks, coin jars or even with your normal change you carry around. Since most people do not scrutinise their pennies too well, one of these rare coins could very well be out there waiting to be found.
How to Spot a Rare 1943 Bronze Penny
If you find a 1943 penny, here’s how to check if it’s the valuable bronze version:
- Use a Magnet:
- A real 1943 Bronze Penny will NOT stick to a magnet because it’s made of copper.
- A regular 1943 Steel Penny WILL stick to a magnet.
- Check the Color and Shine:
- A steel penny looks silver or gray, while the bronze version has a coppery, reddish-brown color.
- Weigh the Coin:
- A 1943 Bronze Penny weighs 3.11 grams.
- A 1943 Steel Penny weighs 2.7 grams.
- Look for a Mint Mark:
- If your 1943 Bronze Penny has a D (Denver) or S (San Francisco) mint mark, it could be even more valuable!
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
Besides the 1943 Bronze Penny, there are other rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies worth a lot of money:
- 1909-S VDB Penny – Worth $100,000+
- One of the first Lincoln pennies ever made, with the designer’s initials (V.D.B.) at the bottom.
- 1944 Steel Penny – Worth $100,000+
- A reverse error – some 1944 pennies were mistakenly made of steel instead of copper.
- 1955 Doubled Die Penny – Worth
- 2,000–
- 2,000–125,000
- A famous error where the date and letters appear doubled, making it highly collectible.
The Takeaway
If you ever find a Lincoln Wheat Penny in the wild, it might literally change your life! The same goes for a 1943 penny if you ever get your hands on one, it will certainly not be worth nothing Unless you stumble across that exact penny, there are still tons of Wheat Pennys that will sell for thousands of dollars, so coin collecting can be a fun and payable pursuit.
