Rare Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $815K: Most of us don’t pay much attention to the spare change we carry around. A few pennies here, a nickel there — it doesn’t seem worth more than face value. But what if one of those old pennies in your pocket was worth hundreds of thousands of dollars? Believe it or not, a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny once sold for a staggering $815,000 at auction. And yes — it’s possible you might be carrying one without even knowing it.
What Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, also known as the “Wheatie,” is a U.S. one-cent coin that was minted from 1909 to 1958. It features President Abraham Lincoln on the front and two stalks of wheat on the reverse — hence the nickname.
This design was introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth, and it was the first U.S. coin to feature a real historical figure. Over the years, millions of these coins were minted, but a small number of errors and unique variations turned some into rare collector’s items.
The $815,000 Penny: Why So Valuable?
The rarest and most valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny is the 1943-D Bronze Cent. Here’s why it’s so special:
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In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel pennies to save copper for World War II efforts.
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However, a few bronze blanks (used in 1942) accidentally got stuck in the coin presses and were used in early 1943 by mistake.
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These error coins — struck in bronze instead of steel — are extremely rare.
One such penny, minted in Denver (indicated by the “D” mint mark), sold for an astonishing $815,000 in a private sale. Only a few of these bronze 1943-D Wheat Pennies are known to exist.
How to Check If You Have One
So how do you know if you’ve got one of these rare coins hiding in your change jar? Here are some things to look for:
Key Characteristics of the 1943-D Bronze Wheat Penny:
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Year: 1943
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Mint Mark: “D” under the date (Denver Mint)
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Material: Bronze or copper — not silver-colored steel
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Magnet Test: It should not stick to a magnet (steel pennies will)
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Color: Reddish-brown (like a regular copper penny)
If your 1943 penny is copper-colored and not magnetic, it’s worth getting it professionally appraised — it could be a life-changing discovery.
Table: Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies to Watch For
| Year | Mint Mark | Composition | Estimated Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | S | Bronze | $700 – $60,000+ | Rare initial design with designer’s initials |
| 1914-D | D | Bronze | $200 – $13,000 | Low mintage from Denver |
| 1922 “No D” | (none) | Bronze | $500 – $12,000 | Mint mark error |
| 1943-D | D | Bronze | Up to $815,000 | Most valuable error coin |
| 1955 Doubled Die | (any) | Bronze | $500 – $2,000+ | Famous double-printed date |
Tip: Always handle coins by the edges to avoid damaging them. Even a small scratch can reduce their value.
Other Rare Pennies That Could Be Valuable
Even if you don’t have the $815,000 coin, several other Lincoln Wheat Pennies are still worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. These include pennies with minting errors, low mintage years, or historical significance.
Coins with doubled images (known as “doubled dies”) or ones missing mint marks can also be highly collectible. Condition is another major factor — coins that are uncirculated or in excellent shape can fetch far higher prices than worn-down ones.
Where to Get Coins Appraised
If you think you might have a valuable penny, consider taking it to:
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A professional coin dealer
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A local numismatics club
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A certified coin grading service like PCGS or NGC
You can also compare your coin to pictures online, but be careful of fakes or altered coins — expert appraisal is key for a proper valuation.
Final Thought
It’s easy to overlook that small, seemingly insignificant penny in your pocket. But the world of coin collecting is full of surprises — and sometimes, incredible value. The $815,000 Lincoln Wheat Penny is proof that rare finds are still out there. So before you toss your change into the jar or machine, take a closer look. You never know — your next penny might just be worth a fortune.
FAQs
Q: What is the rarest Lincoln Wheat Penny?
A: The rarest is the 1943-D Bronze Cent. Only a few are known to exist, and one sold for $815,000.
Q: How do I know if my 1943 penny is valuable?
A: Use a magnet. If it doesn’t stick and looks copper-colored, it may be bronze. Have it appraised.
Q: Are all Wheat Pennies valuable?
A: Not all, but many from rare years or with errors can be worth a lot more than one cent.
Q: Where can I sell rare pennies?
A: You can sell to certified coin dealers, online auctions (like Heritage or eBay), or through numismatic organizations.
Q: Can I still find rare Wheat Pennies in circulation?
A: It’s rare, but yes — some still show up in jars, old rolls, or estate collections.