Most of us don’t think twice about pennies. They pile up in jars, roll around in car cup holders, and sometimes even get tossed aside as pocket change. But what if one of those pennies—the kind you barely notice—was worth a mind-blowing $110 million? Sounds crazy, right? But in the world of rare coins, it’s a reality.
Believe it or not, a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny could be sitting in someone’s collection right now, completely unnoticed. Maybe it’s even in your house. Let’s dive into what makes this penny so special and how you can check if you’re sitting on a fortune.
The Lincoln Wheat Penny: A Piece of American History
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was introduced in 1909 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Designed by Victor D. Brenner, it made history as the first U.S. coin to feature a real historical figure. Before that, American coins mostly showcased Lady Liberty and symbolic imagery.
For nearly 50 years, this penny circulated with its signature wheat stalks on the back, a nod to America’s agricultural roots. It wasn’t until 1958 that it was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial design—the one most of us are familiar with today.
What Makes This Penny Worth $110 Million?
Not all Lincoln Wheat Pennies are valuable. Most are just pennies. But one stands out with a jaw-dropping $110 million price tag. Why? It’s all about rarity, mistakes, and history.
1. The 1943 Copper Penny: A Mistake That Made History
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel pennies in 1943 to conserve copper for the war effort. But a few copper blanks accidentally got mixed in, resulting in a handful of 1943 copper pennies. These rare coins are now among the most sought-after in American history.
2. A One-of-a-Kind Minting Error
The $110 million penny isn’t just any 1943 copper penny—it has an additional minting error that makes it even rarer. In coin collecting, errors often mean big money, and the more unique the mistake, the higher the value.
3. Near-Perfect Condition
Coins that have been used for decades lose value due to wear and tear. But this particular penny is in near-mint condition, meaning it looks almost brand new—a huge factor in its astronomical price.
4. Collector Demand
Lincoln Wheat Pennies are already popular among collectors, and serious numismatists (coin collectors) are willing to pay huge sums for rare versions. When a coin is this rare, competition drives prices to sky-high levels.
To put it in perspective, this single penny is worth more than a mansion, a private jet, and a fleet of luxury cars combined.
Could You Have a Rare Penny? Here’s How to Check
If you’re thinking about digging through your old coin stash, here’s what to look for:
✅ Check the Year – The most valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies include 1909-S, 1914-D, 1922 (No D), 1943 (Copper), and 1955 (Double Die).
✅ Look for a 1943 Copper Penny – Most 1943 pennies are steel. Test yours with a magnet—if it sticks, it’s steel (common). If it doesn’t stick, you may have a rare copper version.
✅ Weigh It – A steel penny weighs 2.7 grams, while a copper 1943 penny weighs 3.11 grams. If yours weighs more than 3 grams and isn’t magnetic, it might be worth a fortune.
✅ Check for Minting Errors – Coins with mistakes—like off-center prints, double strikes, or missing details—can be worth significantly more.
✅ Condition Matters – The better preserved your coin, the more valuable it is.
Other Lincoln Wheat Pennies That Could Make You Rich
Even if you don’t have the legendary $110 million penny, there are plenty of other valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies out there:
- 1943 Copper Penny – Even regular versions of this rare coin have sold for up to $1.7 million.
- 1909-S VDB Penny – The first Lincoln penny, featuring the designer’s initials, can be worth $100,000+.
- 1914-D Penny – A rare, low-mintage coin that sells for over $100,000 in mint condition.
- 1922 No D Penny – A mistake from the Denver Mint, worth $25,000 to $80,000.
- 1955 Double Die Penny – A misprinted coin that makes the date and letters appear doubled. A top-quality version can fetch $50,000+.
Found an Old Penny? Here’s What to Do Next
If you think you’ve stumbled upon a rare coin, follow these steps to maximize its value:
🔹 DO NOT Clean It! – Cleaning a coin, even with the best intentions, can strip away its original finish and reduce its value by 90% or more.
🔹 Get It Authenticated – Take it to a reputable coin dealer or send it to a professional grading service like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation).
🔹 Store It Properly – Keep the coin in a protective holder to prevent damage.
🔹 Consider Selling at an Auction – Rare coins often sell for the highest prices at major coin auctions, where collectors bid against each other.
The Ultimate Treasure Hunt
The $110 million Lincoln Wheat Penny is more than just an old coin—it’s a reminder that hidden treasures are still out there. It’s proof that a simple mistake at the U.S. Mint decades ago could lead to one of the most valuable coins on the planet.
So, could you be the lucky person who finds the next multimillion-dollar penny? Maybe. The next time you spot a penny on the ground, pick it up. You never know—it could be your ticket to an unbelievable fortune.
Happy coin hunting!