In today’s world, where everything is becoming digital, we often forget that old coins can still hold great value. One such coin is the Lincoln Wheat Penny. What may look like a small, old coin in your pocket or piggy bank could actually be worth a fortune. In fact, there is a rare version of the Lincoln Wheat Penny that is currently valued at up to $200,000—and the most surprising part is, it’s still out there in circulation.
What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, also known as the “Wheat Cent,” was first introduced in the year 1909. It was created to honor President Abraham Lincoln, making it the first U.S. coin to feature a real person. The coin has two wheat ears on the back, which is why it’s called the “Wheat Penny.”
It was produced until 1958, and after that, the design was changed to feature the Lincoln Memorial. Though millions of these coins were made, only a few rare versions are now extremely valuable to coin collectors and investors.
Why is One Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $200,000?
Not all Lincoln Wheat Pennies are worth a lot of money. Most of them are only worth a few cents or a dollar at most. However, there are rare ones with minting mistakes or special features that make them highly valuable. The one that’s worth around $200,000 is a 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny.
In 1943, during World War II, pennies were supposed to be made from steel to save copper for war supplies. But a few copper planchets (metal pieces used to make coins) were accidentally used that year. This error created a small number of copper pennies, and now these coins are extremely rare.
How to Identify the Rare 1943 Copper Penny
If you want to check your coins at home, look for a 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny that sticks to a magnet. If it sticks, it’s made of steel. But if it doesn’t, you might have the rare copper version. Also, copper pennies from that year will have a reddish tone instead of silver-grey.
But be careful—many fake versions exist. If you think you have a rare one, it’s best to get it checked by a professional coin expert or a grading company to know its real value.
Where Can You Find These Valuable Pennies?
The exciting part is that these coins can still be found in regular circulation. That means you could find one in your pocket change, an old piggy bank, or among coins handed down by your grandparents. Some people even find them at garage sales, old coin jars, or flea markets.
So, next time you get change from a shop or bank, take a moment to check the pennies carefully. You never know when you might come across this hidden treasure.
Should You Sell or Keep the Rare Penny?
If you are lucky enough to find a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny, you have two choices: sell it or keep it. Many coin collectors will pay a lot for such a rare coin. However, if you love collecting or believe the coin’s value may increase further in the future, keeping it might be a smart move.
No matter what you decide, make sure to store the coin properly. Keep it in a cool, dry place and avoid touching it with your bare hands too often. This will protect its condition and help keep its value high.
Finding a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $200,000 is like discovering a small piece of history that’s also a hidden treasure. Even though these coins are more than 80 years old, they can still be found in everyday change. All it takes is a sharp eye and a little bit of luck. So next time you get some coins back after shopping, take a close look—you might just be holding a fortune without even knowing it.
FAQs
Why is the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny so valuable?
The 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny is valuable because it was accidentally made from copper instead of steel during World War II. Only a few were made, making them extremely rare and worth up to $200,000.
How can I tell if I have the rare 1943 copper penny?
To check if your 1943 penny is the rare copper version, use a magnet. If it doesn’t stick and has a reddish tone, it might be copper. It’s best to get it checked by a professional.
Can I still find rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies in circulation?
Yes, rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies, including the 1943 copper version, can sometimes still be found in regular change, old jars, or collections.
What should I do if I find a rare penny?
If you think you’ve found a rare penny, avoid cleaning it and take it to a certified coin expert or grading service to confirm its value and authenticity.
Is it better to sell or keep a valuable penny?
It depends on your goals. Selling can bring quick money, but keeping it may increase its value over time if you’re a collector.
