A penny usually isn’t something we think twice about. But what if that tiny coin in your wallet could be worth more than ₹36 crore? That’s the case with one incredibly rare Lincoln Wheat Penny, now valued at $4.4 million. What’s even more surprising? Experts believe it might still be in circulation, hiding in someone’s pocket change, jar, or old drawer.
What Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, also called the Wheat Cent, was minted in the U.S. from 1909 to 1958. It was the first American coin to feature a real person—President Abraham Lincoln. The back of the coin had two wheat stalks, which gave it its nickname.
Although most of these pennies are still common, one particular version from the year 1943 is extremely rare and now worth millions.
Complete List of Top-Selling Coins in 2024 Year
The full list of 2024’s highest-priced coins shows how often PCGS comes up. Here are a few more highlights:
| Rank | Coin Description | Grade | Price (USD) | Auction Month | Auction House |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Undated (1652) NE Threepence | PCGS XF45 | $2,520,000 | November 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
| 2 | 1870-CC Liberty Head Double Eagle | PCGS AU55 | $1,440,000 | November 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
| T-3 | 1850 Baldwin & Co. $10 | PCGS MS63+ | $1,260,000 | November 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
| T-3 | 1855 $50 Kellogg & Co. Fifty Dollar | PCGS PR64CAM | $1,260,000 | January 2024 | Heritage |
| 5 | 1860 $5 Large Planchet Half Eagle | PCGS PR64+DCAM | $1,140,000 | January 2024 | Heritage |
| 6 | 1825/4/1 Capped Head Left Half Eagle | PCGS PR62 | $1,080,000 | August 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
| 7 | 1851 $5 Schultz & Co. Five Dollar | PCGS MS62 | $1,020,000 | January 2024 | Heritage |
| 8 | 1868 $10 Liberty Head Eagle | PCGS PR66CAM | $930,000 | January 2024 | Heritage |
| 9 | 1779 (1789) John Stewart at Stony Point Medal | PCGS MS62 | $900,000 | March 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
| T-10 | 1879 Four-Dollar Gold Stella, Flowing Hair | PCGS PR67DCAM | $840,000 | March 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
| T-10 | 1870-CC Liberty Head Double Eagle | PCGS AU50 | $840,000 | March 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
| 12 | 1863 $10 Liberty Ten Dollar | PCGS PR64CAM | $810,000 | May 2024 | Heritage |
| 13 | 1876-CC 20C | PCGS MS65 | $690,000 | August 2024 | Heritage |
| 14 | 1881-O Morgan Dollar | PCGS PR64 | $660,000 | November 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
| 15 | 1795 $10 (13 Leaves) | PCGS MS64+ | $600,000 | May 2024 | Heritage |
| 16 | 1907 Indian Gold Eagle Rolled Edge | PCGS MS65+ | $589,500 | February 2024 | GreatCollections |
| 17 | 1794 1C Head of 1794, Double Struck | NGC MS66BN | $588,000 | August 2024 | Heritage |
| 18 | 1878 Pattern Half Eagle | PCGS PR65+CAM | $576,000 | August 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
| 19 | 1887 Liberty Head Double Eagle | PCGS PR65+DCAM | $528,000 | November 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
| 20 | 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel | PCGS MS65+ | $511,875 | February 2024 | GreatCollections |
| 21 | 1975 Roosevelt Dime No S | PCGS PR67 | $506,250 | October 2024 | GreatCollections |
| 22 | 1804 DT$10 Ten Dollar | PCGS PR64 | $504,000 | January 2024 | Heritage |
| 23 | 1893-S $1 | PCGS MS63 | $444,000 | January 2024 | Heritage |
| 24 | 1794 Cent (Head of 1793, Edge of 1794) | PCGS MS64BN | $432,000 | January 2024 | Heritage |
| 25 | 1892 Liberty Gold Double Eagle | PCGS MS67 | $429,750 | April 2024 | GreatCollections |
| 26 | 1870-CC Liberty Head Eagle | PCGS AU55 | $420,000 | August 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
| T-27 | 1893 $20 | PCGS PR65DCAM | $408,000 | May 2024 | Heritage |
| T-27 | 1854-S Liberty Head Quarter Eagle | NGC AU50 | $408,000 | August 2024 | Stack’s Bowers |
| T-27 | 1877 $50 Half Union | PCGS PR67BN | $408,000 | January 2024 | Heritage |
| 30 | 1871-CC Liberty Gold Double Eagle | PCGS MS61 | $395,438 | August 2024 | GreatCollections |
Why Is This 1943 Penny Worth $4.4 Million?
In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel for making pennies to save copper for World War II efforts. But by mistake, a few copper blanks were still used in that year’s production. This accidental minting created one of the rarest coins in U.S. history—the 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny.
Only about 15 to 20 of these copper pennies are known to exist. Because they were never meant to be made, they have become a dream find for coin collectors. One of them has recently been valued at $4.4 million, making it one of the most expensive pennies ever recorded.
How to Spot the Rare 1943 Copper Penny
Think you might have one? Here’s how you can check:
- Date: The coin must be from 1943
- Colour: It should look coppery brown, not silvery grey like the steel ones
- Magnet Test: If it sticks to a magnet, it’s a common steel penny. If not, it could be the rare copper version
- Get it Verified: If you suspect it’s rare, get it authenticated by a coin expert
Is It Really Still in Circulation?
Yes, it’s possible! Over the years, these rare coins could have been forgotten, kept in coin jars, or passed along as regular change. That means someone, somewhere, might still unknowingly have a $4.4 million penny in their collection or wallet.
The idea of finding a Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $4.4 million might sound like something out of a movie, but it’s very real. It shows us that sometimes, valuable things come in the smallest packages. So, next time you find a 1943 penny, don’t toss it aside—it could change your life. Keep your eyes open; your luck might be just a coin away.
FAQ’s
Why is the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $4.4 million?
The 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny is worth $4.4 million because it was mistakenly made with copper instead of steel during World War II. Only a small number of these rare coins were produced, making them extremely valuable to collectors.
How do I identify a rare 1943 copper Lincoln penny?
Look for the 1943 date and a copper colour. If the coin doesn’t stick to a magnet, it could be copper. Steel pennies will stick. For confirmation, have it checked by a coin expert.
Is the $4.4 million penny still in circulation?
Yes, some of these rare 1943 copper pennies may still be in circulation or stored away unknowingly in homes, coin jars, or collections.
Can I sell a 1943 copper penny if I find one?
Absolutely. But first, you’ll need to get it professionally authenticated. Once verified, you can sell it through coin dealers or auctions where collectors are willing to pay a premium.
Why were most 1943 pennies made with steel instead of copper?
During World War II, the U.S. Mint used steel for pennies to conserve copper for military production. A few copper blanks were mistakenly used, creating the rare 1943 copper pennies.
