Imagine finding a coin in your pocket worth more than a luxury car or even a house. Sounds unbelievable, right? But it’s true! There’s a special coin called the Lincoln Wheat Penny that could be worth as much as $1.75 million—and it might still be out there in everyday circulation. This rare coin is surprising many collectors and hobbyists, and the story behind it is even more fascinating. Let’s find out what makes this penny so valuable and how you might just be lucky enough to find one.
What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, also called the “Wheat Cent,” was first introduced in 1909. It was created to celebrate the 100th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln. The coin features his profile on the front and two wheat ears on the back, which is why it’s called the Wheat Penny. This design lasted until 1958, after which it was changed to the Lincoln Memorial design.
These pennies were very common and used in everyday transactions for decades. Most of them are still only worth a cent, but some rare versions are now worth thousands—or even millions—of dollars.
Why is One Penny Worth $1.75 Million?
Not every Lincoln Wheat Penny is valuable. The one that’s worth $1.75 million is rare because of a mistake made during its production. This particular coin was made in 1943, during World War II. That year, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel to save copper for the war effort. So all pennies were supposed to be made of steel.
However, a few copper blanks (the round metal pieces used to make coins) were accidentally used in 1943. These rare copper 1943 pennies are now worth a fortune. Only a handful of them are known to exist, and collectors are willing to pay millions to own one.
How Can You Identify This Rare Penny?
The easiest way to tell if your penny is the rare 1943 copper version is by using a magnet. Since steel is magnetic and copper is not, a genuine 1943 copper penny will not stick to a magnet. If you find a 1943 penny that doesn’t stick, you could have something extremely valuable in your hands.
But be careful—there are many fake coins and altered pennies out there. Some people try to change the date on copper pennies from other years to make them look like the 1943 version. Experts can easily spot these fakes, so it’s best to get the coin checked by a professional.
Still in Circulation?
Yes, it’s possible that one of these rare coins is still out there. Over the years, many old coins have been forgotten in piggy banks, drawers, and jars. Because of this, it’s not impossible to find a rare penny in your change—even today. That’s why coin collectors and treasure hunters are always checking their pocket change carefully.
What to Do if You Find One
If you think you’ve found a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny, especially a 1943 copper one, don’t try to clean or alter it in any way. This can reduce its value. Instead, take it to a coin shop or a trusted expert for verification. If it turns out to be real, you could be sitting on a small fortune!
The story of the $1.75 million Lincoln Wheat Penny proves that treasure can be hiding in plain sight. While most coins in your wallet won’t be worth more than their face value, it doesn’t hurt to look a little closer. You never know—you might just be the lucky person who finds this rare piece of history. So next time you receive change, take a moment to check. That one cent could be worth over a million dollars.
FAQs
What makes the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $1.75 million?
This penny is valuable because it was mistakenly made with copper instead of steel during World War II. Only a few of these rare copper coins exist.
How can I check if my 1943 penny is valuable?
Use a magnet. If the penny sticks, it’s made of steel and common. If it doesn’t stick, it might be copper and valuable. Always have it verified by an expert.
Are these rare pennies still in circulation?
Yes, it’s possible. Many coins remain forgotten in jars and drawers. Checking old change can sometimes reveal hidden treasures.
What should I do if I find a 1943 copper penny?
Don’t clean or damage it. Take it to a certified coin dealer or numismatic expert to verify its authenticity and value.
Why did the U.S. Mint use steel for pennies in 1943?
During World War II, copper was needed for ammunition, so the Mint used steel coated with zinc for making pennies that year.
