Ever toss your spare change in a jar without thinking twice? You might want to dig through it—because there’s a chance, however small, that one of those pennies could be worth millions. Sounds wild, right? But it’s true. One particular Lincoln Wheat Penny has been valued as high as $71 million. That’s not a typo. This little coin could be worth more than a luxury penthouse in Manhattan. So what makes these pennies so special? Let’s find out.
What’s the Story Behind the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
It all starts back in 1909, when the U.S. Mint decided to honor Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday by putting his face on a penny—the first time a real person (not a symbol) had ever appeared on a U.S. coin. On the back? Two graceful wheat stalks, which is how it got the nickname Wheat Penny.
This design stuck around until 1958, when it was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial we’re used to seeing today. For decades, Wheat Pennies were just everyday pocket change—but a few of them turned out to be anything but ordinary.
Why Are Some Wheat Pennies Worth So Much?
Not every old penny is valuable. In fact, most are still only worth a cent. But there’s a twist: minting errors. When a coin is accidentally made with the wrong materials or has some unique flaw, collectors go wild for it.
The 1943 Copper Wheat Penny is the crown jewel of these mistakes.
The 1943 Copper Penny: A $71 Million Fluke
Here’s the deal: during World War II, copper was in high demand for ammunition and military equipment. So in 1943, the U.S. Mint decided to make pennies out of steel coated with zinc instead of copper. But somehow, a few copper blanks were still hanging around in the machines—and boom, a handful of copper pennies were accidentally minted that year.
These weren’t supposed to exist.
Only a tiny number of these 1943 copper pennies are known to exist today. And because of their rarity, collectors have shelled out millions for one. One pristine example has even been valued at $71 million—more than most people will earn in a lifetime.
Could You Have One of These Rare Pennies?
If you’ve got a jar full of old coins, now’s the time to take a look. Here’s what to check:
- The Date: Is it from 1943? That’s the key year to look for.
- The Color: Most 1943 pennies are silver-colored (steel). If yours is copper-colored, stop what you’re doing and get it checked by an expert.
- The Condition: Uncirculated or “like new” coins are worth the most. Even if yours is a little worn, it could still be worth a fortune.
Are These Pennies Still Out There?
Surprisingly, yes. Most of the known 1943 copper Wheat Pennies have already been snatched up by collectors, but because they were in general circulation, it’s possible that a few are still out there—maybe even hiding in someone’s old piggy bank or in a forgotten roll of coins.
Final Thoughts
The Lincoln Wheat Penny isn’t just a piece of old change—it’s a slice of American history. And if you happen to find one of the rare versions, especially that elusive 1943 copper penny, you could be sitting on a windfall that would make your jaw drop.
So next time you’re handed some change at the store, don’t just shove it into your pocket. Take a second look. Because who knows? That little penny could be worth more than a brand-new Ferrari.