The Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $9990K That’s Still in Everyday Circulation

A penny may seem insignificant—something you toss into a jar or leave at the bottom of your bag—but it could be worth a fortune. That’s the case with the Lincoln Wheat Penny, a once-common coin now making headlines for fetching nearly $10 million ($9.99M) in auctions. What’s more? Some of these valuable coins are still believed to be floating around in everyday circulation.

What Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?

First introduced in 1909, the Lincoln Wheat Penny (also called the “Wheat Cent”) was minted until 1958. It was the first U.S. coin to feature an actual person—President Abraham Lincoln—on the obverse (front). The reverse side displayed two wheat ears, symbolizing prosperity and agriculture.

Originally made of 95% copper, these pennies were used for decades in everyday transactions. But over time, some specific editions of these coins became rare collectibles worth serious money.

Why Are Some Lincoln Pennies Worth Thousands—or Millions?

While most Wheat Pennies are only worth a cent or slightly more to collectors, a handful are worth thousands to even millions because of minting mistakes or limited production runs. The most famous of these is the 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny.

Here’s why it’s so valuable:

Feature	Details
Year	1943
Intended Material	Steel (due to wartime copper shortage)
Minting Error	A few were struck on leftover copper blanks
Rarity	Fewer than 20 are known to exist
Current Value	Up to $9.99 million (depending on condition)

Coins like this one are numismatic unicorns—rare, accidental, and extremely valuable.

How to Tell If You Have a Rare Wheat Penny

Finding a rare Lincoln penny takes a bit of detective work, but here are a few steps to help:

• Check the Date: Focus on coins from 1909 to 1958. Key dates include 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 No D, and the 1943 copper version.
• Look for Errors: Valuable mistakes include double stamping, missing letters, or incorrect mint marks.
• Test the Metal: A 1943 penny that looks copper should be tested with a magnet. If it doesn’t stick, it could be a rare copper version.
• Weigh It: A copper penny weighs about 3.11 grams. Steel ones weigh around 2.7 grams.

Why These Coins Might Still Be in Circulation

Many people have no idea that their small change could include a valuable piece of history. That’s because coins like the 1943 copper penny were never officially pulled from circulation. They’ve been handed down, forgotten in drawers, or tossed in jars over generations.

Collectors and treasure hunters believe a few of these ultra-rare coins are still out there—just waiting to be discovered in someone’s pocket or piggy bank.

Can You Sell Your Wheat Pennies?

Yes, and here’s how to start:

1. Don’t Clean the Coin – Cleaning lowers its value significantly.
2. Get it Evaluated – Use professional grading services like PCGS or NGC.
3. Find a Trusted Dealer – Use directories like: https://coin-dealer-directory.money.org/
4. Check eBay or Heritage Auctions – See what similar coins are being sold for.
5. Attend Coin Shows – These events are great for meeting buyers and experts.

From Loose Change to Life-Changing Discoveries

Many coin collectors got started simply by checking their spare change. With over 27 billion Wheat Pennies minted between 1909 and 1958, the odds might seem low—but all it takes is one rare find to strike gold. Whether it’s a 1943 copper penny, a 1909-S VDB, or a misprinted coin, every coin is worth a second glance.

So, next time you get a handful of change, don’t spend it without looking—you might just be holding a piece of history worth a small fortune.

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