What if a simple penny in your pocket was worth millions? Sounds like a dream, but it’s real. A rare Lincoln Wheat Penny is valued at an unbelievable $14 million. Many people have found valuable coins by checking their loose change. This article explains how to spot this rare penny and why it’s worth a small fortune.
What Is a Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a one-cent coin first minted in 1909 and continued until 1958. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person—President Abraham Lincoln. These pennies are called “wheat pennies” because of the two wheat stalks on the back of the coin.
Key Features:
- Front (Obverse): Portrait of Lincoln
- Back (Reverse): Two wheat ears with “ONE CENT”
- Material: Mostly copper (some made with steel or other metals)
- Mint Marks: D (Denver), S (San Francisco), or no mint mark (Philadelphia)
Why Is One Worth $14 Million?
While most Lincoln Wheat Pennies are worth just a few cents to a few dollars, some are incredibly rare due to minting errors, material use, and limited production. The one valued at $14 million is so valuable because it is one-of-a-kind or possibly one of only a few ever made.
Reasons for Its High Value:
- Rare minting error or wrong metal used
- Perfect condition (uncirculated or very high grade)
- Historical importance and age
- Certified by trusted coin grading agencies
Collectors are willing to pay millions for these rare coins at auctions.
Most Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies (Table)
Here’s a look at some of the most valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies ever discovered:
| Year & Type | Reason for Value | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1943 Bronze/Copper | Minted on wrong metal during WWII | $1 million – $14 million |
| 1909-S VDB | First year, low mintage, designer initials | $1,000 – $50,000 |
| 1914-D | Low mintage in Denver | $2,000 – $15,000 |
| 1922 No D | Missing mint mark error | $15,000 – $90,000 |
| 1955 Double Die | Double printing error | $3,000 – $50,000 |
What Makes the $14 Million Penny So Special?
This penny is believed to be a 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny struck in copper, not the steel-coated zinc used that year. During World War II, copper was needed for ammunition, so the U.S. Mint switched to steel. However, a few copper blanks were left in the machines and accidentally used.
Unique Characteristics:
- 1943 date but made from copper
- Does NOT stick to a magnet
- Extremely rare—fewer than 20 known to exist
- One perfect-condition specimen was auctioned for $1.7 million, and collectors believe one in even better shape could go for $10M–$14M
How to Tell If You Have a Rare Lincoln Penny
Think you might have one of these rare coins? Here’s how to find out:
- Check the year: Look for 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 No D, 1943 copper, or 1955 doubled die
- Look for doubling: Letters or numbers appear to have shadows
- Try the magnet test: 1943 copper pennies won’t stick to a magnet (steel ones will)
- Weigh the coin: Copper pennies weigh about 3.11 grams, steel ones weigh 2.7 grams
- Check mint mark: Found below the date
- Use a magnifying glass: To see fine details like doubling or missing marks
- Get it graded: Professional grading adds major value and authenticity
Tips for Protecting and Selling a Rare Penny
If you think your penny is rare or valuable:
- Do not clean it – cleaning can scratch and reduce value
- Store it safely – use a coin holder or plastic sleeve
- Use gloves – handle by the edges only
- Get it graded – PCGS and NGC are trusted grading companies
- Sell it smartly – go through certified dealers or trusted auction houses like Heritage Auctions
Other Rare Pennies Worth Watching For
Besides the $14 million penny, here are some other valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies:
| Coin Type | Why It’s Valuable | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1922 No D | Mint mark missing | $15,000 – $90,000 |
| 1955 Double Die | Doubled text on front | $3,000 – $50,000 |
| 1944 Steel Penny | Wrong metal used after war | $75,000 – $200,000+ |
| 1909-S VDB | First year, rare mint | $1,000 – $50,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is every Lincoln Wheat Penny valuable?
No, most are worth just a few cents. Only rare ones with specific years, mint marks, or errors are valuable.
Q2: How do I know if my 1943 penny is copper?
Try the magnet test. Steel pennies stick to magnets. Copper ones do not. Weighing the coin also helps.
Q3: What is a “double die” penny?
It’s a coin that was struck twice by mistake, creating a shadow-like effect on the text and numbers.
Q4: Can I sell my penny online?
Yes, but only use trusted platforms like eBay (for verified coins), PCGS Marketplace, or coin auction houses.
Q5: Should I clean my old coins before selling?
No. Cleaning can damage the coin and lower its value. Always keep it in its original condition.
Conclusion
The Lincoln Wheat Penny may look small, but it could be worth millions. One rare 1943 copper penny has been valued at $14 million, and others have sold for hundreds of thousands. It’s time to check your pocket change, old jars, or coin collections—you might be sitting on a historic treasure. Don’t ignore your pennies—they just might change your life.