What if you were carrying a coin in your pocket that could change your life forever? It may sound like a dream, but it’s real. A rare Lincoln Wheat Penny has been valued at a mind-blowing $4,444,444, and according to experts, this coin could still be found in everyday circulation.
Yes, the very coin you might get back as change at a grocery store or find in your old piggy bank could be one of the most valuable coins in the world. This surprising discovery has sparked interest among collectors and everyday people who are now checking their coins more closely than ever before.
What Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a one-cent coin that was first issued by the United States Mint in 1909. It features a portrait of President Abraham Lincoln on the front, and on the back, two stalks of wheat. This wheat design was used until 1958, after which the design was changed to show the Lincoln Memorial.
Complete List of Top-Selling Coins in 2024 Year
The full list of 2024’s highest-priced coins shows how often PCGS comes up. Here are a few more highlights:
Rank | Coin Description | Grade | Price (USD) | Auction Month | Auction House |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Undated (1652) NE Threepence | PCGS XF45 | $2,520,000 | November 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
2 | 1870-CC Liberty Head Double Eagle | PCGS AU55 | $1,440,000 | November 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
T-3 | 1850 Baldwin & Co. $10 | PCGS MS63+ | $1,260,000 | November 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
T-3 | 1855 $50 Kellogg & Co. Fifty Dollar | PCGS PR64CAM | $1,260,000 | January 2024 | Heritage |
5 | 1860 $5 Large Planchet Half Eagle | PCGS PR64+DCAM | $1,140,000 | January 2024 | Heritage |
6 | 1825/4/1 Capped Head Left Half Eagle | PCGS PR62 | $1,080,000 | August 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
7 | 1851 $5 Schultz & Co. Five Dollar | PCGS MS62 | $1,020,000 | January 2024 | Heritage |
8 | 1868 $10 Liberty Head Eagle | PCGS PR66CAM | $930,000 | January 2024 | Heritage |
9 | 1779 (1789) John Stewart at Stony Point Medal | PCGS MS62 | $900,000 | March 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
T-10 | 1879 Four-Dollar Gold Stella, Flowing Hair | PCGS PR67DCAM | $840,000 | March 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
T-10 | 1870-CC Liberty Head Double Eagle | PCGS AU50 | $840,000 | March 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
12 | 1863 $10 Liberty Ten Dollar | PCGS PR64CAM | $810,000 | May 2024 | Heritage |
13 | 1876-CC 20C | PCGS MS65 | $690,000 | August 2024 | Heritage |
14 | 1881-O Morgan Dollar | PCGS PR64 | $660,000 | November 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
15 | 1795 $10 (13 Leaves) | PCGS MS64+ | $600,000 | May 2024 | Heritage |
16 | 1907 Indian Gold Eagle Rolled Edge | PCGS MS65+ | $589,500 | February 2024 | GreatCollections |
17 | 1794 1C Head of 1794, Double Struck | NGC MS66BN | $588,000 | August 2024 | Heritage |
18 | 1878 Pattern Half Eagle | PCGS PR65+CAM | $576,000 | August 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
19 | 1887 Liberty Head Double Eagle | PCGS PR65+DCAM | $528,000 | November 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
20 | 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel | PCGS MS65+ | $511,875 | February 2024 | GreatCollections |
21 | 1975 Roosevelt Dime No S | PCGS PR67 | $506,250 | October 2024 | GreatCollections |
22 | 1804 DT$10 Ten Dollar | PCGS PR64 | $504,000 | January 2024 | Heritage |
23 | 1893-S $1 | PCGS MS63 | $444,000 | January 2024 | Heritage |
24 | 1794 Cent (Head of 1793, Edge of 1794) | PCGS MS64BN | $432,000 | January 2024 | Heritage |
25 | 1892 Liberty Gold Double Eagle | PCGS MS67 | $429,750 | April 2024 | GreatCollections |
26 | 1870-CC Liberty Head Eagle | PCGS AU55 | $420,000 | August 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
T-27 | 1893 $20 | PCGS PR65DCAM | $408,000 | May 2024 | Heritage |
T-27 | 1854-S Liberty Head Quarter Eagle | NGC AU50 | $408,000 | August 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
T-27 | 1877 $50 Half Union | PCGS PR67BN | $408,000 | January 2024 | Heritage |
30 | 1871-CC Liberty Gold Double Eagle | PCGS MS61 | $395,438 | August 2024 | GreatCollections |
While these coins were very common in their time, certain rare versions have become highly valuable due to small minting errors, limited production, or the material used. One of the rarest and most talked-about versions is the 1943 copper Wheat Penny.
The $4,444,444 Penny
During World War II in 1943, the U.S. Mint started making pennies using steel coated with zinc, to save copper for war supplies. However, a few copper blanks accidentally made their way into the machines and were stamped as pennies. These copper 1943 pennies are extremely rare.
Also See:
How to Know your Rare Coins & Wheat Pennies Value: Simplest Guide Ever
Now, one of these rare 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Pennies has been valued at $4,444,444, making it one of the most expensive coins in U.S. history. It’s not just the age or design that makes it valuable — it’s the mistake and the metal used, combined with its very limited quantity.
Only a few of these coins are known to exist, and many believe some could still be in circulation, unrecognized by the public. That’s why people across the country are now double-checking their change and old coin jars in hopes of finding this hidden treasure.
How to Identify the Rare Penny
If you come across a 1943 penny, don’t ignore it. Here’s how to check if you’ve found the million-dollar one:
Check the year – It should say 1943.
Look at the color – Most 1943 pennies are steel and look silver. The rare one is copper or bronze-colored.
Use a magnet—steel sticks to magnets. If your 1943 penny does not stick, it could be the rare copper one.
If you find a coin that meets these conditions, do not clean or damage it. Take it to a trusted coin dealer or grading service to have it verified. Even if it turns out not to be the million-dollar one, some older pennies still carry good value among collectors.
The Buzz Around the Coin
The news of a penny being valued at $4.4 million has caught people’s attention everywhere. Many have started checking their old collections, family heirlooms, and even jars of spare change for rare coins.
This sudden buzz has also given a fresh boost to the coin-collecting hobby. People who never showed interest in coins are now excited to learn more, hoping to discover a lucky coin that could bring them unexpected wealth.
Also See:
5 Tips: How to Clean your Copper or Zinc Pennies without loosing its Value
Coin dealers have seen a rise in customers wanting to evaluate old coins, especially Lincoln Wheat Pennies. The value of this penny isn’t just about money—it’s about history, rarity, and the excitement of finding something truly special in the most ordinary place.
A simple-looking penny from 1943 might be hiding in plain sight, worth a stunning $4,444,444. The Lincoln Wheat Penny is more than just old currency — it’s a potential treasure. As more people hear about it, the hunt is on across the country. So next time you get coins back from a shop or look through an old box, take a closer look. That little penny might just be the biggest surprise of your life.
FAQs
What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a one-cent coin made from 1909 to 1958, showing Abraham Lincoln on one side and wheat stalks on the other.
Why is the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $4,444,444?
A few 1943 pennies were mistakenly made of copper instead of steel. These are extremely rare and highly valuable to collectors.
How can I check if my 1943 penny is rare?
Use a magnet. Steel pennies will stick, but copper ones won’t. If yours doesn’t stick and is copper-coloured, get it verified by an expert.
Can this penny still be in circulation?
Yes, some rare 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Pennies are believed to still be out there, mixed with regular coins.
Where can I get my penny checked?
Take your coin to a trusted coin dealer or certified grading service for professional evaluation.
Very good information regarding wheat penny I want to connect with you my mob no 8931034036 . I have also money A. Lioncon wheat panneies like 1918, 1982 1960. 1962.1963.1964.1965.1966.1967.1968.1969, 1970,1971 1972, 1992,1993 ect.
I have all except 1918
I have a 1940 wheat penny, is it worth anything?
I have wheat Penny’s 1939,1940,1944,1945,1946,1947,1955,1956,1958,1965.
1952 1967 1965 1943 1967D
I have a bunch in an ice cream bucket, I’ll look.
I do have a 1990-D mint error rosevelt dime.
Both sides way off center. Right side has no rim; left side had thick edge. Same equally on both sides.
Robert worth Jr my number is 240-616-5169 I have those pennies 1939 1942 1949 twice I have 1957 I have all those pennies and more I have 1908 pennies wheat pennies no one is getting back in contact with me and I’m ready to make a deal please I have to pay my bills and I need the money so I will make the best deal ever Robert worth Jr 240 616-51 69 Make a deal.
Hello Robert worth,
You have to first know the value of your coins: https://www.hawkeyeshockey.com/how-to-know-your-rare-coins-wheat-pennies-value-simplest-guide-ever/
i have 1944 lincoln wheat penny i’ll send pictures if you would like.
have wheats….1916,1936,1943 1958,1957 and more
Greetings: is it all wheat Pennie’s are just a certain one. Thanks
I have wheat penny it a 1952 with the letter so it it also have the letter S on how do I find out how it’s worth it have everything that describe what this penny should look like what should I do I can also leave my phone (530)-867-8298 I can be rea44
Hello Rickey Pierson,
You can find the worth of your coins here: https://www.money.org/uploads/treasures/TreasuresPDF.pdf
I have 1948 and 1955 wheat pennies
Just like the one showed in your picture