The Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $100K: It’s easy to overlook the small, copper-colored penny — most people toss it in a jar or ignore it entirely. But what if one of those common-looking coins was actually worth a fortune? Believe it or not, a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny still found in everyday circulation has been valued at up to $100,000 — and yes, it could be hiding in your pocket change right now.
What Is a Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, also known as the “Wheat Cent,” was minted in the United States from 1909 to 1958. The reverse side features two wheat stalks framing the words “ONE CENT,” a design that helped define early 20th-century U.S. coinage. These coins are widely collected and still show up occasionally in circulation, though most are only worth a few cents to a few dollars.
But a select few — due to rare dates, minting errors, or low production numbers — can be worth thousands or even six figures.
The $100,000 Wheat Penny
One of the most valuable Wheat Pennies is the 1943 bronze (copper) cent. During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to using steel-coated zinc planchets to save copper for war materials. However, a small number of 1943 pennies were accidentally struck using the previous year’s bronze planchets.
These 1943 bronze Wheat Pennies are extremely rare, with fewer than 20 believed to exist — and collectors have paid upwards of $100,000 for a single one in excellent condition.
Other Valuable Wheat Pennies to Watch For
If you’re checking your change, here are a few other high-value Lincoln Wheat Pennies that might surprise you:
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1909-S VDB – First year of issue, with only 484,000 minted: worth up to $10,000.
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1914-D – Scarce from the Denver Mint: can fetch over $5,000.
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1922 “No D” – A minting error from the Denver Mint: valued up to $15,000.
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1955 Double Die – Strong doubling on the date and lettering: worth $1,000–$10,000.
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1944 Steel Penny – Another minting error; these can be worth over $75,000.
How to Spot a Valuable Penny
Here’s what to look for when checking your Wheat Pennies:
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Check the date and mint mark (below the date on the front).
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Inspect for errors like doubling, missing letters, or unusual metal color.
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Use a magnet — 1943 steel cents will stick, while the rare copper ones will not.
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Look for “Wheat” reverse – Two wheat ears instead of the Lincoln Memorial.
What to Do If You Find One
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Do not clean it — cleaning can ruin the coin’s value.
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Handle with care — ideally using gloves or by the edges.
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Store it safely — in a coin holder or case.
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Get it graded — by a professional service like PCGS or NGC to verify authenticity and value.
Final Thoughts: A Penny That Could Change Everything
The story of a Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $100,000 still being found in circulation is not just a numismatic legend — it’s a reminder that small things can carry big value. Whether tucked away in a drawer, handed to you as change, or hiding in a penny roll from the bank, rare coins can still be found by those who take the time to look.
So before you pass off that old penny, give it a second glance. You just might be holding a hidden treasure. Have a Wheat Penny and want to know its value? Share the date and mint mark — I’ll help you evaluate it!
FAQs The Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $100K, Still in Circulation
FAQ 1: Why is the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny so valuable?
Most 1943 pennies were made from steel, but a few were mistakenly struck in bronze (copper). These rare error coins can be worth up to $100,000 or more, depending on condition.
FAQ 2: How can I tell if I have a rare Wheat Penny?
Check the date and mint mark. Look for 1943 copper pennies, 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, or any signs of doubling or unusual metal. A magnet test can help identify the 1943 steel vs. copper coins.
FAQ 3: Are Lincoln Wheat Pennies still in circulation?
Yes — though uncommon, Wheat Pennies (minted from 1909 to 1958) still occasionally appear in change, coin rolls, or old collections.
FAQ 4: What should I do if I think I found a rare one?
Avoid cleaning it. Store the coin safely and have it authenticated by a grading service like PCGS or NGC to determine its true value.