Most of us don’t think twice about tossing a penny into a jar or handing it over with spare change. But what if one of those pennies was secretly worth more than a Ferrari—or even a house? Sounds impossible, right? Yet, some versions of the classic Lincoln Wheat Penny have sold for jaw-dropping amounts, including one that went for a staggering $1.7 million.
Even more intriguing? A few of these rare coins might still be out there, hiding in plain sight, just waiting to be discovered by someone like you.
The Penny That Changed History
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, also known as the Wheat Cent, made its debut in 1909 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s birth. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person—a significant shift from the earlier Liberty-style designs.
Created by artist Victor David Brenner, the front of the coin proudly displays Lincoln’s profile. Flip it over, and you’ll see two wheat stalks—symbolizing prosperity—gracing the reverse side. This design stayed in circulation until 1958, when the Lincoln Memorial design took its place.
Why Are Some Pennies Worth a Fortune?
While millions of these coins were minted, only a tiny number carry exceptional value. The one that gets collectors buzzing? The legendary 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny.
Here’s the backstory:
- In 1943, due to wartime metal shortages, the U.S. Mint began using zinc-coated steel for pennies instead of the usual copper.
- However, by mistake, a few copper (bronze) blanks were left in the machines and struck into coins.
- The result: an accidental rarity that’s now worth hundreds of thousands—sometimes millions—of dollars.
One of these bronze 1943 pennies sold for $1.7 million at auction in 2010. Another fetched $870,000 in 2019. Only a handful of authentic bronze 1943 pennies exist, which is what makes them so incredibly valuable.
And yes—despite all odds—a few might still be sitting in someone’s pocket or coin jar, totally unnoticed.
How to Tell If You Have the $1.7M Penny
Here’s how to identify a potentially priceless Lincoln penny:
| Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Year | It must say 1943 |
| Color | Should be brown or copper, not silver |
| Magnet Test | Should not stick to a magnet (steel ones will) |
| Condition | The better the condition, the higher the potential value |
Important Tip: Do not clean the coin—cleaning can reduce its value dramatically.
Where Might You Find One?
It sounds unbelievable, but rare coins do occasionally turn up in:
- Pocket change
- Coin jars or piggy banks
- Garage sales or flea markets
- Store cash registers
- Inherited coin collections
Even today, experts believe that some rare Wheat Pennies are still circulating, unnoticed by the public.
Other Valuable U.S. Coins Worth Knowing
The 1943 bronze penny isn’t the only coin to keep an eye out for. Here are a few others that have sold for incredible amounts:
| Coin | Estimated Value | Why It’s Valuable |
|---|---|---|
| 1933 Double Eagle | $18.8 million | Only a few exist; historical and legal rarity |
| 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar | $10 million | First-ever silver dollar issued by the U.S. Mint |
| 1972 Doubled Die Penny | Up to $1,000 | Striking error causes a doubled image |
| 2005-D Speared Bison Nickel | Up to $1,500 | A die gouge through the bison makes it unique |
| 1982 No Mint Mark Dime | Up to $10,000 | Minting mistake—missing mint mark |
Found One? Here’s What to Do Next
If you suspect you’ve got a rare coin:
- Don’t clean or polish it.
- Use a magnet to confirm it’s not steel.
- Take it to a certified coin expert or numismatist.
- Get it authenticated through grading services like PCGS or NGC.
- Consider an auction—you could be in for a big payday.
It’s easy to overlook spare change, but every penny truly does count—especially if it’s one of the rarest coins in American history. The next time you dig into your coin jar or get change at the store, take a closer look. That humble-looking 1943 penny could be worth more than you ever imagined.
You might not just be holding a coin—you could be holding your next big break.