Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $13 Million: In a surprising twist for coin collectors and everyday Americans alike, a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny has been valued at a staggering $13 million, and experts believe it could still be in general circulation. Yes, the coin that could make you a millionaire may be tucked inside a forgotten coin jar or even jingling in your pocket change.
This extraordinary penny, dating back to the early 20th century, is being hailed as one of the most valuable coins ever discovered in the United States—and it’s not housed in a museum or under tight security. It’s possibly still being exchanged in everyday transactions.
Why Is This Lincoln Penny So Valuable?
Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $13 Million: The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first minted in 1909 to honor the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Designed by Victor David Brenner, the coin features Lincoln’s profile on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse—hence the name “Wheat Penny.”
While millions were produced between 1909 and 1958, a few versions stand out due to rare minting errors, unusual compositions, or extremely low mintage. The $13 million penny is believed to be one of these ultra-rare anomalies.
Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $13 Million: Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Mint | 1943 (speculated) |
| Metal Composition | Bronze instead of wartime steel |
| Mint Error | Struck at the wrong mint or with incorrect die alignment |
| Condition | Graded MS-66+ (Mint State, almost perfect condition) |
| Historical Significance | Wartime error, accidental minting during metal shortage |
The 1943 Bronze Penny: The Million-Dollar Coin
Most experts believe the $13 million valuation is tied to the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny, one of the most fabled error coins in numismatic history. During World War II, copper was urgently needed for military equipment, so the U.S. Mint switched to using zinc-coated steel for pennies. Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $13 Million
However, due to either leftover copper planchets or minting oversight, a small number of bronze pennies were mistakenly struck in 1943. These coins are exceedingly rare, with only a few known to exist.
In past auctions, similar 1943 bronze pennies have sold for up to $1.7 million. The newly identified $13 million version is reportedly in near-perfect condition, significantly increasing its rarity and value.
Is the $13 Million Lincoln Penny Still in Circulation?
While it may sound unbelievable, numismatists say it’s entirely possible that one or more of these valuable coins are still out there—either tucked into a piggy bank, stashed in a drawer, or even circulating through vending machines.
“Coins pass through thousands of hands over decades,” says Mark Henderson, senior appraiser at the American Numismatic Institute. “It wouldn’t be the first time a multimillion-dollar penny turned up in someone’s loose change.”
How to Check If You Have the $13 Million Penny
If you’re curious whether you might be holding a potential fortune, here’s how you can check:
Checklist for Identifying the $13 Million Penny
| Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Year | 1943 |
| Magnetic Test | Steel pennies stick to magnets; bronze does not |
| Color | Bronze pennies have a brownish or reddish hue |
| Weight | Bronze weighs approx. 3.11 grams (steel = 2.7g) |
| Mint Mark | Look for “D” (Denver) or “S” (San Francisco) |
If your 1943 penny doesn’t stick to a magnet and appears reddish-brown, it’s worth having it professionally appraised.
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies to Watch For
While the $13 million penny is in a league of its own, several other Lincoln Wheat Pennies are highly valuable as well.
Top Valuable Wheat Pennies
| Year | Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | First-year issue, low mintage | $700 to $12,000+ |
| 1914-D | Scarce mintage from Denver | $250 to $6,500 |
| 1922 No D | Mint error, rare | $500 to $10,000 |
| 1955 Doubled Die | Misprint, highly collectible | $1,000 to $25,000 |
These coins are all worth checking for, especially in older coin collections passed down from previous generations.
Coin Collectors and Auction Houses React
News of the $13 million Lincoln penny has sparked a frenzy in both the coin collecting community and among everyday Americans. Several auction houses have already received inquiries from hopeful citizens asking to have their coins evaluated.
“We’ve seen an increase in walk-ins and online submissions by nearly 300% since the news broke,” says Rebecca Mullins, coin appraiser at Heritage Auctions. “Everyone thinks they might have the penny. And honestly? Some of them might.”
The market for rare coins is seeing a resurgence in general, with record-breaking sales across the board. In fact, the rare coin industry saw $536 million in auction sales in 2024 alone, according to Stack’s Bowers Galleries.
FAQs – Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $13 Million
Q1: How do I get my Lincoln penny appraised?
A: You can take your coin to a local certified coin dealer or send it to a third-party grading service like PCGS or NGC. Be sure to check their reputation and fees before sending in your coin.
Q2: Are all 1943 Lincoln pennies valuable?
A: No. Most 1943 pennies are made of steel and are worth less than $1. Only those made of bronze (copper) are rare and extremely valuable.
Q3: Can I sell a rare penny on my own?
A: While you can try selling it yourself, working with a reputable auction house or coin dealer is recommended to ensure authenticity and maximize your earnings.
Q4: What if my coin is valuable but damaged?
A: Condition significantly affects value. Even rare coins can see their value drop by 50% or more if they’re scratched, bent, or corroded.