Imagine finding a penny in your change worth $1.5 MILLION. Sounds crazy, right? But that’s exactly what happened when a bizarre 1999-D Lincoln Cent error, now called the “WECENT Penny,” shocked the coin-collecting world.
Only three examples are known to exist—and one recently sold in 2023 for a staggering $1.5 million. Could you be sitting on one of these life-changing treasures? Let’s find out.
Why the 1999 “WECENT” Penny Is So Valuable
This is no ordinary mistake—it’s one of the wildest minting errors in U.S. coin history.
“WECENT” Error – Instead of “ONE CENT,” the coin says “WECENT” 
Country Name Misprint – Reads “STATES OF AMERICAN” instead of “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” 
Obverse Blunder – “IN GOD WE TRUN” instead of “TRUST” 
Denver Minted (1999-D) – All verified examples came from Denver 
Elite Condition – The only PCGS MS-65 RED specimen sold for $1.5M 
How to Spot the $1.5 Million Penny
If you have a 1999-D penny, here’s what to check:
Reverse (Back):
- Should say “WECENT” instead of “ONE CENT.”
- Should read “STATES OF AMERICAN” (missing “UNITED” + “A”).
Obverse (Front):
- Motto misprint: “IN GOD WE TRUN.”
Mint & Date:
- Must be 1999-D (Denver).
- No other year or mint qualifies.
The 5-Second Millionaire Test
Flip the coin—does it say “WECENT”?
Check the country name—“STATES OF AMERICAN” = jackpot 
Verify the mint mark—it must have a bold “D” under the year.
Value of the 1999-D WECENT Penny
Here’s how much these rare errors have sold for:
| Grade | 2021 Price | 2023 Price | 2024 Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circulated | $250,000 | $500,000 | $750,000+ |
| MS63 Red | $600,000 | $900,000 | $1.2M+ |
| MS65 Red | $1.1M | $1.5M | $2M+ |
Even circulated examples can be worth hundreds of thousands!
The Origin Story: A Penny That Almost Bought Gum
- 2005 – First coin discovered in an Arkansas Walmart penny tray.
- 2018 – Second coin sold for $825,000.
- 2023 – Third specimen graded by PCGS, sold for $1.5 million.
“I almost spent it on gum—now it’s paying for my kids’ college!”
— Anonymous finder of the second coin
What To Do If You Think You Found One
DO:
- Handle carefully (only by the edges)
- Take close-up photos (10x magnification helps)
- Submit to PCGS or NGC for authentication
- Insure it immediately before shipping
DON’T:
- Clean or polish the coin
- Tool the letters or add fake grease
- Trust uncertified “error coins” online
Watch Out for Fakes
Counterfeits are everywhere—here’s what to avoid:
Cheap eBay knockoffs with laser etching
Coins with errors but no professional certification
Altered 1999-D pennies that don’t exactly match the known errors
This Penny Could Buy You a House
Most 1999 pennies are worth a cent. But this one could buy you a house—or even a mansion. 
Check your coin jars, wallets, and old piggy banks—you never know if you’re sitting on a $1.5 million miracle. 
