The Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $770,000: A Tiny Coin with a Big Surprise
Have you ever thought a penny could be worth more than a luxury car—or even a house? Most pennies are only worth one cent, but a few rare ones can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. One of the most valuable is the 1943 bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny, which once sold for a jaw-dropping $770,000!
How the Lincoln Penny Became Famous
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first made in 1909 to honor Abraham Lincoln on the 100th anniversary of his birth. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person instead of a symbol like Lady Liberty. The front shows Lincoln’s face, while the back shows two wheat stalks—giving it the nickname “Wheat Penny.” This design lasted until 1958, when the back was changed to the Lincoln Memorial.
A Wartime Mistake Made This Penny a Fortune
During World War II, copper was needed for weapons and equipment. So, in 1943, the U.S. Mint started making pennies out of steel coated with zinc instead of copper. But by mistake, a few copper blanks from 1942 were left in the machines and used to make a small number of 1943 bronze pennies.
These rare mistake coins were never supposed to exist—making them incredibly valuable. One of them sold for $770,000, turning a simple penny into a life-changing find.
How to Spot a Rare 1943 Penny
If you want to check if you have one of these special coins, here’s what to look for:
- Date: It should say 1943.
- Color: Most 1943 pennies are silver-colored (steel). If yours is copper-colored, that’s a good sign.
- Magnet Test: Steel pennies will stick to a magnet. A real 1943 bronze penny won’t.
- Weight: A bronze penny weighs about 3.11 grams. A steel one weighs around 2.7 grams.
If your penny matches these signs, don’t get too excited just yet—there are many fakes out there. You’ll need to have it checked by a professional coin expert.
Other Wheat Pennies That Are Worth Money
The 1943 bronze penny isn’t the only valuable Wheat Penny. Here are some others to watch for:
- 1909-S VDB Penny – This one has the designer’s initials “VDB” on the back and was made in San Francisco. In top condition, it could be worth $100,000.
- 1944 Steel Penny – Another mistake coin. Some steel blanks were accidentally used after the Mint went back to copper. These coins can sell for over $100,000.
- 1955 Double Die Penny – This penny has doubled letters and numbers due to a minting error. Depending on its shape, it can be worth $1,500 to $50,000.
You Might Still Find One Today
One of the most exciting things about these rare pennies is that they might still be out there! Some have been found in old coin jars, bank rolls, or even in regular change. Because they look like normal pennies, people often spend them without knowing their value.
More Than Just Money: A Piece of U.S. History
These Wheat Pennies aren’t just valuable—they’re part of American history. They were used during major events like both World Wars and the Great Depression. The 1943 bronze penny, in particular, tells a story of how the U.S. adapted during wartime.
So next time you come across some loose change or dig into an old jar of coins, take a closer look. You might just find a small copper coin with a very big story—and an even bigger price tag.
