Imagine fishing a penny out of your pocket—and realizing it could be worth more than a Beverly Hills mansion. Sounds like a fantasy, right? But that’s exactly what’s got coin collectors buzzing. One rare Lincoln Wheat Penny has reportedly been valued at an eye-popping $175 million. And here’s the kicker: it could still be out there, hiding in plain sight.
Let’s dig into why these humble little coins, once used to buy bubble gum and soda, have become some of the most sought-after treasures in American history.
A Presidential Legacy in Your Pocket
The Lincoln Wheat Penny made its debut in 1909 to celebrate President Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. Designed by Victor D. Brenner, it was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person. The front showed Lincoln’s iconic profile, while the back displayed two simple wheat stalks—giving the coin its nickname, the “wheat cent.”
These pennies circulated through the Great Depression, both World Wars, and into postwar America. By 1958, the wheat design was swapped out for the Lincoln Memorial, but by then, billions of wheat pennies had already made their way into piggy banks and kitchen drawers across the country.
The $175 Million Penny That Wasn’t Supposed to Exist
So how does a penny become worth $175 million?
During World War II, copper was a critical material needed for ammunition and electrical wiring. In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched to steel-coated zinc for pennies. But somewhere along the line, a few 1942 copper blanks slipped into the presses—leading to the creation of the now-famous 1943 copper penny.
This mistake was never meant to exist. But it did. And now, because so few of these copper 1943 coins exist—fewer than 20 known examples—they’ve become the holy grail of American coin collecting. The one rumored to be worth $175 million is in pristine condition, which makes its value skyrocket even more in the collector world.
Other Wheat Pennies Worth Serious Cash
That $175 million penny may be the star, but it’s not the only Lincoln Wheat Penny with a jaw-dropping price tag. Keep your eyes peeled for these:
- 1909-S VDB Penny: Made in San Francisco, it includes Brenner’s initials on the reverse. Public backlash led to the initials being removed shortly after, making this version extremely rare.
- 1922 “No D” Penny: Struck in Denver, but due to worn dies, some lack the “D” mint mark—another valuable error.
- 1944 Steel Penny: Another wartime anomaly, made when leftover steel blanks were mistakenly used instead of copper.
Finding one of these in your spare change? That’s like scratching off a winning lottery ticket—without even playing.
How to Spot a Valuable Penny
Not all Wheat Pennies are equal. Here’s what collectors look for:
- Key Dates: Focus on 1909, 1914, 1922, 1931, and especially 1943.
- Mint Marks: “S” (San Francisco) and “D” (Denver) are often more valuable than no mark (Philadelphia).
- Mint Condition: Less wear means more money.
- Errors: Double strikes, off-center images, missing letters—these quirks can be gold.
Pro tip: A $5 magnifying glass and a little patience can uncover a fortune hiding in your change jar.
Can You Still Find One Today?
Absolutely—though it’s rare. Wheat Pennies still show up in circulation, estate sales, and old family stashes. Some collectors even request bank rolls just to search through them.
It’s a bit like treasure hunting—but way more affordable. And the thrill of finding a rare coin? Pure magic.
Getting Started with Your Own Collection
If this story has sparked your curiosity, here’s how to jump in:
- Do your homework: Learn which years and marks matter.
- Start small: Check your change, ask relatives, or hit a local coin shop.
- Protect your finds: Use coin holders or albums to keep them safe.
- Get it appraised: Think you found something special? Reach out to the American Numismatic Association or a certified dealer.
At the end of the day, coin collecting isn’t just about the money—it’s about the stories, the history, and the wonder of what might be hiding in plain sight. So go ahead—check your pocket change. You never know what secrets a single penny might hold.