The Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $99 Million, Still in Circulation

It’s not every day that a penny could change your life—but the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny just might. A tiny coin with a face value of one cent has sparked headlines and stirred imaginations thanks to a rare minting mistake that occurred during World War II. One of these pennies, made accidentally from copper instead of steel, has reportedly been valued at a jaw-dropping $99 million.

While that figure is largely speculative and no public sale has reached that amount, the coin’s incredible rarity and historical significance make it one of the most coveted finds in American coin collecting. And the best part? It might still be out there.

The Story Behind the 1943 Copper Wheat Penny

During WWII, the U.S. Mint conserved copper for the war effort by switching penny production to zinc-coated steel. Almost every penny minted in 1943 followed this plan—except for a handful that were mistakenly struck on leftover copper planchets from 1942.

It’s believed that only 10 to 20 authentic 1943 copper pennies exist today, making them extraordinarily rare. Each one is a product of both minting error and history—a combination that makes collectors and investors alike willing to pay staggering sums.

Key Features of the $99 Million Lincoln Penny

Here’s a breakdown of what makes this coin stand out:

Feature	Details
Year	1943
Material	Copper (error—should have been steel)
Mint Mark	Usually none (Philadelphia Mint)
Known Quantity	10–20
Value Range	$100,000 – $1.7 million (reported offers as high as $99 million)
Weight	3.11 grams (vs. 2.7g for steel)
Magnetic?	No (steel sticks to magnets, copper doesn’t)

Still in Circulation? Believe It or Not—Yes

Although these coins are ultra-rare, it’s possible that one could still be sitting in a coin jar, old piggy bank, or family heirloom collection. People frequently dismiss older pennies as junk, often tossing them aside or spending them without a second glance.

That’s why stories continue to surface about lucky individuals discovering rare Wheat Pennies by accident—sometimes in circulation, sometimes during estate cleanouts.

How to Tell If You Have the Real Deal

Identifying a 1943 copper Wheat Penny doesn’t require a lab—just a careful eye and a few simple tools.

Steps to Identify a Rare 1943 Copper Penny:

• Check the Date: Look for 1943 on the coin.
• Magnet Test: If the coin sticks to a magnet, it’s steel—not copper.
• Color: Copper coins will have a reddish-brown tone; steel ones look silver.
• Weigh It: A genuine copper penny weighs about 3.11 grams, compared to 2.7 grams for a steel penny.
• Professional Grading: Suspect a valuable find? Send it to a certified grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication.

Other Million-Dollar Pennies?

While the 1943 copper penny grabs the spotlight, other Lincoln Wheat Pennies have sold for six or seven figures:

• 1944 Steel Wheat Penny: A reverse error of the 1943 coin—made from steel when copper had returned. Also extremely rare.
• 1958 Doubled Die Obverse Penny: Famous for its doubled lettering, these coins can fetch well over $100,000.
• 1943-D Copper Penny: Minted in Denver—only one is known to exist and it sold for over $1.7 million.

Warning: Counterfeits Are Everywhere

Because of their value, 1943 copper pennies are heavily counterfeited. Many fakes are simply copper-plated steel or altered 1945 pennies. If you’re not sure, always get the coin professionally verified. Collectors rely on trusted grading companies to avoid expensive mistakes.

More Than Just Money

The Lincoln Wheat Penny isn’t just a coin—it’s a symbol. Produced during a time of war, its unexpected rarity tells a story of American innovation, resourcefulness, and history. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or just someone curious about the coins in your pocket, this penny represents a hidden piece of the past with the power to surprise—and possibly enrich—anyone who discovers it.

FAQs