This Penny Sold for $9.2 Million – Could You Have One?
It might sound like a dream, but it’s true—a tiny one-cent coin once used for everyday purchases sold for $9.2 million. This coin is known as the Lincoln Wheat Penny, and what’s even more exciting is that a few like it might still be out there in pockets, jars, or old collections. Yes, you could have a fortune hiding in your change.
A Brief History of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first made in 1909 to honor President Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person. Designed by Victor David Brenner, it has Lincoln’s face on the front and two wheat stalks on the back, which is why it’s called a “Wheat Penny.” These coins were made until 1958, after which the design changed to the Lincoln Memorial.
While most of these pennies are worth just a few cents, a few rare ones are now worth thousands—or even millions.
The $9.2 Million Penny from World War II
The most valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny is the 1943 Bronze Penny, worth an unbelievable $9.2 million. During World War II, the U.S. needed copper for military equipment, so pennies in 1943 were made from steel with a zinc coating, giving them a silver color.
But by mistake, a few copper blanks from 1942 were left in the machines. These made it into circulation as bronze 1943 pennies. Fewer than 20 of these error coins are known to exist today. That’s what makes them so rare and valuable.
How To Spot a Valuable Lincoln Penny
If you’re curious whether you have one of these rare coins, here’s what to check:
- Date: Look for the year 1943.
- Color: Regular 1943 pennies are silver-colored (steel). The rare bronze ones are brownish like regular pennies.
- Magnet Test: Use a magnet. Steel pennies stick. Bronze ones won’t.
- Mint Mark: Below the year, check for a small letter like D (Denver) or S (San Francisco). These can make the coin even more valuable.
Don’t clean the coin—it can lower its value. If it looks rare, place it in a plastic coin holder and have it looked at by an expert.
Other Rare and Valuable Wheat Pennies
The 1943 Bronze Penny isn’t the only one worth money. Here are a few more valuable ones:
- 1909-S VDB: Made in San Francisco with the designer’s initials. Worth up to $100,000 in great condition.
- 1914-D: From Denver, can be worth over $10,000.
- 1922 No D: A rare error with no mint mark, very valuable.
- 1955 Double Die: Shows a doubling in the text—another collector favorite.
Even tiny minting mistakes can make a coin worth a small fortune.
Where You Might Find One
These rare pennies can turn up in the most unexpected places:
- In old coin jars or piggy banks
- In coin rolls from the bank
- At garage sales, flea markets, or estate sales
- In inherited collections
One high school student famously found a 1943 bronze penny in his lunch change. He later sold it for over $200,000!
What To Do If You Think You Found One
- Handle with care – touch only the edges.
- Store it safely – use a coin flip or protective case.
- Get it checked – have it evaluated by a professional coin expert or grading service like PCGS or NGC.
- Think about selling – if it’s real, you might want to sell it through a major auction house to get the highest price.
FAQs
Q1: How can I tell if my penny is made of bronze or steel?
A: Use a magnet! Steel pennies stick to magnets, while bronze ones do not. Also, bronze pennies look brown or copper-colored, not silver.
Q2: Are all 1943 pennies valuable?
A: No. Most 1943 pennies are steel and common. Only the rare bronze versions from 1943 are worth big money.
Q3: Can I sell a rare penny myself?
A: You can, but it’s better to go through a professional auction house or dealer, especially for coins worth thousands or more.
Q4: What if I find a penny that looks rare but I’m not sure?
A: Don’t clean it. Store it safely and take it to a coin expert or a grading service to find out if it’s valuable.