Rare $1.7 Million Lincoln Wheat Penny Still Circulating – Have You Seen One?

Imagine pulling a penny from your change jar only to discover it’s worth a staggering $1.7 million. Sounds like something out of a dream, right? But coin collectors and experts say this dream could actually come true. A rare Lincoln Wheat penny, reportedly still circulating, has been valued at up to $1.7 million, and there’s a chance it could still be out there—hidden in plain sight.

The Lincoln Wheat Penny: A Brief History

Before diving into what makes this particular penny so valuable, let’s understand what a Lincoln Wheat penny is.

The Lincoln Wheat penny, also known as the Wheat cent, was first introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Designed by Victor D. Brenner, it was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person. On the reverse side, the design features two wheat stalks—hence the name.

Wheat pennies were minted from 1909 to 1958, and most of them are still common. You might even have a few in a jar at home. But among the millions produced, a few extremely rare variations have become some of the most sought-after coins in numismatic history.

What Makes This $1.7 Million Penny So Special?

The rare penny fetching this jaw-dropping price is the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny. During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from using copper to zinc-coated steel to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a small number of bronze (copper) planchets—used in previous years—accidentally slipped through the presses in 1943.

These error coins are not supposed to exist, which makes them incredibly rare.

The 1943 Bronze Penny: A Million-Dollar Mistake

Only about 15 to 20 genuine 1943 bronze pennies are known to exist today, and they’re often referred to as the “holy grail” of coin collecting.

• One of these coins was discovered in a high school cafeteria in 1947 by a teenager.
• Another turned up in a lunch counter’s cash register.
• A few were found only after years of collecting and careful inspection.

In 2010, one of these rare 1943 bronze cents was sold for $1.7 million in a private sale.

That’s right—a single penny, worth more than most luxury homes.

Still in Circulation?

What’s even more incredible is that some experts believe there may still be a few of these rare pennies circulating, unnoticed by the general public. Because these coins look very similar to ordinary Wheat pennies, most people wouldn’t think twice before spending one or tossing it in a coin jar.

While many of the known examples have been snapped up by collectors, not all have been accounted for. It’s very possible that a forgotten treasure lies in a cash register, piggy bank, or pocket change collection.

How to Identify a Rare 1943 Bronze Penny

So, how can you tell if you have a million-dollar coin in your hands?

Here are the key features to look for:

1. Date: The coin must say 1943.
2. Color: Bronze or copper in appearance—not silver or gray like the standard 1943 steel pennies.
3. Magnetic Test: A real 1943 bronze penny will not stick to a magnet, while a steel penny will.
4. Weight: A bronze penny weighs 3.11 grams, while steel pennies are lighter at about 2.7 grams.
5. Mint Mark: These coins have been found with no mint mark (Philadelphia), “D” (Denver), and “S” (San Francisco).

Be cautious: There are many counterfeit versions out there. Some people plate steel pennies with copper to mimic the look of bronze, and others alter the “8” in a 1948 penny to look like a “3.” If you think you’ve found a genuine one, consult a professional coin grader or submit it to a service like PCGS or NGC for authentication.

Other Valuable Lincoln Pennies

Even if you don’t stumble upon the elusive 1943 bronze penny, there are other Wheat pennies worth significant amounts:

• 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent: Worth up to $50,000+, this was the first version of the penny with designer Victor D. Brenner’s initials prominently displayed.
• 1914-D Lincoln Cent: A rare Denver mint coin valued at $200–$5,000 based on condition.
• 1922 No D Lincoln Cent: A minting error where the “D” was missing, often worth $1,000+.

Why Coins Like This Are So Valuable

There are a few reasons why this penny can command such a massive price:

• Scarcity: With fewer than 20 known examples, it’s incredibly rare.
• Historical Significance: A tangible link to WWII-era America.
• Error Coin: Mistakes like these are especially prized in the coin collecting world.
• Condition: If a coin is in near-perfect condition (called “mint state”), its value skyrockets.

Tips for Spotting Rare Coins in Your Pocket Change

While the chances of finding a $1.7 million coin are slim, they’re not zero. Here’s how you can increase your odds:

• Check your change regularly, especially older-looking coins.
• Keep a magnifying glass and a small scale handy for closer inspection.
• Learn about mint marks and dates associated with rare coins.
• Sort coins by decade, and research their potential values.
• Join online coin collecting communities to stay updated on discoveries and trends.

Final Thoughts: Is the $1.7 Million Penny Out There?

The thought that such a valuable piece of history could be lying unnoticed in someone’s junk drawer or wallet is thrilling. Whether or not the last undiscovered 1943 bronze Lincoln penny is still circulating, one thing is clear: rare coins can be hiding in plain sight.

Next time you get change back from a coffee shop or dig into your coin jar, take a closer look. You might just be holding a $1.7 million surprise—one that could change your life with a single cent.

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