It may sound unbelievable, but a single Lincoln Wheat Penny is rumored to be worth an astonishing $60 million — and some experts think it might still be in circulation. For coin collectors and curious treasure hunters, this penny has become the stuff of legend.
Could one of the world’s most valuable coins be sitting in your spare change? Let’s break down what makes this penny so special and how you can spot one.
History
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was minted in the United States from 1909 to 1958. It features Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat stalks on the reverse. While most of these pennies are common and only worth a few cents, there are a few rare versions that fetch huge sums due to their unique characteristics, minting errors, or historical importance.
Collectors love these coins because of their age, design, and potential hidden value. But one particular Wheat Penny stands out far above the rest.
Value
So why is one Lincoln Wheat Penny possibly worth $60 million?
This coin is believed to be a one-of-a-kind error, a prototype, or even an experimental mint strike. If that’s true, and the coin is confirmed by experts, its extreme rarity and historical value could make it the most expensive penny ever discovered.
This situation mirrors the story of the 1943 copper Wheat Penny. During World War II, pennies were supposed to be made from steel to save copper for the war effort. But a few were accidentally struck in copper, and these coins have sold for over $1 million each.
Imagine a similar coin that’s even rarer or was never meant to exist — that’s how you get a $60 million valuation.
Circulation
What’s wild is that this penny might still be out there, circulating with regular coins.
That’s not as far-fetched as it seems. Rare coins have shown up in pocket change before. Many people don’t know what to look for, so valuable coins sometimes go completely unnoticed. That’s why collectors are always checking their change — because once in a while, a treasure slips through.
Spotting
If you’re curious about your own coins, here are signs that might indicate you’re holding a rare Wheat Penny:
| Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Reverse Design | Two wheat stalks instead of a Lincoln Memorial or shield |
| Rare Years | 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 no D, 1943 in copper |
| Magnet Test | A copper 1943 penny won’t stick to a magnet — steel ones will |
| Color or Metal | Look for unusual tones or shine (suggesting rare alloy) |
| Mint Errors | Double prints, off-center stamps, or wrong mint marks |
| Condition | A clean, crisp penny is always worth more |
Any of these features could point to a valuable coin. Even small details can be worth thousands.
Action
So what should you do if you think you’ve found a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny?
- Don’t spend it.
- Don’t clean it.
- Keep it safe in a soft cloth or coin sleeve.
- Take it to a professional coin dealer or send it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC.
These experts can tell if your penny is a rare collectible or even one of the ultra-valuable error coins. And if it is, you could be holding a fortune.
The $60 million Lincoln Wheat Penny might sound like a myth, but it’s rooted in real stories of rare coins being observed in everyday life. If this coin truly exists, it could still be sitting in a change jar or wallet right now.
Keep an eye on your coins — because sometimes, the most valuable things in life are hiding in plain sight.
FAQs
What years are rare Wheat Pennies?
1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 no D, 1943 copper.
How can I test a 1943 penny?
Use a magnet — if it sticks, it’s steel. Copper ones won’t stick.
Should I clean a rare coin?
No. Cleaning reduces value and can damage the coin’s surface.
Can valuable pennies still be in circulation?
Yes. Rare pennies still turn up in pocket change and old jars.
Where can I verify a rare penny?
Visit a coin dealer or submit to PCGS or NGC for grading.
