A penny usually isn’t something we think twice about. But what if that tiny coin in your wallet could be worth more than ₹36 crore? That’s the case with one incredibly rare Lincoln Wheat Penny, now valued at $4.4 million. What’s even more surprising? Experts believe it might still be in circulation, hiding in someone’s pocket change, jar, or old drawer.
What Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, also called the Wheat Cent, was minted in the U.S. from 1909 to 1958. It was the first American coin to feature a real person—President Abraham Lincoln. The back of the coin had two wheat stalks, which gave it its nickname.
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Top 22+ Most Valuable Coins Sold in 2024: You must Know
Although most of these pennies are still common, one particular version from the year 1943 is extremely rare and now worth millions.
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 |
Why Is This 1943 Penny Worth $4.4 Million?
In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel for making pennies to save copper for World War II efforts. But by mistake, a few copper blanks were still used in that year’s production. This accidental minting created one of the rarest coins in U.S. history—the 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny.
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$10000 Millions from Rare Coins & Wheat Pennies: Know How to Become a Coin Dealer in Simplest Way
Only about 15 to 20 of these copper pennies are known to exist. Because they were never meant to be made, they have become a dream find for coin collectors. One of them has recently been valued at $4.4 million, making it one of the most expensive pennies ever recorded.
How to Spot the Rare 1943 Copper Penny
Think you might have one? Here’s how you can check:
Also See:
How to Know your Rare Coins & Wheat Pennies Value: Simplest Guide Ever
- Date: The coin must be from 1943
- Colour: It should look coppery brown, not silvery grey like the steel ones
- Magnet Test: If it sticks to a magnet, it’s a common steel penny. If not, it could be the rare copper version
- Get it Verified: If you suspect it’s rare, get it authenticated by a coin expert
Is It Really Still in Circulation?
Yes, it’s possible! Over the years, these rare coins could have been forgotten, kept in coin jars, or passed along as regular change. That means someone, somewhere, might still unknowingly have a $4.4 million penny in their collection or wallet.
Also See:
5 Tips: How to Clean your Copper or Zinc Pennies without loosing its Value
The idea of finding a Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $4.4 million might sound like something out of a movie, but it’s very real. It shows us that sometimes, valuable things come in the smallest packages. So, next time you find a 1943 penny, don’t toss it aside—it could change your life. Keep your eyes open; your luck might be just a coin away.
FAQ’s
Why is the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $4.4 million?
The 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny is worth $4.4 million because it was mistakenly made with copper instead of steel during World War II. Only a small number of these rare coins were produced, making them extremely valuable to collectors.
How do I identify a rare 1943 copper Lincoln penny?
Look for the 1943 date and a copper colour. If the coin doesn’t stick to a magnet, it could be copper. Steel pennies will stick. For confirmation, have it checked by a coin expert.
Is the $4.4 million penny still in circulation?
Yes, some of these rare 1943 copper pennies may still be in circulation or stored away unknowingly in homes, coin jars, or collections.
Can I sell a 1943 copper penny if I find one?
Absolutely. But first, you’ll need to get it professionally authenticated. Once verified, you can sell it through coin dealers or auctions where collectors are willing to pay a premium.
Why were most 1943 pennies made with steel instead of copper?
During World War II, the U.S. Mint used steel for pennies to conserve copper for military production. A few copper blanks were mistakenly used, creating the rare 1943 copper pennies.
I have 1943 wheat steel penny that sticks to the magnet.
Hello , My name is Kenneth. I live at Myanmar.
I wanna sell That coins, How to contact.
I have a 1935 wheat penny I have no websites just my email
Do you want the penny that sticks or don’t stick
Sticks
They are referring to the copper one being worth money. So it would NOT stick to a magnet.
I have quite a few of them. What am I looking for that wood make it valuable?
It’s gotta be 1943 copper
To whom this may reguard,my wife and i are reaching out reguarding some old coins that we have enquirred,such as the wheat penny,do you know anyone thats inretested or are you
I have wheat penny doesn’t stick to magnet 631-220-6646
I have one like that one
1943 copper penny
I have one like that one my don’t stick to the magnet
And also have a dime whit everything in front but nothing on the back
I have a 1943 n other pennies but I don’t have anyone to grade my pennies where I live. Anyone willing to help and get in contact with me.
Hello Amanda Lavallee,
You can find the dealers according to your area from here: https://coin-dealer-directory.money.org/
I have (2) 1943 steel pennies. I would like to get appraised. They stick to a magnet. They are in good shape. I also have 2 buffalo head nickels one has no date the other one has half of the date. And a handful of wheat pennies. The oldest one I have is a 1916 penny
ok Dawn
I think the 1943 penny should not stick to be made of copper .
I have one
I have a 1956 wheat penny ! I would like to get appraised
Where can you sell these Penny’s
Hello Karen Kinserlow,
You can send your pennies here: https://coin-dealer-directory.money.org/
I have 1909
Call me at 720 297-1868 ok I have 1944 1943
I have 2 I
I have a 1943 penny I would like to sell it can you please tell me where can I go and sell it
Hello Edwin,
Hello Christopher Adams,
There are two methods either you can list your coins here: https://www.greatcollections.com/
or
You can find a buyer or dealer according to your area: https://coin-dealer-directory.money.org/
I Have 2 Wheat Pennies They Stick To The Magnet
I have a 1978
1991
1989
1975
1994
1993
1979
1976
1983 pennies but I don’t have anyone to grade my pennies where I live. Anyone willing to help and get in contact with me.
Sure we will help you
I my name is Guy.i have two Lincoln wheat Penny’s, how do I sale them.i also have many of the 2013 dollar bill with the low series number.
Hello Guy,
Hello Christopher Adams,
There are two methods either you can list your coins here: https://www.greatcollections.com/
or
You can find a buyer or dealer according to your area: https://coin-dealer-directory.money.org/
I have Two of them
Sliver pennie
Hi, I have 2 books of Lincoln pennies a collection. I am missing maybe 2 In the 1st book and 1 one in the other. If you think they could be worth something , By all means reach me by Email .
Ps. NOJokers Please.
Sure
I think the 1943 penny should not stick to be made of copper .
I have a couple of each 1943 copper and 1943 steel wheat pennies. I have not had them authenticated yet. Also several several other wheat pennies such as the 1909 and several more. I live in San Diego California if you know of authenticator in that area please let me know. Thank you
Hello Joyce,
Read this guide: https://www.money.org/uploads/treasures/TreasuresPDF.pdf
Tengo varias la del 39 29 41 44 45
1947 wheat penny
I have a collection of coins from pennies nickels dimes and quarters I would like to have someone to appraise and see if they were valuable
I have 5 of them and others how do I get them to the right person???
Hello Earl Harris,
You can find the dealers for your coins: https://coin-dealer-directory.money.org/
I have a 1942 wheat penny, my name is Richard
I have a 1930 penny. Do you think it’s worth anything guys? 😕.
Hello Roxanne,
You can check your coins value here: https://www.coinvaluechecker.com/penny-value/
I have a 1922 silver dollar and would like to know how much it is worth.
Hello Cynthia Mensah,
You can use PCGS coin grading services from this website https://www.pcgs.com/services
Have a 1939 wheat penny just like the one shown and doesn’t stick to a magnet
I have a 1944 copper wheat penny I’ll sell it today
I have a
1944, 1952, 1956, and two 1957 wheat pennies. I also have a 1958 nickel, a 1974 boe dollar and quite a few bicentennial quarters. Could my coins be worth anything?
Hello James Black,
You can check here: https://www.pcgs.com/top100/details
I have a 1980 Dollar it’s a coin and a 1945 wheat pennie that doesn’t have and marks on it at all are they worth anything
yeas Jay Fish
I have a 1944 Lincoln wheat penny
I have 1943, 1944 1855 who can I contact
Hello my name is Israel Vargas my grandfather was Manuel Hernandez mother’s side if I didn’t world war II I have some coins did he live mom says they were places he stepped and did what he did I would like somebody to help me I praise him because maybe he left them for a reason to us
Hello Israel Vargas,
You must use the grading service if you coins have great value.