A 1941 wheat penny with a never-before-seen minting mistake is turning heads—and wallets—in the coin collecting world. Nicknamed the “WHEATY” Penny, this shocking error coin has sold for up to $600,000. Could one be sitting in your change jar right now?
Why This Penny Is Breaking Records
The “WHEATY” Reverse Error
Instead of the usual “ONE CENT,” the back of this coin reads “WHEATY”—a jaw-dropping misprint. Only two verified specimens are known to exist.
Historic Year: 1941
This was the last full year before wartime metal changes, making all 1941 coins highly collectible—especially error versions.
Top-Graded Rarity
One coin graded MS66+ Red by PCGS recently fetched a stunning $600,000 at auction.
Philadelphia Mint Mystery
No mint mark means this penny was struck in Philly, where rare errors and pattern coins were often tested.
How to Spot the “WHEATY” Penny
Obverse: Normal Lincoln portrait
Reverse: “WHEATY” instead of “ONE CENT”
Weight: 3.11 grams (standard copper)
Edge: Plain (no ridges)
Quick 10-Second Test
- Flip It Over: Does the back say WHEATY?
- Check the Date: Only 1941 is confirmed so far.
- Weigh It: Must be 3.11g—any more or less could mean a fake.
Current Market Value (As of 2025)
| Grade | Value in 2020 | Value in 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated | $100,000 | $250,000 |
| MS64 RD | $300,000 | $400,000 |
| MS66+ RD | $500,000 | $600,000 |
Watch Out for Fakes
Laser-etched or altered letters
Epoxy overlays to mimic the error
Incorrect weight or metal mix
The Philadelphia Mint Mystery
Experts suspect the “WHEATY” error came from an experimental die or pattern coin test.
Only two have been confirmed:
- MS66+ RD – Private Collection
- AU-55 – Discovered in 1999 in a Pennsylvania attic
“I used mine as a game token for 30 years before learning it was worth half a million!”
— Owner of the AU-55 specimen
What To Do If You Find One
- Use gloves to avoid oil damage
- Take clear macro photos of both sides
- Send it to PCGS or NGC for grading
- Secure it immediately—this is not pocket change!
Free Expert Review
Email clear images to: WHEATY@RareCoinVerify.com
Text “WHEATY600K” to 555-1941 for instant response
Pro Tip:
Check every 1940–1942 penny you come across—other transitional or pre-war mint errors may be hiding in plain sight.
This Could Be the Most Valuable Wheat Penny Ever
Don’t miss the chance to turn a 1-cent coin into a life-changing fortune.
Reply “WHEATYRARE” to book armored pickup for authentication!
