Imagine pulling a penny from your pocket and discovering it’s worth $12.7 million. Sounds unreal, right? But that’s the buzz among coin collectors and curious folks lately. One incredibly rare Lincoln Wheat Penny is still believed to be floating around in everyday circulation—and if you’re lucky, you could be the one to find it. Let’s break down why this humble little coin is worth a fortune and how you might spot one.
Value
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was minted from 1909 to 1958. During that time, billions were produced. Most are only worth face value, but some rare versions have skyrocketed in price. The penny valued at $12.7 million? Experts think it’s a 1943 copper penny, a true unicorn in the coin world.
During World War II, copper was needed for ammunition and equipment, so the U.S. Mint switched to steel for pennies in 1943. But a few copper blanks accidentally slipped through. Those mistakes created some of the rarest and most valuable pennies in history.
Circulation
So how is this coin still in circulation? Well, it was never officially tracked or added to a known collection. Some believe it was unknowingly spent years ago and might still be changing hands like any other penny. That’s why coin collectors, hobbyists, and even cashiers are on high alert—because you never know where it might pop up next.
Identification
If you’re curious and want to go through your stash of old coins, here’s how to check for the $12.7 million Lincoln Wheat Penny:
1. Check the Date
You’re looking for a 1943 penny. Most from that year are silver-colored steel. If yours looks coppery, take a closer look.
2. Try the Magnet Test
Steel pennies stick to magnets. Copper ones don’t. If your 1943 penny doesn’t stick, it could be the rare one.
3. Weigh It
A real copper penny weighs about 3.11 grams. A steel one weighs less, around 2.7 grams. You’ll need a precise digital scale.
4. Look for the Mint Mark
Find the tiny letter under the date. An “S” means it came from San Francisco, and a “D” is from Denver. Both can add to the coin’s value.
Here’s a quick comparison to help:
| Feature | Rare 1943 Copper Penny | Common 1943 Steel Penny |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Reddish-brown (copper) | Silver-gray (steel) |
| Magnetic? | No | Yes |
| Weight | ~3.11 grams | ~2.7 grams |
| Estimated Value | Up to $12.7 million | Less than $1 |
Others
Even if you don’t find the $12.7 million penny, keep an eye out for other valuable ones. Here are a few worth checking for:
- 1909-S VDB – First edition Lincoln penny, worth up to $100,000.
- 1914-D – Early and scarce, valued over $10,000.
- 1955 Double Die – A misprint with doubled text, worth up to $50,000.
Demand
Why are these little coins so valuable? It’s a mix of history, scarcity, and collector demand. Rare coins tell a story—about wars, economic shifts, even simple human errors—and collectors love a good story. Over time, their value keeps growing, especially when only a handful exist.
Possibility
Could you be walking around with a million-dollar penny? It’s rare, but hey, not impossible. Go dig into those old piggy banks, coin jars, and dresser drawers. And if you think you’ve found something special, take it to a professional appraiser or send it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC.
The mystery of the missing $12.7 million Lincoln Wheat Penny continues to thrill coin lovers and treasure hunters alike. So next time you get change, don’t be so quick to toss those pennies aside. One of them might just change your life.
FAQs
What year is the rare $12.7M penny?
The valuable penny is from the year 1943.
How can I tell if my 1943 penny is copper?
Use a magnet; copper won’t stick, steel will.
Where might I find this rare penny?
It could show up in everyday change or coin jars.
What does the 1943 copper penny weigh?
It should weigh around 3.11 grams.
Who can verify rare coins?
PCGS and NGC offer professional grading services.
