We generally consider a penny to be just a small coin that we either put in the tip box or forget in a corner of the drawer. But what if that small copper coin changes your fate? Yes, there is a Lincoln Wheat Penny in America whose value is estimated to be $105,000, and surprisingly, this coin is still believed to be in circulation. That is, it can be hidden in someone’s pocket, piggy bank or in loose money found in shops.
In this article, we will explain in detail why this coin is so valuable, how it can be identified, and how you can find it.
What is a Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a one-cent coin of America that was minted between 1909 and 1958. Its front side has the profile of former US President Abraham Lincoln and on the back side there are two wheat stalks; hence, it is called the ‘Wheat Penny.’
The number of these coins is in the millions, but coins with certain years and mint marks are very rare. Such coins can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars. But the most special thing is that a special 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny is so rare and special that its auction price has reached $105,000.
Why is the $105,000 coin so valuable?
The special Lincoln Wheat Penny of 1943, which is being talked about, is different from common coins in that most of the coins that year were made of steel. There was a shortage of copper due to the war, so most of the coins of 1943 were made of steel. But some were accidentally minted from old copper metal as well, which is extremely rare today.
These 1943 copper pennies are found in very small numbers and collectors are crazy about finding them. Apart from this, some other Lincoln Wheat Pennies, like the 1909-S VDB and 1914-D, are also very valuable, but the 1943 copper penny is different.
Information about the Lincoln Wheat Penny at a glance:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Coin Name | Lincoln Wheat Penny |
| Minting Years | 1909 to 1958 |
| Valuable Example | 1943 Copper Penny |
| Estimated Maximum Value | $105,000+ |
| Metal Composition (Rare) | Copper (instead of steel in 1943) |
| Mint Locations | Philadelphia (no mark), Denver (D), San Francisco (S) |
| Still in Circulation? | Yes, but extremely rare |
Design and Art
The design of the Lincoln Wheat Penny is simple, beautiful and historic. Lincoln’s profile on the front and “ONE CENT” written in large letters on the back, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” below it and wheat ears on both sides. It was the first American coin to show the image of a real person.
Some coins have the letters “VDB,” which are the initials of the name of its designer, Victor David Brenner. These special marks are found only in some early coins, which increases their value even more.
What should you pay attention to?
If you’re sifting through your loose change or old coins and hoping to find a valuable coin, pay attention to these things:
- Check the year:
- 1943: Is it copper?
- 1909-S VDB: Made in very small numbers, extremely valuable.
- 1914-D: Also rare and valuable.
- Check the mint mark:
- Look below the year:
- “D” – for Denver Mint
- “S” – San Francisco Mint
- No mark – Philadelphia Mint
- Identify the metal:
- Common 1943 coins were steel with a zinc coating. If your coin is copper-colored and doesn’t stick to a magnet, it may be rare.
- Coin condition:
- Coins that are in better condition (such as unworn or uncirculated) are worth more. A coin with a clean design and few scratches is more valuable.
Where can you find these rare coins?
Although these coins are not easy to find, they can still be found in a few places:
- In piggy banks or jars of old coins
- In old family possessions or heirlooms
- In rolls of coins from banks
- At yard sales or antique markets
- Sometimes even in loose change
Finding these coins has become an obsession for collectors and treasure hunters.
Conclusion: The one penny coin that can change fortunes
It is surprising to know that a small copper coin, originally worth just one cent, can be worth up to $105,000. The Lincoln Wheat Penny, especially the rare 1943 copper version, proves that the greatest treasures are sometimes hidden in the smallest things.
The next time you take change from a store or open an old coin piggy bank, take a closer look. It could be the coin that changes your life.
FAQs
Q. How do I tell if my 1943 coin is copper?
A. Use a magnet. Steel coins stick to a magnet, but copper ones don’t. If your coin doesn’t stick to a magnet, have an expert check it out.
Q. Are all Wheat Pennies valuable?
A. No. Most are worth 3 to 10 cents. Only coins with certain years and mint marks are rare.
Q. Can I sell a rare coin online?
A. Yes, but get it authenticated and graded before selling – such as by a service like PCGS or NGC.
Q. What does “VDB” mean?
A. It is an abbreviation of the name of Victor David Brenner, who was the designer of this coin. The 1909-S VDB coin is in high demand.
Q. Should a coin be cleaned before selling?
A. Absolutely not. Cleaning a coin reduces its value. Collectors prefer coins in their original state.