The Lincoln: In a dramatic numismatic role reversal, one of America’s newest coin releases — the Lincoln Wheat Penny — is back in the news. One particular iteration of this humble coin, long traded for candy, and later tucked away into piggy banks, now is valued at as much as $49,000. The big question: might there still be one hiding in your pocket change?
A Penny with a Rich History
Produced by the U.S. Mint from 1909 to 1958, The Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most popular cent coins of all time, known for its scarcity. It was born in one of America’s most trying eras, The Great Depression. When it was first produced in 1909, this penny was the first of its design. The coin was designed by Victor D. Brenner and features the image of wheat stalks on its reverse side, leading to its nickname “Wheat Penny.”
They continued to be minted until 1958, making them relatively easy to find in older coin collections, but a few rare variants are worth well more than the face value of one cent — as much as tens of thousands of dollars, even.
One of the rarest and most highly-prized of all Wheat Pennies is the 1943 bronze Lincoln penny. Pennies were primarily made of zinc-plated steel during World War II, to save copper for use in the war effort. But a limited number of bronze blanks those intended as test strikes inadvertently entered the presses to produce an accidental rarity.
There is maybe a handful of 1943 bronze Wheat Pennies in existence
One example, sold at auction, brought $49,000, though others, depending on condition and the mint where they originated, have commanded even more.
Another vastly sought after edition is the 1955 doubled die Wheat Penny with easily discernible double impressions on the date and lettering. Some of these coins can fetch thousands with some near pristine ones going for between $15,000 and $50,000.
Might It Not Still Be in Circulation?
Most of the most valuable pennies are old, but there are some exceptions to the rule. It’s always possible that a valuable penny could soon be found in change, or one could be found in a forgotten coin collection. With millions of units still in the wild, experts recommend inspecting your change — in particular, older pennies minted pre-1959.
Look out for:
- 1943 pennies that are not steel (use a magnet — steel will stick, copper will not)
- 1955 doubled die obverse
- 1909-S VDB (rare or centered below the wheat stalks)
Final Thoughts
That old penny you found in a drawer or just got as change might be worth more than you think. The chances remain slim, but tales of ordinary people stumbling upon coins worth thousands still abound. The Lincoln Wheat Penny reminds us that history and potential fortune are occasionally found in the smallest monetary units.
So the next time you receive change, examine it closely — your lucky penny might be a $49,000 windfall.
FAQs: The Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $49,000 — Is the Penny Still in Circulation?
1. Why is it worth $49,000?
Certain mint errors such as the 1943 bronze penny and 1955 doubled die make some of the coins very valuable.
2. How do I spot a rare one?
Find a 1943 penny that doesn’t attract a magnet or a 1955 coin with doubled letters.
3. Are these still in circulation?
Very rarely, but it’s possible. Be sure to look in old change and coin jars.
