Plenty of folks dream about striking it rich—but what if the jackpot’s already rattling around in your change jar? It might sound like something out of a tall tale, but for a lucky few, the Lincoln Wheat Penny has turned spare change into serious cash.
One of these unassuming little coins—once enough for a piece of candy—can now fetch as much as $5 million. And the best part? Some of these hidden gems are still out there, quietly passing from hand to hand.
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, also known as the “Wheat Cent,” made its debut in 1909, marking 100 years since Abraham Lincoln’s birth. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person, with Lincoln’s face on the front and twin wheat stalks on the back—a nod to growth and prosperity. The design, crafted by Victor David Brenner, stuck around until 1958, when it gave way to the Lincoln Memorial reverse.
Over time, this little coin became a collector favorite—not just for its design, but for the rich slice of history it represents. Most aren’t worth more than face value, but a few… well, let’s just say they’re worth a lot more than a penny.
Millions
Sure, most Wheat Pennies won’t make headlines—but a few rare ones definitely have. The standout? The 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny. During WWII, copper was critical for the war effort, so the Mint switched to steel pennies that year. But by sheer accident, a few leftover copper blanks from 1942 slipped through and were struck with the 1943 date.
That tiny mistake created one of the most coveted coins in American history. Fewer than two dozen are known to exist, and collectors have been chasing them for decades. One even sold for nearly $1.7 million—and experts think a flawless specimen could top $5 million at auction today.
Clues
Think you might have one of these treasures? Don’t worry—you don’t need to be a numismatist to start the hunt. Plenty of people have stumbled across valuable Wheat Pennies in jars of old change or even handed back as store cash.
Start by checking the year. If you spot a 1943 penny, do a quick magnet test. Steel pennies will stick. Copper ones won’t—and that’s where things get interesting.
Also, look for mint marks. A little “D” or “S” under the date shows the coin was minted in Denver or San Francisco. These can make a coin even more valuable, especially if it’s still in great shape. Condition matters a lot—crisp details and shine can bump up the price. And if you think you’ve struck gold? Have it authenticated by a professional grader before making any big moves.
Others
While the 1943 copper penny steals the spotlight, it’s not the only Wheat Cent worth watching for. Take the 1909-S VDB, for example. It’s another prized find, thanks to its low mintage at the San Francisco Mint and the “VDB” initials of the original designer. Collectors love it for both its rarity and historical significance.
Then there’s the 1914-D penny from the Denver Mint—a tricky one to find in good shape. Because not many were made, surviving examples in decent condition can be worth a pretty penny—literally.
Even if you don’t score the legendary $5 million coin, these lesser-known rarities can still be worth hundreds or even thousands if they’re in solid shape.
Treasure
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is more than a relic—it’s a pocket-sized piece of history with the potential to change your life. Whether it’s the elusive 1943 copper version or another rare edition, these coins serve as a powerful reminder: sometimes, the most valuable things are hiding in plain sight.
So next time you’re sorting through spare change or cleaning out an old drawer, take a moment. That ordinary-looking penny might just turn out to be a life-changing surprise.
FAQs
What is a Lincoln Wheat Penny?
A U.S. cent made from 1909 to 1958 with Lincoln’s portrait and wheat stalks.
What makes the 1943 copper penny rare?
It was accidentally made from copper during a steel production year.
How do I check if it’s a steel or copper penny?
Use a magnet—steel sticks, copper doesn’t.
Are other years valuable too?
Yes, coins like the 1909-S VDB and 1914-D are also rare.
Should I get my penny checked?
Yes, always have rare coins verified by a coin grading expert.
