Even the smallest coins in our pockets might be worth crores if seen correctly. Such is the situation with America’s historic Lincoln Wheat Penny. The price of this coin is $815,000 (about ₹6.7 crores), which may surprise some. Imagine if you had such a coin.
So let’s know about this special penny in detail – what is it, why is it so valuable and how to identify it.
What is Lincoln Wheat Penny?
Lincoln Wheat Penny was first issued in America in the year 1909. This coin has been discontinued now but it was in common use at that time. There were two wheat ears on its back, which is why it is called “Wheat Penny”.
This special version of this coin is so rare that collectors are ready to pay millions of dollars to buy it.
Why is this coin so expensive?
The price of this coin is so high because it is an error coin. That is, when it was minted, a special mistake was made in it. This mistake makes it extremely rare.
One of the most valuable versions is the 1943 Lincoln Penny which was mistakenly made in copper. At that time World War II was going on and America had reserved all its copper to make weapons. Because of this, most of the Pennies in 1943 were made from steel.
But by mistake some coins were made from old copper stock. And these copper coins of 1943 have got millions of dollars today.
How to identify these rare Pennies?
If you also have old coins or you are fond of collecting old coins, then it is very important to know how to identify such rare pennies.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Check the year: The most valuable penny is from 1943, but make sure it’s made of copper, not steel.
- Check the metal: Common 1943 pennies were made of steel and stick to a magnet. If you have a 1943 coin and it doesn’t stick to a magnet — it’s very likely a rare copper coin.
- Color and weight: Copper coins tend to be light brown or orange in color and feel a little heavy in weight.
- Condition and mint mark: If the coin is in good condition and has a ‘D’ or ‘S’ mint mark (which indicates the minting location), its value could go up even more.
Can you have such a coin?
You’d be surprised to know that many such rare pennies may still be lying around in people’s homes, old piggy banks or coin collections. Since this coin was in circulation many years ago, it’s possible that someone may find it undetected.
Some people have accidentally found such coins and later become millionaires when they found out their true value!
What to do if you find such a coin?
If you suspect you have such a special penny, follow these steps:
- Have it examined by a professional collector or coin expert.
- Have it appraised by a coin grading service (such as PCGS or NGC).
- Don’t sell it online unless you know its true value.
Conclusion: Small coin, big luck
The Lincoln Wheat Penny isn’t just any ordinary coin — it’s a piece of history and is worth millions today. It could be a treasure hidden in a corner of your closet, an old wallet, or your grandma’s piggy bank.
FAQs
Which is this Penny that is worth $815,000?
This is the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny, which was mistakenly made in copper.
Why is it so expensive?
In 1943, all Pennies were supposed to be made of steel, but some were mistakenly made in copper. These error coins are now extremely rare.
How can it be identified?
If the 1943 Penny does not stick to the magnet, looks like copper and is slightly heavy in weight, then it may be a rare coin.
Can such a coin still be found?
Yes, some such coins may still be with people in old collections or piggy banks.
What to do if such a coin is found?
Be sure to get it examined and evaluated by an experienced coin dealer or grading service.
