Imagine pulling out some loose change and spotting a plain old penny — only to observe it’s worth over $3 million. Sounds like a movie plot, right? But for collectors and lucky finders, the Lincoln Wheat Penny has proven that such stories can be real.
With one specimen recently valued at an eye-popping $3,360,000, this humble coin has become one of America’s most fascinating pieces of hidden treasure.
Iconic
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first minted in 1909 to honor Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. It made history as the first U.S. coin to feature a real person’s portrait. On the back? Two simple wheat stalks framing the words “One Cent.” It’s a design that remained in place until 1958.
Millions were minted during that half-century run. Most are common, sure. But certain pennies — with odd errors, rare mint marks, or unusual stories — are worth serious money.
Record
So what’s the deal with the $3.36 million Lincoln Wheat Penny?
That jaw-dropping price tag belongs to one of the most famous error coins in history — the 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny. During World War II, copper was needed for ammunition, so the Mint switched to zinc-coated steel pennies. But a few bronze blanks accidentally made it into production.
These bronze 1943 pennies are now among the rarest in the world. Just a handful exist, and one sold at auction for over $3 million.
Experts say as collector demand rises, this price could continue climbing — and yes, $3,360,000 is very much on the table for a top-condition example.
Want to spot one? Check the date (1943) and see if your penny sticks to a magnet. Steel cents will stick. A real 1943 bronze penny won’t — and it should weigh about 3.11 grams.
Possible
The wild part? These coins aren’t all locked away in museums or collections. Some might still be floating around in pocket change, coin jars, or forgotten drawers. People have uncovered rare pennies in old coffee cans, inheritance collections, and even while cleaning out their attic.
With millions of Lincoln Wheat Pennies still in circulation, there’s always a tiny chance that you’ll stumble across one that turns out to be a big deal.
Others
While the 1943 Bronze Penny is the superstar, there are other Lincoln Wheat Pennies you should definitely look out for:
| Coin | Why It’s Valuable |
|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | First edition, low mintage of 484,000 |
| 1914-D | Rare Denver mint issue |
| 1922 No D | Missing mint mark error |
| 1955 Doubled Die | Obvious doubling on date and lettering |
Each of these can be worth thousands — even tens of thousands — depending on condition.
Hobby
Coin collecting isn’t just for hobbyists anymore. With prices like these, it’s practically treasure hunting. The Lincoln Wheat Penny, especially, continues to capture attention. It’s small, simple, and easy to overlook — but just one rare variation can change your financial life.
So next time you get change at the store, take a peek. Or better yet, dig through old piggy banks and dusty jars in the garage. That innocent-looking penny could be a slice of American history — and a million-dollar surprise.
FAQs
What year is the $3.36M Lincoln penny?
It’s a rare 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny.
How can I tell if I have the bronze 1943 penny?
It won’t stick to a magnet and weighs 3.11g.
Are Wheat Pennies still in circulation?
Yes, many still turn up in old coin jars.
Which other Wheat Pennies are valuable?
1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 No D, 1955 Doubled Die.
Can I sell rare pennies online?
Yes, auction houses and coin dealers buy them.
