The Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued At $99 Million, Still In Circulation

What if that dusty penny under your couch could actually be worth more than a Beverly Hills mansion? Sounds unreal, right?

But believe it or not, it’s not just a wild rumor. A few rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies are so highly sought after that one has been said to be worth close to $99 million.

The Penny That Changed Everything

In 1909, something historic happened—the U.S. Mint featured a real person, Abraham Lincoln, on a coin for the first time. This honored the 100th anniversary of his birth.

Sculptor Victor David Brenner designed the coin, replacing the old Liberty designs with Lincoln’s portrait. The back of the coin showed two wheat stalks alongside “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” giving it a clean, iconic look. This design lasted until 1958.

The $99 Million Penny—Fact or Fiction?

Things got interesting during World War II. In 1943, to conserve copper for military needs, the Mint made pennies from zinc-coated steel.

However, a few copper blanks from 1942 were accidentally used. These mistake coins, marked 1943 but made of copper, became one of the rarest and most valuable errors in American coin history.

Only about 15 to 20 of these are known to exist.

A $1.2M 1943 Steel Penny and Its Story

Thanks to their rarity and the story behind them, these 1943 copper pennies are considered legendary. Experts believe that if the right collector came along, one might actually fetch close to $99 million. Even those in circulated condition have sold for hundreds of thousands.

Why Are These Pennies So Valuable?

In coin collecting, a mix of rarity, a great story, and historical context drives up the value. The 1943 copper penny checks every box—with its wartime background, mistake minting, and extreme scarcity.

It’s not alone, either. The 1955 Doubled Die penny, which shows doubled text and numbers, is another valuable find that can be worth thousands if in top shape.

Condition Is Everything—Don’t Clean Your Penny!

If you find an old penny, don’t rush to clean it. Cleaning can actually lower its value. Collectors prefer coins that are untouched and in original condition.

Coins are graded from Poor (P-1) to Mint State (MS-70). A well-preserved 1943 copper penny can bring in huge money, while a worn one might go for much less.

How to Know If You’ve Found a Rare Penny

Got a jar of old change? Here’s how to check for a valuable 1943 copper penny:

• Look for 1943, but not in silver—real copper ones have a reddish color.
• Use a magnet. Steel pennies will stick, copper ones won’t.
• Weigh the coin. Copper pennies weigh about 3.11 grams; steel ones are lighter, around 2.7 grams.
• Also watch for these rare dates: 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, and 1922 with no mint mark.

Found Something Rare? Here’s What to Do

If you think you’ve struck coin gold:

• Don’t clean it.
• Keep it in a soft cloth or coin holder.
• Get it checked by a certified coin expert (numismatist).
• Consider getting it officially graded by PCGS or NGC.

A professional appraisal is the best way to confirm your coin’s value—and potentially sell it for big bucks.

Final Thoughts: A Penny for Your Dreams

No Lincoln Wheat Penny has officially sold for $99 million yet, but some have come close to $1 million at auctions. So it’s not out of the question.

These aren’t just coins—they’re pieces of history. And they might be sitting quietly in your change jar, waiting to be discovered.

So next time you sort through your coins, take a second look. That little copper penny could be your hidden treasure.

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