Most of us don’t give a second thought to the coins we carry in our pockets. But imagine finding a penny that could make you rich—very rich.
Believe it or not, some rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies have been sold for jaw-dropping amounts, from $870,000 to as much as $1.7 million.
And the most surprising part? Some of these pennies are still in circulation today.
Yes, that means it’s possible a lucky person could find one just lying around in a coin jar or under a couch cushion. Let’s look into why these pennies are worth so much and how to spot one.
History
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, also known as the Wheat Cent, was first minted in 1909. It was created to mark 100 years since the birth of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. It was also the first American coin to feature a president’s face.
Designed by Victor David Brenner, the coin shows Lincoln’s portrait on the front. On the back, you’ll see two stalks of wheat—symbols of prosperity and growth. These pennies were produced until 1958 before being replaced with the Lincoln Memorial design.
Rarity
While millions of Lincoln Wheat Pennies were made, only a few are now worth big money. The most famous of these is the 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny.
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel to save metal for war efforts. But a few bronze coins were accidentally made using leftover copper blanks.
These mistakes turned into treasure. In 2010, one of these 1943 bronze pennies sold for $1.7 million at auction. Another fetched $870,000 in 2019.
Some people even claim there’s a penny worth $5 million—or even $300 million—still out there. But coin experts say these stories are probably myths since none have been verified by professionals.
Circulation
Could these rare coins still be in circulation? Surprisingly, yes. It’s rare, but not impossible. Some people may have them and not realize it. You might even find one in a jar of old coins or as part of your change from the store. That’s why collectors always advise checking your pocket change—you never know.
Legends
Besides the Lincoln Wheat Penny, a few other U.S. coins have made history for their mind-blowing sale prices:
- 1933 Double Eagle: Only 12 known to exist. One sold for $18.8 million in 2021. This gold coin features a design mistake that collectors love.
- 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar: The first silver coin minted in the U.S. Sold for $10 million in 2010.
These coins are museum-worthy, but some were once everyday currency.
Moderns
Even recent coins can be worth a fortune. Here are some modern coins you might want to look out for:
| Coin | Value Range |
|---|---|
| 1972 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny | Up to $1,000 |
| 2005-D “Speared Bison” Jefferson Nickel | Up to $1,500 |
| 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime | Up to $10,000 |
These coins became valuable due to minting errors or special designs. If you’ve got a good eye, you might just catch one.
While many of the world’s rarest coins are locked away in private collections, a few like the Lincoln Wheat Penny might still be floating around.
Whether it’s hiding in a piggy bank, stuck between couch cushions, or rattling in your pocket, it could be worth far more than you think.
If you like a good treasure hunt, start with your own spare change. Even if you don’t find a million-dollar penny, there’s still the thrill of the search—and you might just end up with a collector’s item worth hundreds or even thousands.
FAQs
What is a Lincoln Wheat Penny?
A U.S. penny made from 1909–1958 with wheat stalks on the back.
Why is the 1943 Bronze Penny valuable?
It was mistakenly made with bronze during a wartime switch to steel.
Can I find a rare penny in change?
Yes, a few may still be in circulation.
What’s the highest price paid for one?
One 1943 Bronze Penny sold for $1.7 million.
Are newer coins also valuable?
Yes, error coins from recent decades can be worth thousands.
