Most of us barely give a second thought to pennies. They end up in jars, dropped in parking lots, or ignored altogether. But what if one of those little coins was secretly worth 10 million dollars? Sounds made up, right?
Still, there’s a rare version of the Lincoln Wheat Penny out there — and if the rumors are true, it could still be floating around in everyday circulation. Here’s what makes it so special and how you might spot one.
Origins
The Lincoln Wheat Penny — also known as the Wheat Cent — was minted from 1909 through 1958. You’ll recognize it by Lincoln’s face on the front and two curved wheat stalks on the back. That’s where it gets its nickname.
They’re not hard to find, especially in old family coin collections or dusty change jars. While the majority aren’t worth more than their face value, a select few are in a completely different league — some worth thousands, and in one rumored case, even millions.
Value
So why would a single penny carry a price tag of 10 million dollars? It comes down to extreme rarity and minting mistakes. The coin believed to be worth that much is thought to be an error — either made with the wrong metal, struck in unusual conditions, or maybe even a prototype that was never supposed to be released.
Back in World War II, copper was in high demand, so the U.S. Mint began making pennies out of steel in 1943. Still, a few 1943 coins were mistakenly made with leftover copper blanks from the year before — and those copper 1943 pennies are among the most valuable coins ever sold, going for well over a million dollars apiece.
Now imagine something even rarer than that. That’s the idea behind this mysterious $10 million penny — a unique one-off that no one’s officially found yet.
Circulation
Could it still be out there, waiting to be observed? Surprisingly, yes. Coins like this don’t come with flashing lights — if someone found one and didn’t realize its value, they could’ve easily spent it decades ago.
Over time, it might’ve quietly passed from hand to hand, ending up in someone’s change jar or wallet.
That’s why coin collectors constantly remind people: always check your pennies — especially the older ones with wheat on the back. That tiny copper coin might be worth far more than it looks.
Clues
| Feature | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Year | Look for 1909-S VDB or 1943 copper |
| Magnet Test | If a 1943 penny doesn’t stick, it could be copper |
| Minting Errors | Doubled images, off-center strikes, or odd metal |
| Condition | Sharper detail and fewer marks mean more value |
A magnet is an easy first step — if your 1943 penny doesn’t cling to it, you may have something rare on your hands.
Action
Think you’ve found something special? Don’t rush to spend it or toss it back in your jar. Handle it gently — gloves are a good idea — and avoid cleaning it, since that can lower its value. Store it in a protective holder and take it to a trusted coin dealer or numismatist for a professional opinion.
Even if it turns out not to be the legendary 10 million dollar penny, it could still be worth hundreds or thousands. That’s a big return for a coin most people overlook.
The idea of a multimillion-dollar penny hiding in everyday change might sound like a long shot — but stories like this aren’t unheard of. Rare coins have been observed before in the most unexpected places.
So the next time you check your loose change, take an extra second to look closely. That old penny might just be the lucky break no one saw coming.
FAQs
What years are valuable Wheat Pennies?
1909-S VDB and 1943 copper are some of the most valuable.
How can I tell if a 1943 penny is rare?
Test with a magnet — if it doesn’t stick, it could be copper.
Why is the $10M penny so special?
It’s likely a unique minting error or rare prototype.
Can rare pennies still be in circulation?
Yes, some have been found in everyday change.
What do I do if I find one?
Store it safely and get it appraised by a coin expert.
