The $7.9 Million Lincoln Wheat Penny: A Small Coin with a Big Story
One of the most exciting stories in coin collecting is about the Lincoln Wheat Penny that’s worth an incredible $7.9 million. While it might look like any old penny, this special coin has become a prized find for collectors across the world. First released in 1909 to celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday, it was designed by Victor D. Brenner and features Lincoln’s face on the front and two wheat stalks on the back. These pennies were made until 1958 before the design switched to the Lincoln Memorial.
Over those years, billions of these coins were made and used in everyday life. Most of them are only worth their original one-cent value. But a few rare versions—like the famous 1943 copper penny—are now worth thousands or even millions of dollars.
Why Is This Penny Worth $7.9 Million?
During World War II, the U.S. needed copper for war supplies. So in 1943, the U.S. Mint started making pennies out of steel instead of copper. These steel pennies look silver and were made by the millions. But by mistake, a few were still made from copper blanks that were left in the machines.
This minting error is what makes the 1943 copper penny so rare. Experts believe fewer than 20 real copper pennies from that year exist. Because of how rare they are and the story behind their creation, collectors are willing to pay a fortune for them. One of the best-preserved 1943 copper pennies was sold for $7.9 million.
Could One Still Be Out There?
It might sound crazy, but yes—it’s possible that one of these valuable pennies is still out there, hiding in a jar of spare change or an old coin collection. Many people don’t check their change closely, especially when it comes to pennies. Over the years, a few of these rare coins have been found by everyday people who noticed something odd about their penny.
There could still be a few out there waiting to be discovered. They might be in someone’s attic, a forgotten collection, or even in circulation. This keeps coin collectors and treasure hunters always on the lookout.
How Can You Tell If You Have One?
If you’re wondering whether your 1943 penny might be valuable, here’s what to check:
- Date: It must be from 1943.
- Color: Copper pennies have a brownish or reddish color. Steel ones look silver.
- Magnet Test: Use a magnet—if the coin sticks, it’s steel and not valuable. If it doesn’t stick, it could be copper.
- Mint Mark: Look below the date for a small letter. “D” means Denver, “S” means San Francisco, and no mark means Philadelphia. All copper versions are rare, no matter the mint.
But beware—there are lots of fakes. If you think you have a copper 1943 penny, take it to a certified coin expert for proper testing.
Why Rare Coins Fascinate Us
The Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $7.9 million is more than just a coin—it’s a symbol of history, a mistake that turned into treasure, and a reminder that valuable things can be hidden in plain sight. Its story continues to inspire people to look more closely at the change in their pockets.
Even if you never find one of these ultra-rare pennies, coin collecting can still be fun and even profitable. There are other Lincoln pennies that are worth hundreds or thousands of dollars, like the 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, or 1922 plain penny.
With some knowledge and patience, anyone can start searching. You never know what you might find.
FAQs
1. What makes the 1943 copper penny so rare?
In 1943, pennies were supposed to be made of steel, not copper. A few were accidentally made from leftover copper blanks, making them extremely rare.
2. How can I check if my 1943 penny is copper?
Use a magnet—if it sticks, it’s steel. If it doesn’t, it might be copper. You should also check its color and get it tested by a professional.
3. Can I still find a 1943 copper penny in circulation?
It’s very unlikely, but not impossible. Some have been found by regular people in pocket change or old collections.
4. What should I do if I think I have one?
Do not clean it or damage it. Place it in a soft holder and take it to a certified numismatist for expert evaluation.