A small coin many people toss into a jar or ignore at the bottom of a bag could secretly be worth a life-changing amount of money. The Lincoln Wheat Penny, once a common sight in pockets and cash registers, is now shocking the world of collectors.
One rare version of this coin was recently valued at a jaw-dropping $9.99 million — and the wildest part? Some of them may still be floating around in everyday circulation.
Unique
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was introduced in 1909 and minted until 1958. These copper coins carry Abraham Lincoln’s profile on the front and two wheat ears on the back. While once a common currency item, they’ve since become collectible, especially among those who love hunting for historical treasures.
So what’s the big deal? Not all Wheat Pennies are created equal. Some were minted in limited numbers or include production errors. These factors make certain pennies extremely rare — and valuable.
One standout is the 1943 copper penny. That year, pennies were made from steel because copper was needed for World War II. But a few copper blanks accidentally slipped through the system, creating one of the rarest coins in U.S. history.
List
The rare penny isn’t alone in its spotlight. Here’s a glance at some of the top-selling coins in 2024:
| Rank | Coin Description | Grade | Price (USD) | Auction Month | Auction House |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Undated (1652) NE Threepence | PCGS XF45 | $2,520,000 | Nov 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
| 2 | 1870-CC Liberty Head Double Eagle | PCGS AU55 | $1,440,000 | Nov 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
| 3 | 1850 Baldwin & Co. $10 | PCGS MS63+ | $1,260,000 | Nov 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
| 4 | 1855 $50 Kellogg & Co. Fifty Dollar | PCGS PR64CAM | $1,260,000 | Jan 2024 | Heritage |
| … | … | … | … | … | … |
| 20 | 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel | PCGS MS65+ | $511,875 | Feb 2024 | GreatCollections |
| 21 | 1975 Roosevelt Dime No S | PCGS PR67 | $506,250 | Oct 2024 | GreatCollections |
As you can see, rare coins routinely fetch six- or seven-figure sums. The 1943 copper Lincoln Penny’s $9.99 million valuation puts it in a league of its own.
Spotting
Want to know if you might be holding one of these fortune-making coins? Here’s what to look for:
- Check the year: Lincoln Wheat Pennies were minted from 1909 to 1958. Rare dates include 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 (no D), and especially the 1943 copper version.
- Check the metal: Most 1943 pennies are steel (they’ll stick to a magnet). If yours looks copper and doesn’t stick, you might have a goldmine.
- Look for mint errors: Double dates, missing mint marks, or off-center prints can drive up a coin’s value dramatically.
Circulating
You might wonder how such rare coins are still out there. Easy — people just didn’t know what they had. When these coins were first minted, nobody expected them to become collectibles. Many ended up in jars, drawers, and bank deposits without anyone realizing their potential worth.
Over time, some of these coins trickled back into circulation or sat untouched in piggy banks, waiting to be reobserved.
Dealers
Here’s a quick resource list for coin enthusiasts across the U.S.:
| State | Coin Dealer Lists Available |
|---|---|
| Arkansas | Available |
| Alaska | Available |
| Pennsylvania | Available |
| New York | Available |
| North Carolina | Available |
| Arizona | Available |
| Oregon | Available |
| Kentucky | Available |
| Massachusetts | Available |
Local dealers can help appraise your coins or direct you to grading services for official evaluations.
Check
So should you start checking your change? Absolutely.
It costs nothing to peek into your coin jar or check your wallet. And who knows — that one penny you nearly dropped on the floor could be worth more than a luxury car. Or a house. Or several.
Coin collecting is like treasure hunting for adults. All it takes is one rare find to turn your curiosity into cash. The $9.99 million Lincoln Wheat Penny is a shining example of how a tiny piece of history can be worth an unimaginable fortune.
FAQs
Why is the 1943 copper penny rare?
Most 1943 pennies were steel, not copper, making it rare.
How do I test if a 1943 penny is copper?
Use a magnet — copper won’t stick, steel will.
Which Wheat Pennies are most valuable?
1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 No D, and 1943 copper.
Can I find valuable pennies in circulation?
Yes, some rare pennies are still in coin jars and wallets.
Where should I sell rare coins?
Visit coin dealers or certified grading services.
