A lot of people dream about stumbling across hidden treasure—but what if that treasure has been riding around in your pocket this whole time? Believe it or not, a rare version of the Lincoln Wheat Penny, potentially worth as much as $123,000, might still be out there, mixed in with everyday change.
That possibility has coin collectors—and everyday folks—checking their coins a lot more carefully lately.
History
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first issued in 1909 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. It replaced the Indian Head cent and became the first U.S. coin to feature a real person. Designed by Victor David Brenner, the coin stayed in circulation until 1958.
Its nickname comes from the back of the coin, which features two wheat stalks curving around the sides. While these pennies might look pretty ordinary at first glance, certain versions are incredibly rare—and collectors are willing to pay top dollar to get their hands on them.
Value
Now, not every old penny is worth a fortune—but some definitely are. The standout example? The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny. That year, during World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to making pennies from steel to conserve copper for the war effort. But a few bronze blanks were accidentally used, and those rare mistakes are now worth a fortune.
Only a small number of these bronze 1943 pennies are known to exist. And when one turns up in good condition at auction? It can sell for as much as $123,000—or possibly even more, depending on its rarity and grade.
Circulation
Here’s the part that really blows people’s minds: some of these rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies might still be out there in circulation.
They’re easy to miss because they look almost exactly like the regular ones. That means one could be sitting in an old coin jar, hiding in a drawer, or handed to you as change without anyone realizing its value. Some may have been passed down through generations or quietly stashed away without much thought.
That’s part of what makes collecting these coins so exciting. It’s not just about history—it’s about the thrill of the hunt. And anyone could strike gold (or bronze, in this case) just by paying attention.
Identification
So how do you know if your penny is a valuable one?
Start with the basics. Check the year on the front—rare versions like the 1943 bronze penny, the 1909-S VDB, and the 1914-D are known to be worth serious money. Flip it over: if it has two wheat stalks on the back, you’ve got a Wheat Penny. That alone doesn’t make it rare, but it’s a starting point.
Pay attention to the color, too. Most 1943 pennies were made from steel and look silver, not coppery. If you find one from 1943 that’s brown or bronze-colored, that’s a huge clue.
Try the magnet test—steel sticks, copper doesn’t. If your 1943 penny doesn’t stick to a magnet, it’s definitely worth a closer look. At that point, don’t guess—take it to a coin expert or appraisal service to get a professional opinion.
Even if your coin isn’t worth thousands, many Wheat Pennies can still fetch a few bucks more than their face value, especially in good condition.
Buzz
The story of these rare pennies has sparked a wave of excitement. More people are digging through old jars, checking their wallets, and sharing finds on social media. Videos of lucky collectors scoring big have gone viral, helping turn coin hunting into a full-blown trend.
Coin collecting is quickly becoming more than just a hobby. For some, it’s a side hustle or even an investment strategy. And all it takes is one lucky find to turn a regular day into something unforgettable.
The idea that a penny—something we barely even notice—could be worth $123,000 is pretty incredible. It’s a reminder that sometimes, life’s biggest surprises come in the smallest packages.
So next time you get some change, don’t be too quick to spend it. That one old coin could end up being your very own buried treasure.
FAQs
Why is the 1943 bronze penny rare?
It was mistakenly made from bronze instead of steel.
How can I spot a valuable Wheat Penny?
Look for rare dates, errors, and bronze color.
Are rare Wheat Pennies still in circulation?
Yes, many could still be in wallets or jars.
Should I clean an old penny I find?
No, cleaning it may lower its value.
What’s the most valuable Wheat Penny?
One of the 1943 bronze versions sold for $123,000.
