The Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth Nearly $666K: Coins are much more than just a way to buy things they can also be valuable treasures, especially when they have a unique history or a rare design. A great example of this is the Lincoln Wheat Penny, a coin that’s become a favorite among collectors. One particularly rare version of this penny has been sold for an astonishing $666,000, and interestingly, some of these pennies are still floating around in people’s pockets and piggy banks today.
What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny made its debut in 1909 as part of the U.S. Mint’s celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. The front of the coin features Lincoln’s portrait, while the back shows two stalks of wheat, giving the coin its iconic “Wheat Penny” name. It remained in circulation until 1958 when it was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial design.
Over time, certain versions of this penny have become highly sought after by coin enthusiasts, largely due to minting errors or limited quantities being produced.
The Penny Worth $666K
So, why is one particular Lincoln Wheat Penny worth such a hefty sum? It all comes down to the 1943-S Bronze Wheat Penny. Here’s what makes it special:
- A Mistake in Materials: In 1943, during World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to making pennies out of zinc-coated steel to conserve copper for military needs. However, some bronze planchets (the metal discs used to make coins) from previous years were accidentally mixed into the production. As a result, a small number of 1943 pennies were made of bronze, making them extremely rare.
- Rarity of the Coin: The 1943 pennies made from bronze are incredibly hard to find most 1943 pennies are made of steel. If you come across a bronze one, it could be worth a small fortune.
- High Demand Among Collectors: Because these bronze pennies are so scarce, collectors are willing to pay a premium for them. The rarer the coin, the higher the price it can fetch at auction.
How to Spot This Valuable Penny?
If you think you might have a rare 1943-S Bronze Wheat Penny, here are a few ways to tell:
- Magnet Test: Since most 1943 pennies are made of steel, they’ll stick to a magnet. If the penny doesn’t stick, it might just be the bronze version.
- Check the Date and Mint Mark: Look for the “1943-S” mark on the coin. The “S” indicates that it was minted in San Francisco.
- Weigh the Coin: A bronze 1943 penny weighs 3.11 grams, while the steel version weighs slightly less at 2.7 grams.
If you’re lucky enough to find one, it’s a good idea to have it authenticated by a professional before you think about selling it.
Other Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies
The 1943-S Bronze Penny isn’t the only valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny. Here are a few other rare finds:
- 1909-S VDB Penny – This coin can fetch up to $50,000, thanks to its limited production and the “VDB” initials (the designer’s mark) on the reverse.
- 1944 Steel Penny – While most 1944 pennies were made of copper, a few were mistakenly minted in steel, making them worth upwards of $100,000.
- 1955 Double Die Penny – This coin has a unique double impression on the design, and depending on its condition, it can be worth anywhere from $1,500 to $50,000.
Could You Have One of These Hidden Gems?
Many of these rare pennies are still out there, circulating unnoticed. People often spend them as if they’re just regular pennies because they don’t realize their value. This means that there’s a chance you could stumble upon one of these valuable coins while going through your change or old coin collections.
In Conclusion
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a fascinating piece of U.S. history, and some versions of it can be worth a fortune. The 1943-S Bronze Wheat Penny, valued at up to $666,000, is one of the rarest and most sought-after coins.
Since some of these valuable pennies are still in circulation, it’s always worth checking your spare change you might just be holding onto a small piece of history that’s worth much more than its face value!
Note: The prices for rare coins can fluctuate due to market conditions and expert appraisals, so the value of your coin may vary.
