Have you ever tossed a penny aside without giving it a second thought? Most of us have. But what if that tiny coin you dropped was actually worth millions? That’s exactly what happened with a Lincoln Wheat Penny—one that turned a routine trip to the bank into a life-altering moment. This particular coin has been valued at an astonishing $150 million.
A Penny Rooted in History
Back in 1909, the U.S. Mint released the Lincoln Wheat Penny to honor the 100th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln. It was a big deal—this was the first time a real person, not a mythical figure or symbolic image, appeared on a U.S. coin. The front features Lincoln’s profile, and the reverse shows two curved stalks of wheat, representing America’s agricultural roots.
These pennies were produced until 1958 and are still easy to find in collections or even old coin jars. But among the billions made, one extremely rare version has taken the spotlight for its jaw-dropping value.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Discovery
The coin wasn’t unearthed in a museum or an auction house. Nope. It was found in the most unassuming place—a bank roll. A collector had picked up a standard roll of pennies and started inspecting them, one by one. And there it was: a penny that looked just a bit… off.
Turns out, it was likely a 1943 bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny, already known to collectors as a rare gem. But this one? Experts say it’s in nearly perfect condition—possibly the finest example ever found. That’s what pushed its estimated worth up to an unbelievable $150 million.
What Makes It So Valuable?
During World War II, copper was a hot commodity needed for military equipment, so in 1943, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel pennies coated with zinc. But a few copper (technically bronze) blanks from 1942 slipped through the cracks and were mistakenly used in 1943.
Only around 20 of these bronze 1943 pennies are believed to exist. And when one turns up in flawless condition? That’s when collectors pull out their checkbooks with no hesitation.
Other Lincoln Pennies Worth a Fortune
While the $150 million penny is in a league of its own, there are several other Lincoln Wheat Pennies that can fetch a high price:
- 1909-S VDB – Only 484,000 were made, featuring the initials of designer Victor David Brenner.
- 1914-D – Tough to find and always in demand.
- 1922 No D – From the Denver Mint, but missing the “D” mintmark.
- 1943 Bronze – Just like the big one in this story.
- 1944 Steel – A rare flip in materials, using steel instead of the post-war return to copper.
Think You’ve Got One?
If you’ve got old coins lying around, take a closer look. A 1943 penny that doesn’t stick to a magnet might be made of bronze—not steel—and could be rare. But don’t assume anything until a professional checks it out.
Get your coin evaluated by grading services like PCGS or NGC. These experts test the metal, confirm authenticity, and assign a grade that can dramatically impact the coin’s value.
Tips to Protect Your Potential Treasure
- Never clean a coin—scrubbing it can wipe away valuable details.
- Handle it carefully, ideally by the edges or with gloves.
- Store it safely, away from sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures.
Even coins that look ordinary can be special, so it’s worth being careful.
The Thrill of the Hunt
The buzz around this $150 million penny has reignited excitement across the country. People are rifling through piggy banks, jars, and pocket change, hoping to strike gold—or in this case, copper.
Coin collecting isn’t just a hobby. It’s part treasure hunt, part history lesson. All you really need is a magnifying glass, a little curiosity, and maybe a handful of old coins to get started.
Because as this story proves, the next life-changing discovery might be hiding in your loose change.