In the world of coin collecting, few coins capture the imagination quite like the Lincoln Wheat penny. Minted from 1909 to 1958, these pennies are easy to recognize by the two stalks of wheat framing the reverse — and many are still found in circulation today. But among them, one stands out above the rest: a rare Lincoln Wheat penny valued at up to $200,000.
Could one of these be hiding in your change jar, wallet, or a forgotten coin roll? The answer might surprise you.
What Makes a Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $200,000?
While millions of Wheat pennies were minted, a few rare dates, errors, and varieties have become extremely valuable over the years. The penny grabbing the most attention is the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny — a rare mint error that has fetched auction prices well into six figures, with the highest known sale exceeding $200,000.
Here’s what makes this coin so special:
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In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc-coated steel pennies to save copper for World War II.
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However, a few bronze planchets (copper blanks) from 1942 were accidentally used, resulting in a small number of 1943 pennies struck in the wrong metal.
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These coins are extremely rare, with fewer than 20 confirmed examples.
How to Spot the $200K 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny
If you have any 1943 Wheat pennies, here’s how to tell if you might have one of the valuable bronze versions:
Check the date: It must read “1943” on the obverse.
Test the metal: A genuine 1943 bronze penny is not magnetic. Steel cents are magnetic.
Color and weight: Bronze cents have a reddish-brown copper color and weigh about 3.11 grams. Steel ones weigh less — about 2.7 grams and appear silver or gray.
Professional authentication: Only certified grading from PCGS or NGC can confirm it’s the real deal.
Are These Pennies Still in Circulation?
Technically, yes — but finding one in circulation is extremely rare. Most were either discovered decades ago or remain buried in private collections, forgotten coin jars, or inherited estates.
However, stories do emerge of rare Wheat pennies found in bank rolls, garage sales, or inheritances. It’s not impossible — just highly unlikely.
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies to Watch For
While the 1943 bronze cent is the crown jewel, there are other Wheat pennies worth keeping an eye out for:
- 1909-S VDB – The original design with designer Victor D. Brenner’s initials; worth up to $1,000+
- 1914-D – Scarce Denver-minted coin, especially in higher grades
- 1922 “No D” – Missing mintmark from a worn die; very collectible
- 1955 Doubled Die – Strong doubling on the date and lettering
- 1944 Steel Penny – Another off-metal error, extremely rare
What to Do If You Think You Found One
If you suspect you’ve found a rare Lincoln Wheat penny:
- Handle it carefully (preferably by the edges)
- Don’t clean or polish it
- Do a magnet test (for 1943 cents)
- Weigh the coin
- Submit it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication
Final Thoughts
The dream of finding a $200,000 penny in your pocket might sound far-fetched — but it’s happened before. The right coin in the right condition, especially one with a rare mint error like the 1943 bronze Wheat penny, could turn a casual coin hunt into a life-changing discovery.
FAQs: The $200,000 Lincoln Wheat Penny
Q1: What is the Lincoln Wheat penny?
A: The Lincoln Wheat penny is a U.S. one-cent coin minted from 1909 to 1958. It features President Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat stalks on the reverse. It’s one of the most collected coins in American history.
Q2: Why is the 1943 Bronze Wheat penny worth $200,000?
A: In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched to steel pennies to save copper for WWII. However, a few bronze blanks from 1942 were mistakenly used, creating an extremely rare error coin. These 1943 bronze Wheat pennies are worth up to $200,000 or more, depending on condition and certification.
Q3: How can I tell if I have a 1943 bronze Wheat penny?
Look for these key signs:
- Date: “1943”
- Color: A reddish-brown or copper tone
- Magnet test: Bronze pennies are not magnetic; steel ones are
- Weight: Bronze coins weigh about 3.11 grams; steel ones about 2.7 grams
- Professional authentication is required for confirmation
Q4: Are these rare pennies still in circulation?
A: While extremely rare, a few could still exist in circulation, especially in old coin jars, estate collections, or forgotten bank rolls. Most have been discovered by now, but new finds occasionally make headlines.