Have you ever considered that an old coin in your pocket could drastically alter your fate? Yes, this is not a joke. A simple-looking American coin, the Lincoln Wheat Penny, is in the news these days because its value has reached a million dollars, or crores of rupees. And it’s remarkable that this currency is still in average people’s pockets!
What is Lincoln Wheat Penny?
Lincoln Wheat Penny is a popular one cent coin of America, which was first issued in the year 1909. The front side of this coin has an image of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of America, and the back side has two wheat ears printed on it, which gave it the name ‘Wheat Penny’.
This coin was in circulation till 1958, and even today some rare versions have become so valuable that their value has reached from $1 million to $2.5 million (i.e. about 8 to 20 crores rupees).
Why such a high price?
Not every Lincoln Wheat Penny is worth crores. This price is only available to some special and rare editions. For example:
- 1943 Copper Penny – In 1943, most coins were made on steel, but some were mistakenly made on copper. These coins with mistakes are rare and extremely valuable today.
- 1909-S VDB Edition – This edition was issued in very small numbers and collectors are ready to spend lakhs to find it.
Such coins are priceless in the eyes of numismatists and when they come up for auction, their bid goes up to millions of dollars.
How to identify such a coin?
If you have some old coins, then it is important to know whether you have any such rare Lincoln Wheat Penny or not. For this, pay attention to these things:
- Year – Look carefully at the coins between 1909 and 1958.
- Mint Mark – If the coin has ‘S’, ‘D’ or any special mark on it, it can indicate its rarity.
- Metal – If the 1943 coin is made on copper, then it can be very rare.
- Condition – If the coin is not damaged and all the marks on it are clearly visible, then its price can be more.
What to do if you have such a coin?
If you think that you have such a coin, then first of all do not panic and do not rush to sell it. First of all:
- Contact a professional numismatic expert.
- Get the authenticity and condition of the coin checked.
- Then find out its correct price on auction or collector sites.
Keep in mind, the demand for such rare coins is very high and sometimes buyers come forward at the international level as well.
Conclusion: One coin, one dream
Today when everyone is struggling from inflation to worries about the future, a small coin like Lincoln Wheat Penny can prove to be a life-changing coin for someone. This coin may be lying in your piggy bank, old wallet or in a drawer and you are ignoring it thinking it to be a common coin.
FAQs
What is Lincoln Wheat Penny?
It is an American one-cent coin that was minted from 1909 to 1958. It has two ears of wheat on the reverse side.
Which Lincoln Wheat Penny can sell for crores?
Particularly the 1909-S VDB and the 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny are extremely rare and can be worth millions of dollars.
Is this coin still in circulation?
Yes, some rare versions may still be hidden among common coins, which people do not recognize.
What should I do if I have such a coin?
Contact a professional numismatist and get the coin examined. Do not sell it in a hurry.
How much can it cost?
Its price depends on its rarity and condition. Some versions have sold for more than $1 million.
