Absolutely no one thinks of pennies at all. They get saved up in jars, lost in the couch, or put through the cash register for the exact change. But what if I told you that there’s a single penny that could be worth $21,000,000? Yes, you read correctly-a rare type of Lincoln Wheat penny that might still be in the coins being passed around. That means you might actually possess a small space fortune right now!
What Makes the Lincoln Wheat Penny So Special?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny has an extended history that dates back to 1909, the centennial of President Abraham Lincoln. The coin was designed by Victor David Brenner and was said to be landmark because it was the first American coin to bear the likeness of a real person.
The profile of Lincoln is shown on the obverse of the coin, while the reverse displays two stalks of wheat, hence the name Wheat Penny. This design was in circulation until 1958, when the Mint phased it out to be replaced by the Lincoln Memorial design, which is probably the one most people are somewhat familiar with.
While most Lincoln Wheat Pennies can hardly boast of being worth even a few cents, rare examples have been known to sell for millions owing to their historical significance, minting errors, and limited production runs.
And one such rare penny? Take a deep breath: $21,000,000!
Wheat Pennies don’t seem to be that important, but a few evidently are: an error, some weird variety of metals, and historical considerations.
The Lincoln Wheat Penny priced at $21 million is believed to belong to this extremely special group. The reasons include:
- Minting Error – The penny got made incorrectly in different metals or had some defects in the design, making it extremely super rare.
- Low-Mintage – Minting in very small quantities implies that these coins will be really difficult to locate.
- Historical Value – Several types of the Wheat Penny were struck at significant times in history, some of which confer value upon the coin.
Probably the most famous sought-after Wheat Penny, the Copper 1943 Penny, is one of the major keys to this $21 million drama.
1943-C copper penny:
The story of the 1943-C copper penny, which evolved into the rarest coin, is worth recounting. To wit, we must step back into World War II, at a time when the U.S. government needed copper for military supplies and so coins, especially the penny, went over to steel instead.
The steel coins you see as 1943 pennies are silver-toned, oh, but this one will drive you crazy: though a few 1943 pennies were struck on bronze planchets (the blank metal discs meant to make money), otherwise referred to as copper pennies, those few that survived the raging fires are among the rarest and valuable coins in the world.
The estimate given for one of these rare 1943 copper coins is $21 million. And the crazier part? Experts believe that at least one of these pennies could still be circulating!
By now that you know the rarity of the penny, you must be itching to know where to search for it. The things you should look for include:
The estimate given for one of these rare 1943 copper coins is $21 million. And the crazier part? Experts believe that at least one of these pennies could still be circulating!
By now that you know the rarity of the penny, you must be itching to know where to search for it. The things you should look for include:
- Check the Date: A 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny.
- Check the Color: If the 1943 penny is silvery-colored, it is steel and not the rare one. If it is a coppery color, then you might have found something rare!
- The Magnet Test: Grab a magnet and place your penny by it. If it sticks to the magnet, the penny is steel and not worth anything. If it doesn’t stick, there is a good chance it could be a rare copper penny.
- Check for Clear Dates: The numbers should be sharp, and well defined, without any unusual marks or double prints.
- Get it Checked: If by any chance you are having a rare copper 1943 penny, do not take the risk; get it checked by a coin professional!
Post not found.
Moreover Compelling Lincoln Wheat Pennies
Even if you are not lucky to encounter the legendary $21 million penny, there are still some other Lincoln Wheat Pennies to research for worth. Here are some suggestions that are valuable:
- 1943 Copper Penny- Up to $1.7 million, depending on the condition.
- 1909-S VDB Penny- Being one of the first Lincoln pennies, it has the initial imprint by the designer on the back, which has been retained post-minting: VDB. People pay prices exceeding $100,000 for it.
- 1955 Double Die Penny- This penny, which has a clear double image in front, is worth $50,000+.
Are You Sitting on a Wealthy Fortune?
It is quite thrilling to believe that scattered among the circulation could be a $21 million Lincoln Wheat Penny. Whether or not that myth holds true in this case, what’s certain is that certain coins can be worth lifechanging amounts.”
So the next time you find an old penny, take another look at it. Check piggy banks, jars, and even the change littering the floor of your car. Who knows? You may have a tiny flutter of history-and an enormous fortune!
Thus, happy treasure hunting!
FAQS:
Just what about a Lincoln Wheat Penny could make it worth $21 million?’
There are many reasons for the high value for the Lincoln Wheat Penny, including the rarity, minting errors, and historical background. However, one of the most spectacular stars is the 1943 Copper Wheat Penny.
How can I identify the $21 million Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The date reads 1943, but the coin is copper instead of steel. The true coin will have no magnetic attraction and weigh in at around 3.11 grams.
What accounts for the rarity of the 1943 Copper Penny?
Because of World War II, copper became important and the pennies were struck in steel in 1943. However one or several copper blanks accidentally managed to get into production, thus leading to this incredible minting error coin.
Where can I find this rare Lincoln Wheat Penny?
Perhaps some can be found in coin rolls, stored away in old collections, or accumulated in jars from inheritances.