Imagine finding a penny in your change that’s worth more than a brand-new Porsche. It sounds unreal, but a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny has fetched up to $168,000 at auction—and yes, coins like it could still be floating around in circulation.
With millions of Wheat Pennies minted between 1909 and 1958, most are only worth a few cents. But a small handful are extremely rare, and in pristine condition, they can command eye-popping prices. Here’s everything you need to know about the $168,000 Lincoln Wheat Penny and how to spot one.
What Is a Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person—President Abraham Lincoln—and was minted from 1909 to 1958. The reverse side displays two wheat stalks, earning it the nickname “Wheat Cent.”
While billions were produced, certain rare versions have become holy grails for collectors.
The $168,000 Lincoln Penny: What Makes It So Special?
The coin in question is likely one of the rarest and most desirable Lincoln Wheat Pennies known to collectors:
1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny
- In 1943, the U.S. Mint used steel coated with zinc to preserve copper for WWII efforts.
- But a few bronze blanks (used in earlier years) accidentally got struck with the 1943 date.
- Only a few dozen exist, and one of them—graded in pristine condition—sold for $168,000.
This kind of minting error is exactly what makes a humble penny so valuable.
How to Tell If You Have One
Here’s how you can spot a potentially valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny like the $168,000 version:
| Feature | Details to Check |
|---|---|
| Date | 1943 (especially valuable in bronze) |
| Color | Should not be silver/gray like steel |
| Magnet Test | A bronze penny will not stick |
| Weight | Bronze: ~3.11g vs. Steel: ~2.7g |
| Mint Marks | Look for no mint mark, D, or S under the date |
You might also check for:
- Off-metal strikes
- Misaligned dies
- Doubled dies
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies to Watch For
If you’re coin hunting, here are some other valuable Wheat Pennies worth checking your change for:
| Year | Mint Mark | Why It’s Valuable | Est. Value (High Grade) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | S | First year, low mintage | $1,000 – $50,000+ |
| 1914-D | D | Rare, low mintage | $200 – $13,000+ |
| 1922 No D | None | Error coin, scarce | $500 – $10,000+ |
| 1944 Steel | D or S | Should be copper | $40,000 – $100,000+ |
| 1955 Doubled Die | None | Obvious doubling | $1,000 – $15,000+ |
Is It Really Still in Circulation?
Yes—it’s possible. Many people unknowingly spend or donate rare coins, and some have been found in pocket change, old jars, and estate sales. In 2019, a Massachusetts teenager discovered a 1943 bronze Wheat Penny in his lunch money and later auctioned it for over $200,000.
What to Do If You Think You Have One
If you find a Lincoln Wheat Penny that matches these criteria:
- Don’t Clean It! – Cleaning ruins its value.
- Weigh It – A bronze penny should weigh around 3.11 grams.
- Check with a Magnet – If it sticks, it’s steel; if not, it could be bronze.
- Get It Graded – Professional services like PCGS or NGC can confirm authenticity and condition.
- Consult an Expert – Take it to a coin dealer or auction house.
Final Thoughts: Check Your Pennies!
The idea of a $168,000 penny sounds like a fantasy, but for collectors, it’s very real. Whether it’s a minting error, rare year, or just a perfect specimen, certain Lincoln Wheat Pennies have changed lives—and one of them might be sitting in your coin jar right now.