This Lincoln Wheat Penny Is Worth $100 Million – And It Might Still Be in Your Pocket

Published On: June 13, 2025

Many people carry coins in their pockets without giving them a second thought. But what if one of those pennies was actually worth a fortune? That’s exactly what’s happening with a rare version of the Lincoln Wheat Penny.

This coin, believed to be worth up to 100 million dollars, is making headlines — and it might still be in circulation today.

Imagine having a small piece of copper sitting in a jar at home, or lost under a couch cushion, that could be worth more than a luxury mansion.

Collectors say this penny’s value comes from its extreme rarity and unique backstory. Let’s break down what makes this little coin so legendary.

Special

The Lincoln Wheat Penny was introduced in 1909. It was America’s first coin to feature a real historical figure — President Abraham Lincoln — on the front. The reverse side showed two wheat stalks, which is why it’s commonly called the Wheat Penny.

This design continued until 1958, and during those years, millions were minted. But some versions stand out due to mistakes at the mint or unusual materials. Among the most famous and valuable is the 1943 copper Wheat Penny.

In 1943, because of a copper shortage during World War II, most pennies were made from zinc-coated steel. But a few copper blanks from the previous year accidentally slipped through the presses. These copper pennies are now among the rarest coins in the world.

Circulation

What’s crazy is that some of these copper 1943 Wheat Pennies may still be in everyday circulation. Since they look like normal coins, many people have spent them without realizing their value.

That’s why there’s a growing trend of people digging through old jars, wallets, and piggy banks, hoping to find one. On social media, videos and posts are going viral, showing users testing their 1943 pennies with magnets, praying that they’ve struck gold — or in this case, copper.

Identification

So how do you know if your 1943 penny is the real deal?

Check the date: It must say 1943.
Test with a magnet: Steel sticks, but copper won’t.
Examine the color: Copper pennies are reddish-brown, not silvery.
Look for condition: Coins with minimal wear, visible details, and no scratches are more valuable.
Mint marks: A small “D” or “S” under the year can add to the coin’s uniqueness.

If your 1943 penny doesn’t stick to a magnet, you might want to stop everything and get it professionally checked. Certified grading services can confirm if it’s real — and potentially worth millions.

Value

Why is this coin so valuable? It’s not just the rarity. It’s also the story behind it. A few pennies were minted on copper by mistake during a time of war. That kind of history makes collectors go wild.

So far, only a few genuine 1943 copper Wheat Pennies have been observed and authenticated. But collectors believe more might still be out there — just waiting to be found.

Some of these coins have sold for hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. And recently, rumors of private collectors offering up to 100 million dollars for the highest-quality specimen have reignited the search.

Buzz

The buzz isn’t limited to coin collectors anymore. Everyday people are checking their coins. Coin shops are getting more visitors. Grading companies are receiving more submissions. It’s a modern-day treasure hunt fueled by the hope of finding a penny that could change your life.

And let’s be honest — it’s pretty fun. With just a few simple steps and a little patience, you could uncover something extraordinary.

Reality

Finding a penny worth 100 million dollars might sound like a fantasy, but it’s real — and it’s possible. With a handful confirmed and others potentially still out there, the hunt is very much alive.

So the next time you’re about to toss a penny aside or drop change into a jar, take a second to look. You might just be holding one of the rarest and most valuable coins in history.