Rare Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $440 Million Could Be in Circulation Right Now

It’s difficult to believe that one lone penny might be worth more than the total take of most Hollywood box office smashes—but that’s precisely what a fabled Lincoln Wheat Penny is said to be worth: a whopping $440 million. And more unbelievable? It’s said to still be in circulation.

This astounding tale has set coin collectors and ordinary change-sorters alike abuzz, getting many of them to double-take the everyday pennies clinking in their pockets. Here’s all you need to know about this remarkable coin, and how you could be the person to spot it.

The Legendary Lincoln Wheat Penny

While similar 1943 bronze pennies have sold between $100,000 and $1.7 million at auction, this one, as its owner claims, is near-perfect and thus unique. Some believe that if it were ever authenticated and proven, its significance, the fact that it’s so rare, and that it’s in such good shape could force the price to as mythical a figure as $440 million—particularly if there were competitive collectors or museums involved.

To this day, there is no known public record of this particular coin’s discovery, which sparks rumors that it can still be found in circulation, hidden unbeknownst in someone’s piggy bank, wallet, or child’s coin jar.

Why This Lincoln Wheat Penny Is So Special

This specific coin purported to be a 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny, but certainly not an average one. When most pennies produced in 1943 contained zinc-coated steel due to wartime copper shortages, a handful of fewer than 20 have been reported produced accidentally in bronze (copper alloy).

Those 1943 Bronze Lincoln Pennies are possibly the rarest and most valuable coins in all American numismatic history. But the one worth $440 million? That’s thought to be a perfect piece with an unusual minting defect, perhaps related to a suspected test strike or presentation piece awarded to a government worker—or at least, that’s the legend behind it all.

What Is a Lincoln Wheat Penny?

• Design: Depicts Abraham Lincoln on the obverse (front) and two ears of wheat on the reverse.
• Produced: From 1909 through 1958
• Distinguished Varieties: 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, and naturally, the 1943 Bronze.

The wheat penny is already cherished by collectors for its vintage look and historical significance. But some years and minting mistakes render some of these coins extremely scarce.

Notable High-Denomination Lincoln Wheat Pennies

Though the $440 million penny is a myth, there are some Lincoln Wheat Pennies that have actually been sold for very high prices because they are rare and possess certain special features. Here’s a table of some of the most valuable ones:

1909-S VDB Penny

This penny has designer Victor David Brenner’s initials (“VDB”) on the back and was minted in San Francisco with a low mintage of only 484,000, which is why it’s extremely valuable among collectors.​

1943-D Bronze Penny

During World War II, pennies were mainly minted in zinc-plated steel to save copper. Some, however, were accidentally struck in bronze. The Denver-minted 1943-D bronze penny is very rare and has sold for up to $840,000 at auction.​

1955 Double Die Obverse Penny

A mint error caused doubling of the date and lettering on the obverse, making it a clear and collectible

How to Spot a Potentially Valuable Wheat Penny

If you’re excited to seek for treasures, right here’s what to search for:

• Check the Date Carefully: 1943 and 1944 are key years.
• Test for Magnetism: 1943 steel pennies stick to magnets; bronze ones don’t.
• Look for Mint Marks: Coins from San Francisco (S) and Denver (D) can be rarer.
• Condition Matters: Coins in mint or uncirculated condition fetch the highest prices.
• Error Coins: Double dies, off-center strikes, and other mistakes can skyrocket value.

How to Check If You Have the $440 Million Penny

If you stumble across a 1943 penny, do a quick test:

• Does it stick to a magnet: If yes, it’s steel (common). If not, it might be bronze (rare).
• Check the load: Bronze pennies weigh 3.11 grams, while metal ones weigh 2.7 grams.
• Look for the date: A 1943 penny that doesn’t look silver in coloration will be worth investigating.

Have one that fits the bill? Get it authenticated by a reputable coin grading service like PCGS or NGC.

Final Thought

The narrative of a Lincoln Wheat Penny valued at $440 million captivates the imagination but lacks substantiation. Nonetheless, certain Lincoln Wheat Pennies possess big value due to their rarity, historic significance, and particular characteristics. Collectors and fans should stay vigilant, as these treasures can from time to time be located inside the maximum unexpected locations.​

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