Ever tossed your spare change into a jar without thinking twice? What if one of those coins hiding in your kitchen drawer was worth more than a luxury car or even a house? Believe it or not, one Lincoln Wheat Penny, originally worth just one cent, was sold for a jaw-dropping $1,440,000.
And here’s the kicker — coins like this might still be in circulation today. That means one could be sitting quietly in your change jar right now.
History
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was introduced in 1909 to celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. It was also the first U.S. coin to feature the face of a real person — Lincoln himself. On the back are two wheat stalks, which is how it got its nickname.
These coins were minted from 1909 to 1958, and while most are common and worth only their face value, a handful are incredibly rare and extremely valuable. Some versions are worth hundreds or thousands of dollars. One, in particular, broke records.
Rarity
So, how did a single penny sell for $1.4 million? It all comes down to a fascinating historical error.
In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel for making pennies because copper was needed for World War II. But a few bronze blanks left over from 1942 were mistakenly used to strike pennies in 1943.
Only a few of these 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Pennies exist today. Because they weren’t supposed to be made, they’re ultra-rare. One of these rare coins, in near-perfect condition, was sold for a record-breaking $1,440,000 at auction.
Tips
Think you might have one of these valuable pennies? You don’t need to be a coin collector to do a quick check.
Here’s what to look for:
- Year: Look for 1943. If the coin looks like copper and doesn’t stick to a magnet, you may have a rare one.
- Mint Marks: Look under the date for small letters like “D” (Denver) or “S” (San Francisco). Some combinations, like the 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 No D, and 1955 Double Die, are very valuable.
- Condition: Coins in better shape (shiny, no scratches) tend to be worth more.
Possibility
You’d be surprised where rare coins have been found — piggy banks, old jars, garage sales, and even as change from a grocery store. Since many of these valuable pennies were accidentally circulated, they’ve traveled far and wide. Some have even been passed down through generations, unnoticed.
So yes, it’s very possible that a rare coin is already in your home, purse, or wallet.
Action
If you think you’ve found a rare Wheat Penny, don’t clean it. Cleaning can scratch or damage the coin and lower its value significantly.
Instead, follow these steps:
- Place it in a soft pouch or coin holder to keep it safe.
- Take it to a certified coin dealer or send it to a coin grading service.
- Once verified, you can either keep it as a collectible or auction it for top dollar.
Value
The Lincoln Wheat Penny isn’t just an old coin — it’s a piece of American history. And in rare cases, it’s also a ticket to a small fortune. One penny sold for $1.44 million, and it’s not the only valuable one out there.
So next time you get change at the store or go through an old coin jar, take a closer look. That dusty old penny could be your lucky break.
FAQs
What is a Lincoln Wheat Penny?
A U.S. penny minted between 1909 and 1958 with wheat stalks on the back.
Why is the 1943 Wheat Penny valuable?
It’s rare because it was mistakenly made in bronze during a steel-only year.
How can I tell if my penny is rare?
Check the year, mint mark, and whether it sticks to a magnet.
What should I do if I find one?
Don’t clean it. Take it to a coin dealer or grading service for verification.
How much did the rare penny sell for?
One 1943 bronze penny sold for $1,440,000 at auction.
