A Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $18.9 Million – Could You Have One?
Have you ever thought that something as simple as a coin could be worth millions? If you have a jar of old pennies sitting around the house, it might be time to check it. One of those coins could be a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny that sold for an unbelievable $18.9 million. It sounds like a dream, but it’s true—this kind of coin really exists. Many people are now going through their spare change, hoping to find a hidden treasure.
What Is a Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a special coin in American history. It features President Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat stalks on the back. These coins were made between 1909 and 1958. Most of them aren’t worth much, but a few rare versions can be incredibly valuable—especially one from 1943, which became famous because of a mistake during production in World War II.
Why the 1943 Copper Penny Is So Rare
In 1943, the U.S. needed copper for the war, so the Mint started making pennies out of steel coated with zinc instead of copper. But by accident, a few copper coin blanks were still used. These rare copper pennies weren’t supposed to exist—and that mistake made them some of the most valuable coins ever made. Their rarity and link to history have made them extremely valuable to collectors.
How to Spot a 1943 Copper Penny
Think you might have one? Here’s what to look for:
- Check the date: It must say “1943.”
- Look at the color: Real copper pennies have a reddish-brown tone, unlike the silver-colored steel ones.
- Use a magnet: Steel sticks to a magnet. Copper doesn’t. If your 1943 penny isn’t magnetic, it could be something special.
- Check the weight: Copper pennies weigh about 3.11 grams—heavier than steel ones.
These are simple ways to check if your coin could be worth more. But remember, expert help is needed to confirm if it’s the real deal.
The Magnet Test
The magnet test is an easy first step. If your 1943 penny does stick to a magnet, it’s made of steel and not rare. If it doesn’t stick, that’s a good sign—but don’t celebrate just yet. Some fakes are out there, so a professional will still need to take a closer look.
The Record-Breaking $18.9 Million Sale
Collectors were stunned when a 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny sold for $18.9 million at auction. Only around 20 of these coins are known to exist. The mix of their rare mistake, wartime history, and collector demand pushed the price sky-high. Stories like this have inspired people everywhere to check their old coins again.
Mistakes People Make When Searching
While searching, avoid these common errors:
- Assuming all 1943 pennies are valuable—most are steel and worth only a little.
- Skipping the magnet test—this quick check can save you time.
- Getting fooled by fake copper coins—some are just steel pennies coated to look like copper.
- Ignoring the coin’s condition—even rare coins lose value if they’re scratched or damaged.
Where These Rare Coins Have Been Found
These copper 1943 pennies have turned up in unexpected places. One was found by a teenager in his lunch change. Another showed up in a family’s old coin jar. Others were discovered in inherited coin collections or bank coin rolls. It shows you never know where a valuable coin might be hiding.
Get Your Coin Checked by an Expert
If you think you have one of these rare pennies, send it to a trusted grading service like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation). They can confirm if it’s real and give it an official grade, which makes it easier to sell and increases its value. There’s a cost, but it’s worth it if your coin is valuable.
Keep Looking – You Never Know!
The story of the 1943 copper penny proves that rare treasures can still be out there. Sure, the odds are low—but they’re not zero. Even if you don’t find a million-dollar coin, hunting for old coins can be fun and rewarding. It’s a way to learn about history and maybe even strike gold.
So next time you find a penny or stumble on a jar of coins, take a closer look. That simple coin could be worth far more than you think. And even if it’s not, the search can be exciting.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational use only. Coin prices change over time, and there’s no guarantee you’ll find or own a valuable coin. If you think you have a rare coin, contact a professional grading service for an expert opinion. The $18.9 million penny mentioned is based on reported auction results.
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