Many people carry coins in their pockets without even noticing what’s really there. But what if one of those coins could make you a millionaire? Sounds like a movie story, right? Well, this is exactly what’s happening with a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny that has been valued at an unbelievable $18.9 million—and it’s still possibly out there in circulation!
This story has caught the attention of collectors, treasure hunters, and everyday people alike. So, let’s explore why this one penny is worth so much and how you might be lucky enough to find it.
What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first made in 1909. It was the first U.S. coin to have a real person’s face on it—President Abraham Lincoln. The coin has two stalks of wheat on the back, which is why it’s called a “Wheat Penny.”
These pennies were made until 1958, and millions were produced. But a few of them, especially from certain years, were printed with small mistakes or rare designs. That’s what makes them worth a fortune today.
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The Rare Penny Worth $18.9 Million
Among all the Wheat Pennies ever made, one stands out from the rest. This penny, believed to be from the year 1943, is made from bronze instead of the usual steel that was used during World War II.
During the war, copper was needed for war materials, so the U.S. Mint switched to steel for pennies in 1943. But a few bronze blanks were accidentally left in the machines, and they got stamped with the 1943 date. Only a handful of these rare coins exist—and they are incredibly valuable.
One of these bronze 1943 Lincoln Wheat Pennies was sold at auction for a shocking $18.9 million. It is now considered one of the most expensive coins in the world.
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Still in Circulation?
Yes, you read that right. It’s believed that some of these rare Wheat Pennies are still out there—either forgotten in old jars, dropped on the street, or even hiding in your spare change. Since many people don’t know what they’re looking for, these coins can go unnoticed for years.
This is why coin collectors and even ordinary people are now checking their change closely. Just one lucky find could completely change your life.
How to Know If You Have a Rare Penny
To find out if your penny is valuable, first check the year on it. If it’s from 1943 and looks like it’s made of copper or bronze (and not steel), it might be the rare kind.
You can also do a magnet test. A steel penny will stick to a magnet, but a bronze one will not. If your 1943 penny doesn’t stick to a magnet, it might be worth getting checked by a coin expert.
Even if it’s not worth millions, some Wheat Pennies from other years can still sell for hundreds or thousands of dollars.
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Imagine finding a coin that looks like any other penny, but it’s worth almost $19 million. The Lincoln Wheat Penny from 1943 is one such rare treasure that may still be hiding in everyday places. So the next time you find some change under the couch or get a penny back at the store, don’t ignore it. That tiny coin might just be your ticket to a fortune.
Checking your change could turn out to be more rewarding than you ever imagined. Who knew that a simple penny could be worth millions? Keep your eyes open—your lucky day might be just one coin away.
FAQs
What makes the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny so valuable?
It’s made from bronze, not steel, which was a rare mistake during World War II. Only a few were made, and that makes them extremely rare and valuable.
How can I tell if my penny is the rare one?
Check the date—it should be 1943. Then test it with a magnet. If it doesn’t stick, it might be made of bronze and could be worth a lot of money.
Are these rare pennies really still out there?
Yes, many believe that a few of these coins are still in circulation or stored away without anyone realizing their true value.
How much can a Lincoln Wheat Penny be worth?
Most Wheat Pennies are only worth a few cents, but rare ones like the 1943 bronze version have sold for millions of dollars.
