The Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $45 Million Still in Circulation : The Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most iconic coins in American history. While most of these pennies are worth just a few cents, a few rare editions are valued at astonishing prices. One specific Lincoln Wheat Penny is rumored to be worth $45 million and is still believed to be in circulation. If you are a coin collector or just someone who checks their change regularly, here’s how you can identify this rare penny.
History of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first minted in 1909 to honor President Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birth anniversary. Designed by Victor D. Brenner, this penny was produced until 1958 before being replaced by the Lincoln Memorial design. It features Lincoln’s profile on the obverse side and two wheat stalks on the reverse, which gives the coin its name.
What Makes This Lincoln Wheat Penny So Valuable?
Certain rare variations of the Lincoln Wheat Penny are extremely valuable. The most famous among them is the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny. During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc-coated steel to conserve metal for the war effort. However, a small number of bronze pennies were accidentally struck and released into circulation. These bronze pennies are highly sought after by collectors, and some have sold for millions at auctions.
How to Identify the $45 Million Lincoln Wheat Penny
To determine if you have the rare Lincoln Wheat Penny worth millions, look for the following characteristics:
- Date and Material: The rarest Lincoln Wheat Penny is from 1943 and should be made of bronze (copper), not steel. If you find a 1943 penny that looks copper-colored, it could be valuable.
- Magnet Test: A steel 1943 penny will stick to a magnet, while a rare bronze version will not. If your 1943 penny does not stick, it might be one of the rare ones.
- Weight Check: The common steel penny weighs about 2.7 grams, while the rare bronze version weighs around 3.11 grams.
- Mint Mark: Look for pennies minted in Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), or San Francisco (S). Each variety has been found in bronze and could be worth a fortune.
- Professional Appraisal: If you suspect you have a rare penny, get it authenticated by a professional coin grading service such as PCGS or NGC.
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
While the 1943 Bronze Penny is the most famous, there are other Lincoln Wheat Pennies worth a significant amount:
- 1909-S VDB Penny: Only 484,000 of these were made, and they are highly valuable.
- 1914-D Penny: With a low mintage of just over 1.1 million, this penny is rare and sought after.
- 1922 No D Penny: A minting error resulted in some 1922 pennies lacking the Denver mint mark, making them valuable.
- 1955 Double Die Penny: This error coin features a noticeable doubling in the date and lettering, making it a prized collectible.
Where to Find Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies
You don’t have to be a coin collector to find one of these rare pennies. Here are some places where you might come across one:
- Loose Change: Always check your pocket change or coin jars.
- Coin Rolls from Banks: Some collectors search through rolls of pennies from banks to find rare ones.
- Garage Sales & Estate Sales: Old collections may be hidden in forgotten coin jars.
- Flea Markets & Antique Shops: Rare coins sometimes end up in unexpected places.
What to Do If You Find a Rare Lincoln Wheat Penny
If you think you have found a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny, follow these steps:
- Do Not Clean the Coin: Cleaning a coin can reduce its value.
- Verify Authenticity: Use the magnet test, weight check, and look for mint errors.
- Consult a Professional: Have your coin evaluated by a reputable coin grading service.
- Consider Selling at Auction: Rare coins often fetch the highest prices at professional auctions.
Conclusion
The possibility of a $45 million Lincoln Wheat Penny still being in circulation excites both collectors and everyday people alike. Checking your spare change could lead to an incredible discovery. By knowing what to look for and how to verify authenticity, you might just be lucky enough to find one of the most valuable pennies in history. Keep an eye out you never know what treasures could be hiding in plain sight!
Disclaimer: Coin values fluctuate based on condition, rarity, and market demand. The $45 million valuation is speculative and not a guaranteed price. Always verify rare coin details with an official numismatic expert or grading service before making any financial decisions.
