Picture discovering a penny in your pocket change that would alter your life forever. That’s the tale of the mythical Lincoln Wheat Penny $4.4 million-valued coin and still thought to be in circulation. It’s not an urban legend—this coin actually exists, and its worth is due to a mix of history, scarcity, and a one-of-a-kind minting flaw.

What Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny

The Lincoln Wheat Penny, also referred to as the Wheat Cent, was produced from 1909 through 1958. President Abraham Lincoln is on the obverse and two stalks of wheat on the reverse. Even though they produced millions of them, some of them—those that contained errors, or those made of rare metals—have turned into collector’s gold.

Why Is One Worth $4.4 Million?

The coin of interest is a 1943-D Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny, made by mistake in bronze rather than the wartime-used steel. In World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc-plated steel in order to save the copper for war purposes. A few of the 1942 bronze planchets (blanks) were mistakenly utilized in 1943 and made some copper 1943 pennies.

Among these are only a few 1943 bronze pennies minted in Denver (therefore stamped with the “D” mark), this $4.4 million -valued one just so happens to be one of them. More surprising still is that it is still in mint condition and has its provenance assured, making it very much sought after by blue-chip collectors as well as museums.

Still in Circulation?

Yes, they feel that one or two of these uncommon 1943-D bronze pennies are still out there undiscovered and in circulation in plain pocket change. With millions of pennies traded daily, it’s possible that someone could unwittingly hold a fortune in the shape of an unassuming one-cent coin.

How to Identify a $4.4M Penny

If you want to give it a try, here’s what to do:

Color: Copper-colored, reddish-brown (not silvery, like steel type)
Mint Mark: Tiny “D” under the date (Denver Mint)
Magnet Test: Will not adhere to a magnet—steel pennies will
Weight: Varies around 3.11 grams (steel pennies weigh less)
If you’re able to find your hands on a coin with this description, it’s imperative to have it authenticated by a third-party grading service such as PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation).

A Collector’s Dream

The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a great example of how ancient mistakes are current riches. It’s an interesting combination of American history, economics, and dumb luck. Most individuals do not look at a penny twice, but a keen eye may spot a game-changing opportunity.

FAQs