The Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $990K, Still in Circulation

The Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most famous and valuable coins in American history. While most pennies are worth only one cent, some rare versions of the Lincoln Wheat Penny are worth a fortune. One of these rare coins is valued at $990,000, and the surprising fact is that it might still be in circulation today! This means that anyone could find it in their pocket change or a coin collection.

What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?

The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first minted in 1909 and was produced until 1958. It features Abraham Lincoln’s portrait on the front and two wheat stalks on the back, which is why it is called the “Wheat Penny.” This coin was designed by Victor David Brenner and was the first U.S. coin to feature a real historical figure.

Why is This Penny Worth $990K?

Not all Lincoln Wheat Pennies are valuable, but some rare ones can be worth a lot of money. The most valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny is the 1943 Bronze Penny. In 1943, most pennies were made from steel because copper was needed for World War II. However, a small number of pennies were accidentally made from bronze (copper and tin alloy) instead of steel. These rare 1943 Bronze Pennies are extremely valuable today.

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One of these 1943 Bronze Pennies was sold for $990,000 at an auction. Experts believe that only about 20 to 40 of these rare pennies exist. The rest could still be circulating, meaning someone might find one in their pocket change.

How to Identify a $990K Lincoln Wheat Penny?

If you want to check whether you have a rare 1943 Bronze Penny, follow these simple steps:

1. Check the Date – Look at the year on the penny. If it says “1943,” it could be valuable.
2. Check the Color – A real 1943 Bronze Penny should be brownish or copper-colored, not silver or grey.
3. Use a Magnet – Regular 1943 pennies were made from steel, so they will stick to a magnet. But if your 1943 penny is made from bronze, it will not stick to a magnet.
4. Look for Mint Marks – If your 1943 penny has a small letter “D” (Denver Mint) or “S” (San Francisco Mint) below the date, it could be even more valuable.
5. Get it Checked by an Expert – If you think you have a rare penny, take it to a professional coin dealer or grading service to confirm its authenticity.

Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies

Besides the 1943 Bronze Penny, there are other Lincoln Wheat Pennies that are worth a lot of money:

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• 1909-S VDB Penny – Worth up to $100,000, this penny was one of the first Lincoln pennies ever made.
• 1944 Steel Penny – Worth up to $750,000, this rare coin was an accident when steel planchets were mistakenly used in 1944.
• 1955 Doubled Die Penny – Worth up to $50,000, this penny has a noticeable error where the text appears doubled.

Could You Find This Rare Penny Today?

Yes! Even though these pennies are rare, they could still be in circulation. Many people do not realize the value of old coins and might spend them without knowing their worth. Checking your loose change, old piggy banks, or inherited coin collections could lead to a life-changing discovery.

Conclusion

The Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most fascinating and valuable coins in U.S. history. The 1943 Bronze Penny, worth $990,000, is one of the rarest coins that might still be in circulation. If you find one, you could become an instant millionaire! So, the next time you receive a penny, check it carefully—it might be worth much more than just one cent.