Most of us barely give a second thought to the pennies we get back as change
Pennies often end up tossed into drawers, forgotten in car consoles, or lost under furniture. But what if one of those tiny copper coins was worth a fortune? It might sound like fiction, but it’s actually true.
There’s a specific penny—yes, a regular-looking one—that could be hiding in your spare change and might be valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars. This isn’t just the dream of coin collectors; it’s the real story behind a legendary coin known as the Lincoln Wheat Penny.
A Penny That Made History
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first struck in 1909 to mark the centennial of President Abraham Lincoln’s birth. It was the first time in U.S. history that a real person appeared on a coin—before that, American coins featured symbolic figures like Lady Liberty.
The coin’s front side, also called the “obverse,” was designed by Victor David Brenner and showed Lincoln’s side profile. The back side displayed two curved wheat ears, giving rise to the coin’s nickname: the Wheat Penny. Although hundreds of millions were minted from 1909 to 1958, a few rare versions can now fetch prices as high as $510,000.
A Wartime Mistake Worth a Fortune
One of the rarest and most valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies was minted in 1943, during the height of World War II. Because copper was needed for ammunition and other military gear, the U.S. Mint switched to steel for penny production that year.
However, a few copper planchets from the previous year remained in the machinery. These leftover copper blanks were mistakenly struck into 1943 pennies. Only around 20 of these copper 1943 coins are believed to exist today. Their extreme rarity has pushed their value up to $510,000, depending on condition. To test yours, use a magnet—steel coins will stick, copper ones won’t.
Other Lincoln Pennies That Could Be Hiding in Your Change
The famous 1943 copper penny isn’t the only one that could bring in a windfall. There are several Lincoln Wheat Pennies worth keeping an eye out for in your coin jar. The 1909-S VDB, for instance, was minted in San Francisco and displays the initials of the designer.
Only 484,000 of these were made, making them incredibly scarce. Another rare one is the 1914-D from the Denver Mint, which is hard to find today. The 1922 “Plain” penny lacks a mint mark due to a striking error, and the 1955 “Double Die” shows visible doubling in its text, making it a favorite among collectors.
How to Tell If Your Penny Is Valuable
Start by looking closely at the date and mint mark on the coin. These marks are found just below the year and can tell you where the coin was made: a “D” stands for Denver, “S” for San Francisco, and if there’s no mark, it came from Philadelphia.
Some year-and-mint mark combinations are much rarer than others. If you come across a 1943 penny that looks like it’s made of copper, test it with a magnet—steel will attract, copper won’t. If yours isn’t magnetic, don’t clean it. Cleaning can reduce a coin’s value. Instead, handle it gently by the edges and consider having it professionally authenticated.
Coin Collecting: A Treasure Hunt in Your Pocket
What’s amazing about coin collecting is that rare treasures might still be circulating. Unlike expensive art or collectibles locked away in museums, these valuable coins might be sitting in your pocket change, tucked into an old jar, or resting in a forgotten box in your attic.
That’s part of the fun—turning everyday objects into thrilling discoveries. With just a bit of curiosity and attention to detail, you could uncover a coin worth hundreds of dollars or more. It’s a hobby that combines history, treasure hunting, and a bit of luck.
A Tiny Coin with a Giant Legacy
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is proof that even ordinary things can have extraordinary stories. With its blend of historic importance, accidental errors, and extreme rarity, it holds a special place in the world of numismatics. It’s more than just a penny—it’s a symbol of how a simple object can become a prized possession. The next time you receive a handful of change, don’t dismiss the pennies. Take a closer look. One of them might just hold the key to an incredible story—and an even more incredible value.
FAQs
How can I tell if my 1943 penny is made of copper?
Use a magnet. If the penny sticks, it’s steel. If it doesn’t, you may have a rare copper version worth serious money.
Where do I find the mint mark on a Lincoln penny?
The mint mark is located just below the date on the front side. It shows where the coin was produced—Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco.
Can I clean a valuable coin to make it look better?
No, cleaning a coin can reduce its value. Always handle coins by their edges and store them in a safe, non-abrasive environment.
What’s the best way to verify a rare coin’s authenticity?
Send it to a professional grading service. They’ll examine the coin, assign a grade, and seal it in a tamper-proof protective case.
