Rare coins have always fascinated collectors, but few have made headlines like the Lincoln Wheat Penny valued at $78 million. This penny isn’t just a piece of history—it’s a hidden treasure that may still be in circulation today. Could one be hiding in your loose change? Let’s explore what makes this coin so valuable and how you might identify one.
What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of Abraham Lincoln. Designed by Victor David Brenner, it was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person’s portrait.
- Obverse (Front): Features Abraham Lincoln’s profile, along with the words “IN GOD WE TRUST”, “LIBERTY”, and the year.
- Reverse (Back): Displays two wheat stalks, symbolizing prosperity and growth, along with “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”.
These pennies were made from 95% copper until 1942, when the U.S. Mint switched materials due to World War II metal shortages.
Why is This Particular Penny Worth $78 Million?
While most Lincoln Wheat Pennies are common and worth only a few cents, a handful of rare variations have reached extraordinary values. The $78 million Lincoln Wheat Penny is believed to be a 1943 Bronze Penny, which was accidentally struck on a copper planchet instead of steel.
What Makes the 1943 Bronze Penny So Valuable?
- Extremely Rare Material:
- In 1943, pennies were supposed to be made of steel to conserve copper for the war effort.
- However, a few copper planchets (blanks) were mistakenly used, creating this rare error coin.
- Historical Significance:
- This penny represents a unique mistake in U.S. Mint history.
- It’s considered a dream coin for collectors, making its value skyrocket.
- Only a Few Exist:
- Experts believe that only 10 to 15 of these 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Pennies have been discovered.
- This makes them one of the rarest U.S. coins ever found.
- Record-Breaking Auction Prices:
- One of these 1943 Bronze Pennies sold for over $1.7 million in a private auction.
- A perfect-condition version could be worth tens of millions of dollars—some experts estimate up to $78 million.
Could This Rare Penny Still Be in Circulation?
Yes, it’s possible! Since these rare coins were accidentally released, some may still be hiding in old coin collections, piggy banks, or even loose change.
Many people don’t check their pennies closely and may unknowingly spend or exchange these valuable coins. That means one could still be out there, waiting to be discovered.
How to Identify a 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny
If you want to check your pennies for this rare find, follow these steps:
- Check the Year:
- The coin must have the year “1943” stamped on it.
- If it’s from 1944 or later, it is not the valuable one.
- Use a Magnet:
- A real 1943 Bronze Penny will NOT stick to a magnet.
- A common 1943 Steel Penny WILL stick, as it contains iron.
- Weigh the Penny:
- A 1943 Bronze Penny should weigh about 3.11 grams.
- A 1943 Steel Penny weighs only 2.7 grams.
- Use a digital scale to check the weight.
- Check for Mint Marks:
- Some versions may have a “D” (Denver Mint) or “S” (San Francisco Mint).
- Others may have no mint mark, indicating they were made in Philadelphia.
- Get Professional Verification:
- If you believe you have a 1943 Bronze Penny, have it authenticated by a professional coin grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
Even if you don’t find the $78 million penny, other rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies could still be worth a small fortune:
- 1909-S VDB Penny – One of the first and rarest Lincoln pennies, worth up to $100,000.
- 1914-D Penny – A low-mintage edition, valued at $150,000 in top condition.
- 1955 Doubled Die Penny – A famous error coin, valued between $1,500 and $50,000.
- 1944 Steel Penny – Another wartime error, worth over $100,000.
Each of these pennies has unique characteristics that make them highly valuable in the coin-collecting world.
Final Thoughts: Check Your Spare Change
The Lincoln Wheat Penny valued at $78 million is a legend among rare coins. While most of these rare coins are in the hands of collectors, some may still be circulating, waiting to be found.
Before tossing your next handful of pennies into a jar, take a closer look—you might be holding a piece of history worth millions.