What if we told you a small, dusty coin lying at the bottom of your change jar might be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars? Sounds like a fairy tale, right? But it’s 100% real.
A rare version of the Lincoln Wheat Penny, originally worth just one cent, was sold at auction for an astonishing $429,750. And here’s the wild part—it’s still possible to find one in regular circulation.
Origins
The Lincoln Wheat Penny made its debut in 1909, introduced by the U.S. Mint to honor President Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. It became the first American coin to feature a real person instead of the usual symbolic images.
On the front, you’ll see Lincoln’s profile. On the back? Two wheat stalks, which gave the coin its nickname—Wheat Penny. These were produced until 1958, after which the U.S. switched to the Lincoln Memorial design. Though millions were minted, a few rare editions have become valuable collectibles.
Rarity
So, how does a 1-cent coin fetch over $400,000? The answer: minting errors and rare materials.
Take the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny. In 1943, because of World War II, the U.S. Mint used steel instead of copper to make pennies, saving copper for war supplies. However, a few coins were accidentally struck using the old bronze (copper alloy) planchets.
These bronze 1943 pennies are incredibly rare. Most were lost or melted down. But when one shows up, collectors are willing to pay a small fortune. One example sold at auction for $429,750—turning a common coin into an epic payday.
Spotting
Want to know if you’re holding a potential fortune in your hand? Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you identify rare Wheat Pennies:
| What to Look For | Details That Matter |
|---|---|
| Coin Year | Focus on 1909, 1914, and especially 1943 |
| Coin Material | 1943 pennies should be steel—if it’s bronze, it’s rare |
| Mint Marks | Look below the date for “S”, “D” or no mark at all—each has its own rarity |
If you find a 1943 penny that looks copper or bronze instead of silver-gray (steel), have it weighed and appraised. A true bronze 1943 penny weighs about 3.11 grams vs. 2.7 grams for the steel ones.
Dealers
Thinking about selling a rare find? Your best bet is to contact a licensed coin dealer or a professional numismatist. Every U.S. state has dedicated dealers specializing in rare coins and appraisals.
| State | Coin Dealer Resources |
|---|---|
| California | Heritage Auctions, CoinWeek |
| New York | Stack’s Bowers, NY Coin & Bullion |
| Texas | U.S. Coins & Jewelry |
| Florida | Sarasota Rare Coin Gallery |
| Illinois | Harlan J. Berk Ltd. |
They can help verify your coin, offer an appraisal, and even sell it through a reputable auction house.
Auctions
If you’re still wondering how serious the coin market is, check out some of the top-selling coins in 2024. Spoiler alert: they’re worth millions.
| Rank | Coin Description | Price (USD) | Auction House |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1652 NE Threepence (Undated) | $2,520,000 | Stack’s Bowers |
| 2 | 1870-CC Liberty Head Double Eagle | $1,440,000 | Stack’s Bowers |
| 5 | 1860 $5 Large Planchet Half Eagle | $1,140,000 | Heritage Auctions |
| 21 | 1975 Roosevelt Dime “No S” Proof | $506,250 | GreatCollections |
| 25 | 1892 Liberty Gold Double Eagle | $429,750 | GreatCollections |
That $429,750 Wheat Penny sits comfortably among some of America’s most prized coins—proving small change can make a big difference.
Circulation
So how do rare coins like these end up back in circulation? Easy. People just don’t know what they have. These coins get passed down through generations, tossed into change jars, or unknowingly used at checkout counters.
That’s why serious collectors keep an eye out. You never know when a seemingly ordinary coin might turn out to be a hidden gem.
So, next time you’re sorting through your spare change or digging through a relative’s old coin collection, take a closer look. That little penny could be your big break.
FAQs
What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
It’s a U.S. coin from 1909–1958 featuring Abraham Lincoln.
Why is the 1943 penny rare?
Because a few were mistakenly made in bronze instead of steel.
How much is the rare penny worth?
One sold for $429,750 at auction.
Where can I sell a rare coin?
Contact licensed coin dealers or major auction houses.
How can I verify a rare penny?
Check date, metal type, mint mark, and get it appraised.
