The Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $13 Million : Imagine finding a simple penny in your pocket that’s worth $13 million! Sounds unbelievable, right? But it’s true—one rare Lincoln Wheat Penny sold for that jaw-dropping amount, and experts say there might still be a few hiding in everyday change.
What Makes This Penny So Special?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was made from 1909 to 1958, featuring two wheat stalks on the back (that’s why it’s called the “Wheat Penny”). Most are worth only a few cents today, but one specific version—the 1943 Copper Penny—is a multimillion-dollar treasure.
Why the 1943 Copper Penny?
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During World War II, the U.S. Mint made pennies out of steel (to save copper for the war).
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But a few copper pennies were accidentally made in 1943—only about 10 to 20 are known to exist.
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These rare coins were never supposed to be made, making them one of the most valuable errors in U.S. coin history.
Could You Find One in Circulation?
It’s extremely rare, but not impossible! Over the years, people have discovered valuable coins in:
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Old piggy banks
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Inherited coin collections
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Even in everyday change from a store
A man in 2010 found a 1943 Copper Penny in his father’s old coin collection and sold it for 1.7million∗∗!Anotheronesoldfor∗∗13 million in a private sale.
How to Spot a Rare Wheat Penny
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Check the date – Look for 1943 pennies.
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Test the metal – A real 1943 copper penny will be brown, not silver (steel pennies stick to a magnet).
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Look for errors – Some Wheat Pennies have misprints, doubling, or unusual marks that increase value.
What Should You Do If You Find One?
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Don’t clean it! Cleaning can lower its value.
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Get it verified by a coin expert (like the PCGS or NGC grading services).
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Consider selling it at a reputable auction house if it’s real.
Final Thought
While the chances of finding a $13 million penny are slim, it’s fun to check your spare change. Who knows? You might just stumble upon a hidden tre