The Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $21 Million: Could It Be in Your Pocket
It’s easy to overlook small coins in our pockets or change jars. Most of us think of pennies as nearly worthless—but what if one of them was worth more than a luxury car, mansion, or even a private island? Believe it or not, there’s a Lincoln Wheat Penny that has been valued at a mind-blowing $21 million, and it could still be out there.
This isn’t just a collector’s dream—it’s based on the real value of certain rare coins. The Lincoln Wheat Penny may seem like just another old coin, but specific versions are incredibly rare and valuable. If you’ve ever found an old penny and tossed it aside, you might want to take a second look.
What Is a Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was introduced in 1909 and continued until 1958. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real historical figure—Abraham Lincoln—on the front. On the back, it has two simple wheat stalks and the words “ONE CENT.”
Most of these pennies are common and only worth a few cents today. But a few special versions, because of errors, low mintage, or unusual materials, are worth thousands—and in rare cases, millions.
Overview Table – Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies and Their Estimated Values
| Year / Type | Mint Mark | Estimated Value | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny | No Mint / D / S | Up to $21 Million | Extremely rare; made from copper by mistake |
| 1909-S VDB | S | $1,000 – $100,000 | First year; designer’s initials on reverse |
| 1914-D | D | $500 – $15,000 | Scarce and highly sought after |
| 1922 No D | No D | $1,000 – $6,000 | Mint error; missing Denver mint mark |
| 1955 Double Die | No Mint | $1,500 – $20,000 | Double image effect on lettering |
| 1944 Steel Penny | No Mint / D | $75,000 – $125,000 | War-time error; wrong material used |
Why Is the 1943 Copper Penny Worth $21 Million?
During World War II, copper was needed for military equipment, so the U.S. Mint began making pennies from steel coated with zinc in 1943. But by mistake, a few copper blanks (from 1942) were left in the machines and got stamped as 1943 pennies.
These copper 1943 Wheat Pennies are incredibly rare. Experts estimate that only 10 to 15 exist today. Because of their unique history and scarcity, collectors are willing to pay millions for one—especially if it’s in perfect or near-perfect condition.
One such coin was rumored to be sold privately for $21 million, making it one of the most expensive coins ever traded.
Could It Still Be in Circulation?
Yes, it’s possible—although rare. Coins get lost, forgotten, or passed down in families. Many people don’t know what to look for and might have a valuable penny sitting in a jar or an old box of keepsakes.
You might find one:
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In penny rolls from the bank.
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In change after shopping.
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In your grandparents’ coin collections.
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At flea markets or estate sales.
Finding one is unlikely, but not impossible. And with a possible payout in the millions, it’s worth checking.
How to Check If You Have the $21 Million Penny
Think you have a special Wheat Penny? Here’s what to do:
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Check the date – Look for 1943.
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Test it with a magnet – If it sticks, it’s steel and common. If it doesn’t, it may be copper and rare.
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Look at the color – Copper pennies are reddish-brown. Steel ones are greyish-silver.
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Weigh the coin – Copper pennies weigh about 3.11 grams. Steel pennies are lighter, around 2.7 grams.
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Examine the mint mark – Look under the date for a “D” (Denver), “S” (San Francisco), or no mark (Philadelphia).
If all signs point to copper, and it’s a 1943 penny, you might have something extremely valuable in your hands.
What to Do If You Think You Have One
If you believe you’ve found a rare 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny, follow these steps:
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Do not clean the coin. Cleaning it could scratch the surface and lower its value.
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Place it in a safe holder like a plastic coin case or sleeve.
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Get it verified by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.
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Consult a coin dealer for an appraisal or consider sending it to auction.
It’s important to be cautious—many fake versions exist, and scams are common in the coin world. Use reputable services and never give your coin to someone without proof of trust and expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many 1943 copper Wheat Pennies exist?
Experts believe only about 10 to 15 genuine coins exist, making them one of the rarest coins in U.S. history.
2. What makes the 1943 copper penny so valuable?
It was a mistake. The mint used copper blanks in a year they were supposed to use steel. This error makes the few copper coins extremely rare.
3. Can I find valuable pennies in coin rolls from the bank?
Yes, it’s rare, but people have found rare coins in bank rolls and pocket change. It’s a smart and affordable way to hunt for treasure.
4. Is it legal to sell rare coins like this?
Absolutely. Once authenticated, you can legally sell rare coins through auctions, dealers, or collectors for top value.
5. What other years of Wheat Pennies are worth money?
Aside from 1943, look out for 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 No D, 1955 Double Die, and 1944 Steel Penny—all can be worth thousands.
Conclusion
The idea of a $21 million penny sitting unnoticed in your pocket or change jar might sound unbelievable, but it’s real. The 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny is not only rare, but it also tells a story from a time when even the materials used in coins were impacted by war.
With just a few of these coins ever made, finding one is like winning the lottery. Still, they could be out there—waiting to be discovered by someone who takes a moment to look closely.
So next time you’re sorting through your coins, don’t rush. You might just be holding a piece of history that could change your life forever.