Imagine picking up a penny that’s so rare, it could turn your entire life upside down. Sounds like something out of a fantasy, right? But the truth is, one particular Lincoln Wheat Penny is rumored to be worth an eye-watering $20 million—and it might still be hiding in someone’s everyday pocket change.
Whether it’s sunk to the bottom of a coin jar, stuffed inside an old wallet, or unknowingly dropped into a vending machine, this elusive little coin could literally be anywhere. Here’s what you need to know about this mysterious, possibly life-changing piece of metal.
Origins
The Lincoln Wheat Penny—often nicknamed the “Wheat Cent”—was minted between 1909 and 1958. You’d recognize it instantly: Lincoln’s profile on the front, and two wheat stalks framing the words “ONE CENT” on the back.
Most of these are totally ordinary, barely worth more than their face value. But a handful? They’re coin collector gold. Rare minting flaws, experimental versions, or prototypes never meant for circulation are what elevate these from common to priceless.
Value
So what gives a single penny a $20 million price tag? Rarity, plain and simple. This coin is thought to be either a one-off minting fluke or a prototype that wasn’t supposed to leave the Mint. Stuff like this has happened before.
Take the famous 1943 copper penny—as the U.S. rationed copper for WWII, pennies that year were struck in steel. Still, a few copper blanks got mixed in, and those few mistakes are now worth a fortune.
One even sold for $1.7 million. So imagine a coin even rarer showing up—something the world hasn’t officially confirmed yet. That’s the kind of thing that could easily reach the $20 million mark.
Circulation
What’s crazy is this legendary penny might still be bouncing around out there. Coins get passed from person to person without a second thought—left in tip jars, dropped under couches, or tossed in piggy banks.
Some of the most valuable finds have come from nothing more glamorous than someone checking their spare change. That’s why collectors keep an eye out for wheat-back pennies; that little detail could mean something huge.
Clues
Want to up your odds of finding this hidden gem? Watch for the following:
| Feature | What to Watch For |
|---|---|
| Rare Dates | 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, and the 1943 copper |
| Magnetic Test | Copper coins won’t cling—steel ones will |
| Mint Errors | Double images, weird markings, off-center prints |
| Material Check | Strange color or unusual weight |
| Condition | Crisp, uncirculated, or unusually shiny |
Here’s a tip: if you’ve got a 1943 penny, hold a magnet to it. If it sticks, it’s just steel. If not—well, you might want to look into that. Keep an eye out for coins that feel or look different too. Sometimes it’s the tiny oddities that signal a massive payout.
Action
Think you’ve found the real deal? First things first—don’t clean it. No soap, no cloth, nothing. Even the slightest scrub can kill its value. Instead, tuck it away safely and bring it to a trusted coin expert or dealer.
Better yet, hit up a coin show where professionals can inspect it properly. Some rare finds even need lab-level testing to confirm what they’re made of.
Treasure
A $20 million penny might sound like a tall tale, but history says otherwise. Minting mistakes, forgotten prototypes, accidental releases—they’ve all happened before.
So next time you’re sorting change or emptying out that old drawer, pause before tossing that dusty penny aside. It might not just be old—it could be extraordinary.
FAQs
What is a Lincoln Wheat Penny?
A penny minted from 1909–1958 with wheat stalks on the back.
Why is the 1943 copper penny rare?
It was accidentally made from copper during wartime instead of steel.
How can I test a 1943 penny?
Use a magnet—steel sticks, copper doesn’t.
What makes a penny worth millions?
Minting errors, rare metals, or being a one-of-a-kind prototype.
Where should I get a penny appraised?
Go to a reputable coin dealer or numismatics expert.
