Rare Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $6.6 Million – Is It Still in Use?

On: Tuesday, April 22, 2025 5:25 AM

Rare Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $6.6 Million – Is It Still in Use?

Many of us have coins sitting in our pockets, piggy banks, or old cupboards that we often overlook, thinking of them as just ordinary objects. However, some of these coins could potentially change your life. For example, the rare Lincoln Wheat Penny from America recently sold at auction for $6.6 million. It may be hidden among the everyday coins you already own!

Lincoln Wheat Penny: A historical journey

The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first issued in 1909 to commemorate the birth centenary (100 years) of Abraham Lincoln. It was the first coin of America to depict the image of a real historical person. It was designed by the famous designer Victor David Brenner. On the back of the coin is a picture of two wheat ears, which are considered a symbol of prosperity.

While most of these coins are not worth much, the 1943 version, which was accidentally minted in copper, has become one of the rarest and most valuable coins in the world.

1943 Copper Penny: Why is it worth so much?

In 1943, at the height of World War II, the US Mint began minting the Lincoln Wheat Penny in steel to save wartime resources. Copper was then used to manufacture defense equipment and ammunition. But during this time some coins were accidentally minted in copper — and this is where the unique story of the 1943 Copper Penny began.

This 1947 Penny Could Be Worth $1.7 Million – Check Your Change!

Today, experts believe that only 15 to 20 such copper 1943 coins are in existence. Availability in such a small number has made it a rare gem. This is why one of these coins was auctioned for $6.6 million — it is considered the most expensive Lincoln Penny ever.

Is this coin still in circulation?

It is hard to believe, but it is absolutely true that this coin looks like a common coin. That is, it can still be lying in someone’s pocket, cupboard, or piggy bank and perhaps no one would even know about it. Many times people even spend these rare coins, thinking them to be normal.

If you have a collection of old coins, then definitely check it carefully once. Many people have discovered such priceless coins in childhood piggy banks or grandfathers’ old treasures. It is possible that you too have such a rare coin worth $6.6 million!

How to identify whether you have a 1943 Copper Penny or not?

If you want to know whether any of your coins is a 1943 Copper Penny or not, then you can check it by the methods given below:

1. Look at the color:

The 1943 Copper Penny is red-copper in color.
While the 1943 Steel Penny looks gray-silver.

2. Magnet Test:

If the coin sticks to the magnet, then it is made of steel i.e. it is a common coin.
If it does not stick to the magnet, then there is a possibility that it could be a Copper Penny.

3. Check the weight:

The 1943 Copper Penny weighs about 3.11 grams.
On the other hand, the Steel Penny weighs only 2.7 grams.

With these three tests, you can easily guess whether the coin you have is rare or not. However, it is always good to take the help of a coin expert or numismatics expert for the correct evaluation.

Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $26 million: Do you also have such a hidden treasure?

Conclusion: Can a coin change your fate?

There are many people in the world who think that coins have no special value — but this story completely changes this thinking. The 1943 Copper Penny was the result of a historical mistake, but today it’s a $6.6 million asset.

If you have old coins — no matter how unremarkable they may seem — pull them out today and examine them carefully. Who knows, your luck might be waiting for you in the form of a tiny coin. And if you suspect you might have such a special coin, contact an expert immediately. You may have a piece of history in your hands that’s worth millions of dollars today.