A Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $110 Million Could Still Be Out There – Have You Checked Your Spare Change?
It might seem hard to believe, but an old, small penny could be worth an enormous sum—potentially up to $110 million. The Lincoln Wheat Penny, which was first minted in 1909, is one of the most well-known coins in the United States. Among its many versions, there is one extremely rare type rumored to have a value exceeding $100 million.
This valuable penny might still be tucked away in your coin jars, old wallets, or even lying loose in your pocket right now.
What Makes the Lincoln Wheat Penny So Special?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny holds the distinction of being the first U.S. coin to feature an actual person—President Abraham Lincoln. Produced from 1909 until 1958, the coin’s reverse side showcases wheat stalks, which is how it earned the nickname “Wheat Penny.”
Most of these coins are only worth their face value, one cent. However, some specific editions can be incredibly valuable due to unique factors such as minting errors, rare materials used in production, or limited mintage quantities.
The Mythical $110 Million Penny
One of the most famous and highly prized is the 1943 bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny. During World War II, copper was redirected for military uses, so pennies were mainly made from steel that year. Nonetheless, a very small number of bronze pennies were mistakenly produced.
These rare bronze pennies from 1943 are extremely desirable to collectors. Although no official sale has publicly reached the $110 million figure, experts in coin collecting believe that the value could climb that high because of the coin’s rarity, its historical background, and the strong interest among collectors.
How to Check if You Have a Rare Penny
You don’t need to be a coin expert to identify a valuable penny. Here’s how you can check:
Look at the year on the coin. Important years include 1943 (if bronze), 1909-S VDB, and 1914-D.
Test the coin with a magnet. A 1943 penny that doesn’t stick to a magnet is likely made of bronze rather than steel.
Examine the mint marks. Coins with an “S” for San Francisco or a “D” for Denver can be more valuable.
Assess the coin’s condition. Coins that have been kept in excellent shape tend to have higher value.
Could You Really Find One Today?
Absolutely—many people don’t closely inspect their pennies, and rare coins sometimes remain unnoticed in circulation for many years. You might discover one in an old piggy bank, within a personal coin collection, or mixed with loose change at home.
What to Do If You Think You Found One
If you find a Lincoln Wheat Penny that looks unusual or dates from 1943, do not spend it casually. Instead, bring it to a certified coin dealer or professional grading service for authentication. Even if it isn’t the $110 million penny, it could still be worth thousands or more to collectors.
