Would you believe that a simple old coin in your wallet could be worth more than ₹1.38 crore? It’s true! A Lincoln Wheat Penny has recently been valued at a whopping $166,000—and it’s still in circulation. Yes, this rare coin could be passed around in daily change without anyone realising its true value. Let’s look at why this coin is so valuable, how to identify it, and where you might still find one.
What Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a coin from the United States, first issued in 1909. It has a picture of Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat ears on the back, which gives it the name “Wheat Penny.” These coins were made until 1958, and while most are common, a few special ones are worth lakhs—or even crores—of rupees today.
Why Is One Penny Worth $166K?
During World War II, copper was needed for war equipment, so the U.S. Mint switched to steel for making pennies in 1943. However, a few coins were accidentally made using copper that year. These 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Pennies are now among the rarest coins in the world.
One of these rare pennies was recently sold for $166,000, and experts believe a few more could still be floating around in everyday use!
How to Identify a Rare Lincoln Penny
Think you might have a valuable coin? Here’s what to check:
- Year: Look for a penny from 1943
- Metal test: Use a magnet—steel sticks, copper doesn’t
- Colour: Copper has a reddish tone; steel looks grey or silver
- Errors: Check for double stamping, missing letters, or odd print
- Weight: Copper pennies are heavier than steel ones
Where Can You Find One?
These rare coins can still be found in the most unexpected places:
- Loose change from shops
- Old piggy banks
- Grandparents’ coin collections
- Antique stores and flea markets
- Forgotten wallets or drawers
What to Do If You Find One
If you find a 1943 Wheat Penny that looks different:
- Don’t clean it—cleaning may reduce its value
- Do a magnet test to see if it’s copper
- Check with a coin expert or appraiser
- If it’s confirmed, you can sell it at auction or online to serious collectors
- Or, keep it safe as a long-term investment
The Lincoln Wheat Penny from 1943, especially if made from copper, could be the most valuable coin you’ll ever hold. One has already sold for $166,000, and more may still be out there—being used as regular change. So, next time you get coins back at a shop or find an old coin box at home, check carefully. You might just discover a hidden treasure worth crores!
FAQ’s
What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a US coin made from 1909 to 1958, showing Abraham Lincoln on one side and two wheat ears on the other.
Why is the 1943 Lincoln Penny worth $166,000?
In 1943, most pennies were made from steel due to war needs. A few were mistakenly made using copper, making them very rare and valuable.
How do I check if my 1943 penny is copper?
Use a magnet—steel sticks, copper doesn’t. Also, copper has a reddish-brown colour, unlike the grey steel version.
Where can I find a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny?
Look in old wallets, coin jars, antique stores, flea markets, and family coin collections. Some are still in circulation.
What should I do if I find a rare penny?
Don’t spend it. Get it appraised by a coin expert. If it’s real, you can sell it at auction or keep it as a valuable investment.
