Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $110 million: A priceless treasure hidden in your pocket For those who are fond of collecting rare coins around the world, America’s Lincoln Wheat Penny, which is valued at $110 million (about Rs 900 crore) today, is a treasure that has become priceless due to its specialty and history. The surprising thing is that this coin is still in circulation somewhere and is moving from hand to hand, evading the eyes of the people.
The beginning of Lincoln Wheat Penny: A symbol of American heritage
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was the first penny to be offered to the citizens of America in 1909. This token was actually given as a recognition for the centennial birth of the most beloved and revered President of America, Abraham Lincoln.
This coin designed by Victor D. Brenner, had Lincoln’s profile on one side and two wheat stalks on the other. This design continued until 1958, after which it was replaced by that of the Lincoln Memorial, a design that glares at the younger generations today.
What is so special about this coin that its price has become $110 million?
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The price of this special Lincoln Wheat Penny is so high because it has a combination of rarity, historical importance and a special minting error.
In fact, in 1943, America started making steel coins to save copper during the war. But by mistake some copper blanks remained in the machine and printing was done on them too. Due to this, the few 1943 copper Lincoln pennies that were made are considered extremely rare today.
The coin whose price has been estimated at $110 million is not only a 1943 copper penny, but it also has a special minting error, which makes it completely “one of a kind”.
How is such a price decided?
There are many reasons behind the high price of such a coin:
- Extreme rarity: In 1943, most coins were made of steel, but some copper coins were made by mistake, which makes their existence itself unusual.
- Mint error: If there is a printing mistake in the coin, then its price increases manifold.
- Mint State condition: If the coin looks as if it has just come from the mint, that is, brand new, then its price can be very high.
- Competition among collectors: Rich collectors are ready to spend crores to get these coins, due to which the prices skyrocket.
How to identify whether a Lincoln Wheat Penny is valuable or not?
1943 Copper Penny: Whose price reached $1.7 million

During the year 1943, war was going on in America and at that time the US Mint started using steel instead of copper because copper was needed for the war. But due to some rare incidents, some copper blanks remained in the machine and pennies (1 cent coin) were made on them too. This mistake makes the 1943 Copper Penny so rare.
The 1943 Copper Penny made due to this mistake is today one of the rarest and most valuable coins in the world. Its highest recorded selling price till date is about $1.7 million (about ₹ 14 crores). Making a million is probably the closest anyone can get if they have in their possession a non-steel type of the 1943 penny; it definitely is made of copper.
1914-D Lincoln Penny: Collector’s Favorite, Worth Over $100,000

A very limited number of Lincoln pennies were issued by the Denver Mint (D mint mark) in 1914. The number of “1914-D” pennies was so low that this coin became extremely rare. Today, this coin remains a favorite of many collectors and has reached a price of over $100,000 — provided it is in mint state condition.
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The historic and collectible value of this coin is constantly rising due to its low minting number and increasing demand. If you have this coin and it is in good condition, it can be a boon for you.
1922 (No Mint Mark) Penny: Rare and Unique, Worth $30,000–$80,000

In 1922, only the Denver Mint mint mint minted pennies in the U.S. But some coins did not have the “D” mint mark because the dies were worn down during the minting process, leaving no mint mark. Such coins were found in very limited numbers, and a 1922 penny with no mint mark is now extremely rare.
Today, it sells for anywhere from $30,000 to $80,000 in the coin collecting world, especially when it’s in good condition. If you have a 1922 Lincoln penny, take a close look — if it has no mint mark, it could be a priceless treasure.
1955 Double Die Error Penny: Priceless due to obvious double printing, worth over $25,000

A unique error occurred in 1955 when the design on some coins was slightly moved twice. This error caused a double shadow to be clearly seen in the printing of “LIBERTY”, “IN GOD WE TRUST”, and the date “1955”. This is called the “Double Die Error”.
This coin is a rare gem for collectors and has been worth over $25,000. This error is very visible and is therefore very easy to spot.
What to do if you find such a coin?
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- Never clean a coin: it reduces its originality and also reduces its value.
- Store it in a safe place: in a plastic or collectors holder.
- Have a professional verification: such as from PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation).
- Contact auctions or collectors: where it can fetch a fair price.
Can a penny like this still be found today?
Yes! There are many instances where people discover rare coins in their old piggy banks, grandparents’ closets, or rolls of coins borrowed from banks. If you are a collector of old coins or pay close attention to the loose coins in your pocket, you may become the next millionaire.
Conclusion:
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is not just a coin, but a living symbol of American history. This penny, worth $110 million, proves how everyday objects can sometimes become priceless heirlooms. The next time you check your change, take a close look – who knows, there might be a “Copper Miracle” waiting for you!
FAQs
Q1. What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
A. The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a U.S. one-cent coin that was minted from 1909 to 1958. It features President Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat stalks on the reverse. It was designed by Victor D. Brenner to commemorate Lincoln’s 100th birth anniversary.
Q2. Why is one Lincoln Wheat Penny valued at $110 million?
A. This particular coin is so valuable due to its extreme rarity, historical significance, and a rare minting error. It is believed to be a 1943 penny made of copper (instead of steel), with a unique minting flaw, making it one-of-a-kind.
Q3. What is special about the 1943 Lincoln penny?
A. In 1943, pennies were supposed to be made of steel due to copper shortages during World War II. However, a few copper blanks were mistakenly used, creating extremely rare 1943 copper pennies. These are now highly prized by collectors.
Q4. How can I tell if my 1943 penny is made of copper or steel?
A. You can use a magnet. A steel penny will stick to the magnet, while a copper penny will not. You can also weigh it—copper pennies weigh around 3.11 grams, while steel ones weigh approximately 2.7 grams.
Q5. Is it possible that these valuable pennies are still in circulation?
A. Yes, it’s possible. Some rare Wheat Pennies may still be in circulation or stored in old jars, piggy banks, or collections. Discoveries have been made in everyday places like bank rolls and inherited coin sets.