The $110 Million Lincoln Wheat Penny: A Tiny Coin with a Jaw-Dropping Story
Imagine reaching into your pocket and pulling out a penny—only to realize it’s worth more than a mansion in Beverly Hills. Sounds impossible, right? But that’s exactly the case with one of the rarest and most talked-about coins in American history: a Lincoln Wheat Penny that’s valued at an astonishing $110 million.
Yes, million with an “M.”
A Humble Beginning with Historic Roots
Let’s rewind to 1909. The U.S. Mint introduced the Lincoln Wheat Penny to celebrate the 100th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln. This wasn’t just any new coin design—it marked the first time a real person, rather than a symbolic figure like Lady Liberty, appeared on U.S. currency. Victor D. Brenner designed the front with Lincoln’s stately profile, while the back showed two wheat stalks, a nod to America’s agricultural backbone.
The design stuck around until 1958, when it was replaced by the more familiar Lincoln Memorial version.
So What Makes This Penny Worth $110 Million?
It’s not just age that gives this penny its jaw-dropping price tag. The real magic lies in a rare, historical mistake.
During World War II, copper was a hot commodity needed for the war effort. So, in 1943, the U.S. Mint began making pennies out of steel coated in zinc. These silvery coins—nicknamed “steelies”—were produced by the billions.
But somehow, a few copper blanks from the previous year got left behind in the minting machines. The result? A handful of 1943 pennies were accidentally struck in copper.
The $110 million penny is believed to be one of these ultra-rare 1943 copper cents. And it has something extra special: a unique minting error that sets it apart as one of a kind. Combine that with its pristine condition and an intense bidding war among elite collectors, and you’ve got yourself the most valuable penny ever discovered.
Could You Be Holding One?
Here’s the fun part—experts believe a few of these copper 1943 pennies could still be floating around. Maybe tucked away in an old coffee can, forgotten in a dresser drawer, or sitting quietly in a kid’s piggy bank. That’s what keeps coin hunters checking their spare change religiously.
So how can you tell if you’ve got a jackpot in your hand? First, check the date—1943 is the key year. Then try the magnet test: steel pennies will stick, but a genuine copper version won’t. You can also weigh the coin—copper pennies weigh about 3.11 grams, while steel ones are closer to 2.7 grams.
Other Pennies Worth a Fortune
Even if you don’t stumble upon the $110 million gem, other Lincoln Wheat Pennies can still make your wallet smile. For example:
- 1943 Copper Penny (common variety) – up to $1.7 million
- 1914-D Penny – over $100,000 in top condition
- 1922 No D (no mint mark) – up to $80,000
- 1955 Double Die – around $25,000 to $50,000
And even common wheat pennies in flawless condition can be worth more than a few bucks.
What to Do If You Think You Found a Winner
First rule: don’t clean it! Scrubbing a rare coin can erase thousands—if not millions—off its value. Handle it carefully, ideally with gloves, and store it in a protective case. Then get it authenticated by a trusted expert like PCGS or NGC. These services can confirm if your penny is the real deal and assign it a grade, which plays a huge role in its market value.
The Thrill of the Hunt
There’s something thrilling about the idea that a life-changing treasure could be hiding in plain sight. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just someone who likes checking change out of curiosity, the hunt for rare pennies like this continues to spark excitement across the country.
So the next time you’re handed a penny, take a closer look. Who knows? That tiny coin might just be your ticket to an unbelievable fortune.