Most of us don’t think twice about pennies. They end up in couch cushions, rattle around in glove compartments, or collect dust at the bottom of a change jar. But what if one of those overlooked coins turned out to be worth $6.6 million? Sounds like something out of a movie, right? Believe it or not, a super rare Lincoln Wheat Penny actually sold for that jaw-dropping amount—and a few more might still be floating around in everyday circulation.
So, What’s the Big Deal with the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
Back in 1909, the U.S. Mint introduced the Lincoln Wheat Penny to honor Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person—before that, coins typically showed symbolic figures like Lady Liberty. Designed by Victor David Brenner, the coin features Lincoln’s profile on the front and two wheat stalks on the back to represent prosperity.
Most of these pennies are only worth their face value, maybe a few cents more to collectors. But a select few are worth an absolute fortune—and that’s where the legendary 1943 Copper Penny comes in.
Why Is the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $6.6 Million?
Let’s rewind to World War II. In 1943, copper was in high demand for military use—so the U.S. Mint decided to make pennies out of steel instead. But due to a minting oversight, a few leftover copper blanks accidentally got used. The result? A tiny batch of genuine 1943 Copper Pennies slipped through.
Here’s why they’re such a big deal:
- Wartime Metal Change: 1943 pennies were supposed to be made of steel. Copper was reserved for the war effort.
- Minting Mistake: A few copper blanks were mistakenly used, creating a handful of “wrong-metal” pennies.
- Extreme Rarity: Only about 15 to 20 are known to exist.
- Record Sale: One sold at auction for a mind-blowing $6.6 million, making it one of the most valuable coins ever sold.
Could One Still Be Out There?
Absolutely. Because the 1943 Copper Penny looks just like a regular penny at first glance, many people may have spent one without realizing it. That means one could still be hiding in someone’s spare change, a dusty piggy bank, or even a box of old coins passed down through generations.
So how can you tell if you have a million-dollar penny?
How to Check If You Have a $6.6 Million Penny
Start by digging through your change and looking for a penny from 1943. Found one? Great—now here’s how to test it:
- Magnet Test: Most 1943 pennies are made of steel and will stick to a magnet. A genuine 1943 Copper Penny will not.
- Check the Color: Copper pennies have a reddish-orange hue, while steel pennies look grayish.
- Weigh It: A copper penny weighs about 3.11 grams, while a steel penny weighs only 2.7 grams.
- Get It Verified: If your 1943 penny passes these tests, have it professionally authenticated by a grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Where Might You Find One?
Your best bet isn’t a bank vault—it’s everyday spots people usually overlook:
- Old Piggy Banks or Jars: Many people store coins for years without checking them.
- Estate Sales or Flea Markets: Sometimes rare coins are sold for pennies (literally).
- Inherited Collections: If someone in your family was a coin collector, you might already have a hidden gem.
- Bank Coin Rolls: Some treasure hunters get rolls of pennies from the bank and search through them.
What to Do If You Think You’ve Found One
Don’t go spending it at the corner store just yet! Here’s what you should do:
- Protect It: Store the penny in a coin sleeve or holder to prevent damage.
- Compare It: Look up photos of authentic 1943 Copper Pennies and match yours closely.
- Test Again: Use a magnet and a digital scale for a second check.
- Get It Graded: Send it to a certified coin grading company for official verification.
- Sell It Smart: If it’s real, consider selling it through:
- Auction Houses (like Heritage Auctions)
- Reputable Coin Dealers
- Online Marketplaces (eBay, Coin forums)
Final Thoughts
A $6.6 million penny? It sounds wild—but it’s real. And while the odds of finding one are slim, the possibility is enough to make anyone take a second look at the change in their pocket. So before you toss those pennies aside, take a moment to check the date. You just might be sitting on a life-changing treasure.