What if the next coin you receive as change is worth over $122,000? Yes, you read that right! A rare Lincoln Wheat Penny, still in circulation, has recently been valued at $122K. This small copper coin may be hiding in your pocket, wallet, or piggy bank without you even knowing it. Let’s find out why this old penny is worth so much and how you can spot one if you’re lucky!
What Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a coin that was first introduced in 1909 by the U.S. Mint. It shows Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat ears on the back. These coins were made until 1958 and are now popular among collectors because of their historical value and unique design.
Why Is This Penny Worth $122,000?
Not every Lincoln Wheat Penny is worth a fortune. The one that’s valued at $122,000 is a rare error coin—it was either struck using the wrong metal, has a double stamp, or some unusual mistake during minting. These kinds of rare coins are called “mint errors,” and collectors are ready to pay big money for them.
Also See:
How to Sell Lincoln Wheat Penny, Cent, Rare Coins Online 2025: Complete Guide
One of the most valuable is the 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny. During World War II, most pennies that year were made from steel to save copper for the war. But by mistake, a few were still made with copper. Only a few of these exist, and one recently sold for a whopping $122,000!
How to Identify a Rare Lincoln Penny
Here’s how you can check if you have a valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny:
- Look for the years 1909 to 1958 on the coin
- Check the 1943 penny—if it’s made of copper, it might be rare
- Look for errors like double prints, missing letters, or strange colours
- Use a magnifying glass or take it to a coin expert for checking
Where Can You Find These Pennies?
You can find Lincoln Wheat Pennies in everyday places like:
- Old coin jars at home
- Change from local shops
- Family collections
- Antique or vintage markets
- Even inside old wallets or purses
- People often don’t realise their value and spend them like normal coins.
Also Check:
Alabama State Coins Dealers List Updated 2025: Sell your Wheat Pennies, Rare Coins and Cents
What to Do If You Find One
If you come across a Lincoln Wheat Penny, don’t spend it without checking. Follow these steps:
- Compare it online with known rare coins
- Visit a local coin shop or get it appraised by an expert
- If it’s valuable, you can sell it at auctions or online to collectors
- Or keep it safe as a long-term investment
The next time you get change, don’t ignore the small coins. That old Lincoln Wheat Penny could be worth more than gold. With one recently valued at $122,000, it’s smart to look closely at every old penny you come across. Whether you’re a coin lover or just curious, it’s worth checking your pockets—you never know what treasure you might be carrying around!
FAQ’s
What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a US coin minted between 1909 and 1958. It has Abraham Lincoln on the front and wheat ears on the back.
Why is the 1943 Lincoln Penny worth $122,000?
Most 1943 pennies were made of steel, but a few were accidentally made of copper. These rare copper versions are very valuable.
How can I tell if my penny is rare?
Check the year, metal, and any minting errors. A copper 1943 penny or one with mistakes may be extremely valuable.
Where can I find rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies?
You might find them in old wallets, coin jars, shop change, antique stores, or family coin collections.
What should I do if I find a valuable penny?
Don’t spend it. Get it checked by a coin expert, and if it’s rare, consider selling it at an auction or keeping it as an investment.
P how much is a wheat penny from 1944 is worth and how do I sell it
yes it is worth
I have some ezihower bicentennial coin dollar’s, I would like to know how much they could be
Hello James Bolling,
Can you tell me more details about your coins?
I have 40 wheat penny’s how can I sell them
Hello Elizabeth,
You can find your coins seller from here: https://coin-dealer-directory.money.org/
Thanks
hellow i have 2 1943 steel weet penneyes i also have a 1919 weet penny and a 1948 weet penny im selling to the highest better thank you
I have Pennies from every age I have 50 lbs of any coin from 1909 to today to 1958 with about any year and mint I have Pennies that never been out plus I have P 2000 Cheerios dollars still in the Roll
I have a 1941 copper penny that my grandfather gave me over 50 years ago I have many coins but this one is a gem.
I also have a 1944 no mint mark non Steele liberty error dabble stamped it looks like it could have other errors as well.who can I get trustworthy to value this coin? Also have many other coins that I’ve seen in articles and information about them match.also how do u recommend me to list and sell them if I choose ?
Hello Frank,
You can find the dealer according to you area: https://coin-dealer-directory.money.org/
Are any other coins that are miss printed worth anything like double stamp,and please don’t be mean the other guy I talked to was really mean
If you have any type of error coin then it generally is worth something. Those are the most sought after by collectors. There are different values with each error and the type of coin it is that has the error. If you feel you have error coins then I would suggest you have a dealer or someone take a look. If it is something that is of high value then pay for the grading to be done and handle/store the coin properly to avoid any degrading done by something as simple as the oil on our hands when they are handled. There is also a link to a list of dealers in the comments above for you to reference, should you need it. Good luck and sorry the other person was mean. I was very unsure and overwhelmed when I first started really looking fot and validating my coins, so dont get discouraged by people with bad attitudes! Have fun and happy hunting!
I have ten pence coin how to sale any byer?
Hello Pan,
Please read this blog: https://www.hawkeyeshockey.com/how-to-sell-lincoln-wheat-penny-cent-rare-coins-online-2025/
Thank you
I have an assortment of wheat pennies, over 100 1943 pennies, some 50’s and 60’s. I also have some dimes with errors(missing letters) double dies , and I also have some bicentennial quarters, half dollars, and dollars. Also 10 sacagawea dollars, and 22 presidential gold dollars. I have been searching and collecting error coins for approx. 20 + years. I would really like to show them to someone who is serious about coins and isn’t going to rip me off. I know I have some error coins that have not been discovered yet. I’m not sure what to do from here. If interested please email me.
Hello,
Check this guide: https://www.pcgs.com/shows
I have some old quarters back in 1965 and later, also nickels and dimes to old Penney’s from 1921 and up
You can call me or text me