What if a single penny could change your life? The Lincoln Wheat Penny, a coin made from 1909 to 1958, is back in the spotlight after one reportedly sold for an amazing $174,000. Even better, some of these valuable pennies might still be out there, tucked away in your change or a dusty jar. With folks across the U.S. hunting for these tiny treasures, let’s look at what makes this penny so special and how you can find one.
A Penny Packed with History
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first struck in 1909 to celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. Designed by Victor David Brenner, it has Lincoln’s face on the front and two wheat stalks on the back, giving it its name. Most of these pennies are worth just a cent, but rare ones, especially those with minting errors, can be worth big bucks. The $174,000 penny is said to be a 1943 copper penny, a super-rare coin made by mistake during World War II when pennies were supposed to be steel, not copper.
Why Is the 1943 Penny So Priceless?
In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched to steel pennies to save copper for the war effort, but a few copper blanks were used by accident, creating the 1943 bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny. Only about 15 to 20 of these exist, making them a collector’s dream. Their value comes from their rarity and the wartime error that made them. While $174,000 is a huge sum, it’s believable since similar coins have sold for $100,000 to $2 million. This news has people checking every penny they find.
How to Spot a Valuable Penny
You might be holding a $174,000 penny right now! Some Lincoln Wheat Pennies are still in circulation, hiding in coin rolls or old piggy banks. To find a 1943 copper penny, check the date and material. Steel pennies from 1943 are silver-colored and stick to a magnet, but copper ones are brown and don’t. Copper pennies weigh about 3.11 grams, while steel ones are lighter at 2.7 grams. Look for a “D” or “S” mint mark under the date, as coins from Denver or San Francisco can be worth more. Watch out for fakes—some people coat steel pennies with copper to trick collectors.
| Feature | 1943 Copper Penny | 1943 Steel Penny |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Copper (Bronze) | Zinc-coated Steel |
| Weight | 3.11 grams | 2.7 grams |
| Magnetic | No | Yes |
| Color | Brown | Silver |
The Treasure Hunt Begins
Stories of lucky finds keep the penny fever going. In 2018, a woman found a 1943 copper penny in her dad’s old coin jar, selling it for $120,000. With rare Wheat Pennies still out there, people are searching bank rolls, yard sales, and even their couch cushions. Experts suggest using a magnifying glass to check dates and mint marks. While a $174,000 penny is rare, other Wheat Pennies, like those from 1909 or 1955, can still be worth hundreds or thousands.
Should You Check Your Change?
The thought of a penny worth thousands is exciting, but experts say to keep expectations real. “Some pennies are worth a lot, but most aren’t,” says coin expert Sarah Miller. Still, looking through your change is a fun, no-cost adventure. The Lincoln Wheat Penny proves that small things can hold big value. So, next time you get a penny, take a second to check it you might just find a game-changer