Many people enjoy collecting coins. It can be fun and sometimes even very rewarding. One coin that often gets a lot of attention is the Lincoln Wheat Penny. Some rare ones are worth thousands of dollars. One very special penny has even been sold for $144,000. It makes many wonder—could such a coin still be found in regular pocket change?
What Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny started in 1909. It was made to celebrate 100 years since President Abraham Lincoln was born. It was the first U.S. coin to show a real person.
On the front of the coin, you see Lincoln’s face. On the back, there are two wheat stalks and the words “ONE CENT.” That is why it’s called the Wheat Penny. These coins were made until 1958. In 1959, the back design was changed to the Lincoln Memorial.
Why Some Wheat Pennies Are Rare
Even though billions of these coins were made, some are very rare. A few have mistakes from the mint (coin factory), or were made in smaller numbers. These special coins are the ones collectors really want.
The $144,000 Lincoln Penny
One of the most famous rare pennies is the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny. This penny is a mistake coin. In 1943, the U.S. Mint used steel instead of copper to save metal for World War II. But a few leftover bronze coin blanks from 1942 were still used by accident.
That small mistake made these pennies very rare. If the coin is in great condition, it can be sold for over $100,000. One of them was sold for $144,000. That’s why this penny is so famous among collectors.
Is It Still Possible to Find One?
It’s not easy, but it’s not impossible. Rare coins like the 1943 bronze penny can sometimes be found by accident. They may come from old coin jars, forgotten collections, or estate sales. Someone may even use one without knowing its value.
If you think you found a rare 1943 penny, here are some things to check:
| Test | What to Look For |
| Magnet Test | Steel pennies stick to a magnet. Bronze ones do not. |
| Date Check | Make sure the date is really 1943 and not changed from 1948. |
| Professional Help | If you think it’s real, get it checked by coin experts like PCGS or NGC. |
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
Besides the 1943 bronze penny, there are more valuable Wheat Pennies. Here are a few rare ones:
| Coin | Why It’s Valuable |
| 1909-S VDB | First coin with the designer’s initials. Very few were made. |
| 1914-D | Made in Denver, very low mintage. Hard to find. |
| 1922 No D | This coin should have a “D” mark for Denver, but it’s missing. |
| 1955 Doubled Die | The letters and numbers look doubled. Easy to spot. |
These pennies can also be worth a lot, depending on their condition.
Conclusion
Finding a $144,000 penny in your change is rare, but it can happen. There are still many old coins out there. People often forget they have them or don’t know their value. So, next time you get change, take a look. You might just find a tiny piece of history—and maybe even a treasure.
FAQs
Can I still find a rare Wheat Penny in change?
Yes, but it’s very rare.
How do I know if my 1943 penny is bronze?
Try a magnet. Bronze won’t stick.
Is a 1943 steel penny valuable?
Only in perfect condition. Most are not.
What does “VDB” mean on a penny?
They are the initials of the coin’s designer.
Where can I check if my penny is rare?
Send it to PCGS or NGC for grading.
