The simplest things in life, such as an old coin in your pocket, can bring the most joy. Yes, we’re referring to the Lincoln Wheat Penny, which might be valued up to $1.44 million (around Rs 12 crore) today!
This is not a dream, but a reality. This rare Wheat Penny made in the US is still circulating like ordinary coins — it might even be hidden in your coin box!
What is a Wheat Penny?
The Wheat Penny, also known as the Lincoln Wheat Cent, is an old coin of the US that was first minted in 1909. The coin has a picture of President Abraham Lincoln on one side and two wheat ears on the other, giving it the name “Wheat Penny”.
They were minted until 1958, and the design changed after that. But some coins minted in certain years, such as 1943, 1944 and 1909, are considered extremely rare.
How is it worth $1.44 million?
The biggest reason for such a huge price is a special Copper Wheat Penny from 1943. Most of the coins were minted in steel that year because copper was needed for war materials. But by mistake, some coins were minted in copper as well — and those coins have become rare and valuable today.
The price of one such 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny reached $1.44 million in an auction. This means, a simple coin can change your life!
How to identify if you have this coin?
If you have old US coins or a relative has given them as a gift, then pay attention to these things:
- The year on the coin: Does it have “1943” written on it?
- Metal color: Steel coins of 1943 are light in color, but if the same coin is copper colored then it can be rare.
- Back design: There should be two wheat ears and “One Cent” written on it.
- Magnet test: The steel coin sticks to the magnet, but the copper one does not.
If your coin passes all these things, then understand that you have a treasure.
Is this coin still circulating?
Yes, the surprising thing is that even today many people do not know what such rare coins are with them. Many times people spend them considering them normal or forget them somewhere. So now it is time to check your old coins thoroughly.
What should I do if I find such a coin?
- Do not clean: Do not try to polish the coin by rubbing it, this can reduce its real value.
- Show it to an expert: Have it checked by a certified numismatist.
- Consider auction: If it is real, you can sell it through a reputable auction platform.
- Do online research: You can check the price and demand of such coins on sites like eBay, Heritage Auctions.
Information about some more rare Wheat Pennies:
- 1909-S VDB: The first Lincoln Penny, minted in San Francisco, and in very small numbers.
- 1944 Steel Wheat Penny: Accidentally made in steel in 1944, while copper was being used that year.
- 1955 Doubled Die: This coin had a printing mistake, which made it rare.
Conclusion: The treasure could be in your home!
Sometimes what we ignore thinking it to be trivial, can prove to be worth crores. If you have old coins — especially from America — then take a close look at them once.
FAQs
What is a Wheat Penny?
Wheat Penny is an American one cent coin, which was made from 1909 to 1958. It has a design of two wheat ears on the back.
Which is the Wheat Penny worth $1.44 million?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, accidentally made in copper in 1943, is considered the rarest and most valuable, whose value has reached $1.44 million.
How do I check my coin?
Look for the year 1943, if it is copper-like in color and does not stick to a magnet, then it may be rare. Get it checked by an expert to confirm.
What to do if you find such a coin?
Do not clean the coin, get it checked by a certified numismatist and then consider auction or sale.
Is this coin still in circulation?
Yes, there are some rare Wheat Pennies still around — so be sure to check your old coins.
