The Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $1.7 Million, Still in Circulation

The world of coin collecting is full of surprises, and one such surprise is the Lincoln Wheat Penny, which is valued at an incredible $1.7 million. Despite its high value, this rare penny is still believed to be in circulation, making it a dream find for collectors and lucky individuals.

What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?

The Lincoln Wheat Penny, also known as the Wheat Cent, was first introduced in 1909 to honor the 100th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real historical figure. The design includes Lincoln’s profile on the front and two wheat stalks on the back, symbolizing prosperity. These pennies were minted until 1958, after which the design was changed to include the Lincoln Memorial.

Why is This Penny So Valuable?

Not all Lincoln Wheat Pennies are worth millions, but some rare versions have become highly valuable. The most expensive Lincoln Wheat Penny is the 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny, which is the one valued at $1.7 million.

Also Read:

The $990,000 Lincoln Wheat Penny: Four Red Flags Every Collector Should Know

The 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny

• During World War II, the U.S. Mint stopped using copper for pennies and started making them with zinc-coated steel to conserve resources for the war.
• However, a small number of bronze (copper) pennies were accidentally made in 1943, creating one of the rarest coins in American history.
• Experts believe that fewer than 20 of these coins exist today.

Because of this minting error, the 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny has become a treasure among collectors, with some paying up to $1.7 million for a single coin.

How to Identify the Rare 1943 Bronze Penny

If you come across a 1943 penny, you can check if it is the valuable bronze version by following these steps:

1. Use a Magnet – The rare bronze penny is not magnetic, while the common steel version is. If the coin sticks to the magnet, it is made of steel and not valuable.
2. Look at the Color – The rare 1943 Bronze Penny has a reddish-brown color, while the steel penny has a silvery-gray appearance.
3. Weigh the Coin – The bronze penny weighs about 3.11 grams, while the steel penny weighs 2.7 grams.

Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies

Besides the 1943 Bronze Penny, some other Lincoln Wheat Pennies are also highly valuable:

Also Read:

The Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $240K, Still in Circulation

• 1909-S VDB Penny – Valued at over $100,000, this penny was the first in the Lincoln series and had the initials “VDB” of its designer, Victor David Brenner.
• 1944 Steel Penny – Another minting error where a few pennies were mistakenly made from steel in 1944. These are worth over $100,000.

Could You Have One?

The most exciting part is that some of these rare pennies are still in circulation. That means an ordinary person could unknowingly have one in their pocket, piggy bank, or old collection. Checking old pennies might just lead to an unexpected fortune!

Conclusion

The Lincoln Wheat Penny, especially the 1943 Bronze version, is one of the most valuable coins in history. Its rarity and mysterious existence make it highly sought after by collectors. So, the next time you come across a penny, take a closer look—it might just be worth $1.7 million!