The Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $960K: Think that penny in your pocket is only worth one cent? Think again. Some Lincoln Wheat Pennies—those humble copper coins many of us overlook—have sold for up to $960,000, turning what was once everyday pocket change into some of the most sought-after collectibles in the numismatic world.
Why Is This Penny Worth So Much?
Most 1943 Lincoln pennies were struck on steel planchets due to World War II copper shortages, making them silver in appearance. However, a few accidental bronze (copper) versions were minted, and these are among the rarest U.S. coins in existence.
Only 10 to 15 genuine 1943 bronze pennies are known to exist.
The most famous example sold for $1.7 million in 2010.
Another 1943-S Bronze Wheat Penny brought $1 million at auction.
But the $960K penny in question was a slightly later date—a 1944 Steel Wheat Penny, another accidental minting. These were supposed to return to copper but a few steel blanks remained, creating another ultra-rare error.
Could You Find a Million-Dollar Penny?
While the odds are slim, rare coins do turn up in circulation. In 2022, a 1958 Doubled Die Penny (worth over $100,000) was found in a regular coin roll. Other valuable wheat pennies include:
- 1909-S VDB (Key date, worth up to $3,000+)
- 1914-D (Rare, valued at 200−5,000+)
- 1922 No D (Weak mint mark, worth 500−15,000)
How to Check Your Pennies
- Look for 1943 copper or 1944 steel – Use a magnet (steel 1943 pennies stick; copper ones don’t).
- Check mint marks – “S” (San Francisco) and “D” (Denver) pennies are often rarer.
- Inspect errors – Doubled dies, off-center strikes, and repunched mint marks add value.
Final Thought: Don’t Spend That Penny Yet!
Before you toss your loose change into a jar, take a closer look—you might be sitting on a fortune. The $960K Lincoln Wheat Penny proves that rare coins still circulate, waiting to be discovered by a lucky collector.
Have you ever found a rare coin? Let us know in the comments!