Most of us toss pennies into a jar without a second thought. But what if one of those pennies was worth a jaw-dropping $91 million? Sounds unreal, right? Yet, there’s a version of the Lincoln Wheat Penny that has collectors buzzing—and it could still be hiding in circulation. Yep, one tiny coin, forgotten by most, might just be the biggest hidden treasure in your spare change.
A Quick Trip Back in Time: The Lincoln Wheat Penny
Let’s rewind to 1909. 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 appeared on American currency. The result? The iconic Lincoln Wheat Penny, named for the two wheat stalks on its back.
Designed by Victor David Brenner, the coin features Lincoln’s portrait on the front (obverse) and those distinctive wheat stalks on the back (reverse). It stayed in circulation until 1958, when it was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial design we’re more familiar with today.
So Why Is One of These Pennies Worth $91 Million?
Okay, here’s where it gets really interesting. While most Wheat Pennies are only worth face value, there’s one version—the 1943 Copper Wheat Penny—that’s incredibly rare and insanely valuable. Here’s why:
- A Wartime Mistake: In 1943, copper was needed for World War II ammunition, so the Mint switched penny production to steel. But somehow, a few copper blanks from the previous year slipped through and were struck anyway.
- Crazy Low Numbers: Experts believe only about 40 of these copper pennies were ever made. That’s fewer than some sports trading cards!
- Collectors Go Wild: Rarity + history = serious money. One of these pennies sold for $1.7 million back in 2010. The $91 million figure? That’s a rumored estimate for a pristine, perfect-condition version—like finding a mint Ferrari in a barn.
- Symbol of American History: This isn’t just a coin—it’s a relic from a defining era in U.S. history, which adds even more to its allure.
How to Tell if You’ve Got a Fortune in Your Pocket
Think you’ve spotted a 1943 penny that’s not steel? Here’s how to check:
- Check the Year: It needs to say 1943. That’s the golden year.
- Magnet Test: Grab a magnet. If it sticks, it’s steel—move along. But if it doesn’t? You might have something special.
- Look for a Mint Mark: A tiny “D” (Denver) or “S” (San Francisco) under the year can affect its rarity.
- Double-Check the Material: Copper has a reddish tint; steel pennies are grayish. Still unsure? It’s worth getting a professional opinion.
Where You Might Find This Elusive Coin
Before you rush off to dig through your couch cushions, here’s where these rare pennies tend to pop up:
- Old jars of change or piggy banks (especially those stashed away by grandparents).
- Coin rolls from the bank.
- Estate sales, flea markets, and yard sales—sometimes old coins get overlooked.
- Family coin collections that haven’t been touched in decades.
What to Do If You Think You’ve Found One
Let’s say you hit the jackpot and find a 1943 copper penny. What next?
- Do the magnet test—easy and free.
- Take it to a coin expert—don’t trust just any Google result.
- Get it graded—services like PCGS or NGC can confirm its authenticity and condition.
- Auction time—if it’s the real deal, auction houses can help you cash in big.
The Bottom Line
It might sound like a fairy tale, but the $91 million Lincoln Wheat Penny is a real legend in the coin-collecting world. And who knows? It could still be hiding in an old penny roll or change jar near you. Even if you don’t uncover a fortune, searching through coins is like stepping into history—one cent at a time.
So the next time you get change from the grocery store, maybe give those pennies a second glance. Because treasure doesn’t always sparkle—it might just be copper.