Have you ever imagined that a penny lying in your drawer could be worth more than a luxury house? It sounds unreal, but one such penny exists the $110 Million Lincoln Wheat Penny. This coin is not just a piece of metal but a hidden treasure, a symbol of history, and a dream find for collectors.
What Is the $110 Million Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The $110 million price tag may seem exaggerated, but there is a strong reason behind it. This ultra-rare coin is believed to be a 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny — an error coin from World War II. That year, the U.S. Mint stopped using copper for pennies because the metal was needed for war efforts. Instead, they made pennies from steel.
However, a few copper blanks from 1942 were accidentally used in 1943, resulting in the creation of only a handful of 1943 copper pennies. Most of the pennies from that year are steel and magnetic, but these rare copper versions are not. This mix-up created one of the rarest and most valuable coins in American history.
Bicentennial Quarter Error List: Rare Mistakes That Could Be Worth Thousands
Key Features That Make This Penny Worth $110 Million
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Only a few 1943 copper pennies are known to exist |
| Mint Error | Made on copper blank instead of steel |
| Condition (Mint State) | The better the condition, the higher the value |
| Collector Demand | Extremely high interest from elite collectors |
The penny that fetched the eye-watering $110 million is believed to be in mint condition and may also feature a minting error, making it even rarer.
How to Spot a Rare 1943 Copper Wheat Penny
You don’t need to be an expert to start looking for rare coins. Here’s how you can identify a possible $110 Million Lincoln Wheat Penny:
1. Check the Date
- Look for 1943 on a Lincoln Wheat Penny.
- Most will be steel and silver in color.
2. Do the Magnet Test
- Steel pennies stick to a magnet.
- Copper ones do not.
- If your 1943 penny doesn’t stick, you might be onto something!
3. Weigh the Coin
- Use a small digital scale.
- Copper pennies weigh about 3.11 grams.
- Steel pennies weigh about 2.7 grams.
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies to Know
Not every coin is worth millions, but several other Wheat Pennies are also worth a fortune. Here are some to watch for:
| Coin | Average Value | Auction Record |
|---|---|---|
| 1943 Copper Penny | $100,000 – $1.7 Million | $110 Million (unique case) |
| 1914-D Penny | $200 – $2,500 | $158,625 |
| 1922 No D Mint Mark | $700 – $12,000 | Varies |
| 1955 Doubled Die | $1,000 – $15,000 | $125,000 |
| 1931-S Penny | $70 – $150 | $18,600 |
| 1917 Doubled Die | $100 – $5,000 | $120,000 |
| 1909-S VDB Penny | $500 – $2,000 | $69,000+ |
These coins are frequently sought after by collectors and may already be in circulation or hidden in old collections.
What To Do If You Find a Rare Penny
Finding a rare coin is exciting, but handling it properly is important:
Don’t Clean It
Cleaning can lower the value by damaging the coin’s surface.
Store It Safely
Use a coin holder or protective case.
Get It Authenticated
Contact trusted grading services like:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
These organizations will verify and grade your coin, which will greatly impact its resale value.
FAQ About the $110 Million Lincoln Wheat Penny
Q: How can I tell if my 1943 penny is copper or steel?
A: Do the magnet test. Steel sticks to a magnet, copper does not.
Q: Is the $110 million penny real?
A: Yes, a unique 1943 copper penny with minting errors and in top condition was valued at that level due to its rarity and high collector interest.
Q: Can I find a valuable penny in everyday change?
A: It’s rare but possible. Some high-value coins have been found in circulation.
Q: Are all 1943 pennies valuable?
A: No. Most 1943 pennies are steel and common. Only the copper version is rare and valuable.
Q: Where can I sell a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny?
A: You can sell through auction houses like Heritage Auctions, or get help from certified numismatic dealers.
The $110 Million Lincoln Wheat Penny is more than just a coin — it’s a piece of American history, an accidental masterpiece, and perhaps the most exciting treasure still hiding in someone’s collection. Whether you’re a collector, a hobbyist, or someone cleaning out an old drawer, it’s worth taking a moment to check those old pennies. That one-cent coin might just change your life.