A Nearly Million-Dollar Penny Might Be in Your Pocket
In today’s fast-paced digital world—where we tap phones to pay and coins often collect dust—most people don’t think twice about spare change. But what if that forgotten penny in your car or couch could be worth $950,000?
Believe it or not, some versions of the Lincoln Wheat Penny, a coin many of us still have stashed away in jars or drawers, are now valued at nearly a million dollars—and yes, they might still be floating around in everyday circulation.
The Birth of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny made its debut in 1909 to honor the 100th birthday of Abraham Lincoln. Designed by sculptor Victor David Brenner and commissioned under President Theodore Roosevelt, it was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person.
On the front: Lincoln’s profile.
On the back: two wheat stalks flanking “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” symbolizing America’s agricultural roots.
This design lasted until 1958 and became one of the most iconic coins in American history.
What Makes a Penny Worth $950,000?
While most Lincoln Wheat Pennies are worth only a bit more than face value, certain rare ones have skyrocketed in value. Here’s why:
1. Minting Errors
Mistakes during production—like double prints, off-center stamps, or wrong metal compositions—create unique coins that collectors love.
2. Low Mintage
Some years saw very limited production due to war or economic conditions. Scarcity makes these coins especially valuable.
Top Lincoln Wheat Pennies to Watch For
1943 Copper Penny
In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel due to WWII. But a few copper blanks were mistakenly used. These rare 1943 copper pennies are worth up to $950,000 or more.
1909-S VDB Penny
The original version of the 1909 penny featured Brenner’s initials (“V.D.B.”). Only 484,000 were made before the initials were removed, making this San Francisco mint coin extremely collectible.
1955 Double Die Penny
A striking misalignment during production led to visibly doubled dates and letters. These can be worth $1,000 to $15,000, depending on condition.
How to Spot a Rare Penny
Want to check your change for treasure? Here’s what to do:
Check the Date
Valuable years include 1909-S, 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 (no mint mark), 1931-S, and especially 1943 (if it’s copper, not steel).
Look for a Mint Mark
- “D” = Denver
- “S” = San Francisco
- No mark = Philadelphia
San Francisco and Denver mint coins are generally rarer.
Examine for Errors
Double letters, misaligned features, or odd shapes could signal a rare variant.
Use a Magnet for 1943 Pennies
Most 1943 pennies are steel and will stick to a magnet. A copper-colored 1943 penny that doesn’t stick could be a six-figure find.
Final Thoughts
It sounds unreal, but that lonely penny sitting in your drawer could be worth thousands—or even close to a million dollars. Coins like the 1943 Copper Penny or the 1909-S VDB are still occasionally discovered in the most unexpected places.
So next time you get change at the store, don’t just toss it aside. That unassuming cent might be a hidden piece of American history—and a jackpot waiting to be found.