Most of us don’t think twice about the pennies rattling around in our pockets or tucked away in change jars. They’re the coins we use to even out a dollar or just toss into a drawer and forget. But what if one of those humble pennies was actually worth a jaw-dropping $222 million? It sounds like something out of a Hollywood heist movie—but this unbelievable claim is tied to a rare and mysterious Lincoln Wheat Penny. And while $222 million might be a stretch, there are pennies out there worth life-changing sums of money.
What’s the Big Deal About the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
Let’s rewind to 1909. That year marked the 100th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln, and the U.S. Mint decided to honor him with a brand-new penny design. Enter the Lincoln Wheat Penny, created by artist Victor David Brenner. It was the first American coin to feature a real person—replacing the classic symbolic figures like Lady Liberty.
- Front (obverse): Lincoln’s profile.
- Back (reverse): Two wheat stalks curving around the words “ONE CENT”—a symbol of prosperity.
This design stuck around until 1958, when it was swapped out for the Lincoln Memorial reverse we’re more familiar with today.
So… $222 Million for a Penny?
Let’s be real—most experts agree that a $222 million price tag for a single penny is highly unlikely. But here’s where things get interesting: some Lincoln Wheat Pennies have legitimately sold for hundreds of thousands—even millions—of dollars. If a penny were to fetch such a wild price, it would have to be:
- A one-of-a-kind minting mistake.
- A prototype or unreleased pattern coin.
- Or the crown jewel: an ultra-rare 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny.
The 1943 Bronze Penny: A Coin Collector’s Holy Grail
During World War II, the U.S. needed copper for ammunition and equipment, so pennies in 1943 were made from zinc-coated steel. But a few bronze planchets—blanks meant for 1942 pennies—somehow made it through the minting process.
And those accidents? They turned into treasures.
- Only about 20 to 40 of these 1943 bronze pennies are known to exist.
- One sold for $1.7 million at auction.
- If a new, never-before-seen version popped up today, who knows what it could go for?
How to Know If You’ve Got a Valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny
Not every old penny is a goldmine, but here are some ways to spot the truly special ones:
- Check the Year: Keep an eye out for key dates like 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, and that elusive 1943 bronze version.
- Mint Marks Matter: A small “S” or “D” under the date (San Francisco or Denver) can mean serious value.
- Try the Magnet Test: A real 1943 steel penny will stick. If your 1943 penny doesn’t? You might be onto something.
- Look at the Condition: Like anything collectible, condition is king. A mint-condition coin is worth way more than one that’s worn or damaged.
Could One Still Be Hiding in Plain Sight?
Absolutely. Valuable pennies have turned up in the wild before—literally sitting in people’s piggy banks or tucked away in jars. Some have even been spotted in:
- Bank coin rolls
- Flea markets and garage sales
- Inherited collections
- Forgotten dresser drawers
What to Do If You Think You’ve Hit the Jackpot
- Don’t spend it! Set it aside immediately.
- Research it online to compare it with verified rare pennies.
- Try simple tests (like the magnet test if it’s a 1943 coin).
- Get it professionally graded through a service like PCGS or NGC.
- Sell smart—go through auction houses or trusted coin dealers.
The Bottom Line
A $222 million Lincoln Wheat Penny might sound like internet legend, but the truth is still pretty amazing: some of these coins are worth a fortune. While your odds of finding one are slim, they’re not zero. And that’s what makes it so exciting.
So next time you find a penny lying around, don’t just brush it aside—check the date. That little coin might just be your lucky break.