A single penny worth $310,000? It may sound far-fetched, but in the world of rare coins, it’s not only possible—it’s already happened. Some versions of the Lincoln Wheat Penny have fetched hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction, and collectors believe that more could still be circulating unknowingly in everyday pocket change.
Let’s explore the incredible story of the Lincoln Wheat Penny, why some are worth more than luxury cars, and how one might still be hiding in plain sight.
What Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first introduced in 1909 and produced until 1958. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person—President Abraham Lincoln—on the obverse (front). The reverse shows two stylized wheat ears, which gave the coin its nickname.
Billions were minted during its 50-year run, but only a small number are considered extremely rare and valuable due to mint errors, low mintage numbers, or unusual compositions.
The $310,000 Lincoln Penny: The 1943 Bronze Cent
One of the most valuable and iconic varieties of the Wheat Penny is the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny. During World War II, copper was needed for military purposes, so the U.S. Mint switched to zinc-coated steel for pennies that year. However, a few bronze planchets (used in 1942) were mistakenly left in the machines.
The result? An incredibly rare error: the 1943 Bronze Penny.
Why Is It So Valuable?
- Only 10 to 20 genuine examples are believed to exist.
- A verified 1943 bronze penny once sold for $310,000 at auction.
- Its rarity, historic significance, and accidental minting make it a coin collector’s dream.
Could One Still Be in Circulation?
Surprisingly, yes—it’s possible. Since these coins look almost identical to ordinary copper pennies, they could easily be missed. Over the years, there have been stories of people discovering these coins in change jars, old dressers, or inherited collections.
If someone doesn’t know what to look for, they might unknowingly spend it—or leave it tucked away for years.
How to Spot a $310K Penny in Your Change
Here’s a quick checklist to help you identify a potentially valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny:
| Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Date | 1943 |
| Color | Copper/Bronze (NOT steel-gray) |
| Magnet Test | Should not stick to a magnet |
| Weight | About 3.11 grams (vs. 2.7g for steel) |
| Mint Marks | May include no mark (Philadelphia), “D” (Denver), or “S” (San Francisco) |
If you find a 1943 copper-colored penny that doesn’t stick to a magnet, do not clean it—consult a reputable coin grading service immediately.
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
While the 1943 Bronze Penny is the star, other rare Wheat Pennies are also worth serious money:
- 1909-S VDB – Worth thousands due to limited mintage and iconic initials.
- 1914-D – Very low mintage and highly sought after.
- 1922 No D – Error penny missing the Denver mint mark.
- 1955 Doubled Die – Famous for its doubling error on the date and lettering.
These coins, depending on condition, can range from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars.
Final Thoughts
The idea of a $310,000 penny still being in circulation isn’t just a fantasy—it’s a real possibility. Rare coins have shown up in coin jars, at garage sales, and even in pocket change. If you’re lucky (and a little observant), you could be one of the few to discover a life-changing piece of American numismatic history.
So the next time you hear someone say, “It’s just a penny,” you might want to take a closer look.