A Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $7.68 Million May Still Be in Circulation – Could You Have One?

Imagine finding a single cent in your pocket that could be worth over $7.68 million. Sounds like fiction, right? But it’s not.

One rare Lincoln Wheat Penny from 1943, originally worth just one cent, has made headlines for selling at auction for a staggering $7.68 million. Even more unbelievable—it might still be out there in everyday circulation.

History

The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first introduced in 1909 to honor President Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person. On one side is Lincoln’s portrait, and on the other, two wheat stalks—giving it the name “Wheat Penny.”

The coin was produced until 1958 and is well known among coin collectors. While most of these coins are common and affordable, a select few versions have become extremely valuable due to minting errors or rare materials.

The Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $9.36 Million – Still Found in Pocket Change

Rarity

Among all Wheat Pennies, the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny is the holy grail. Here’s why it’s so special:

In 1943, during World War II, the U.S. Mint stopped using copper to produce pennies. Copper was being redirected to make wartime materials, so the Mint switched to using zinc-coated steel.

However, a few copper (bronze) blanks were mistakenly left in the minting machines, resulting in a small number of 1943 pennies made from bronze.

One of these rare bronze pennies was later sold for $7.68 million because of its incredible rarity, perfect condition, and historical significance.

Circulation

What’s truly exciting is that some of these rare bronze 1943 pennies may still be in everyday use. They could be tucked away in someone’s change jar, hidden in an old drawer, or even passed between hands at a local store.

That’s why both coin collectors and casual hobbyists are now closely examining their coins. You never know—your spare change could contain a fortune.

Identify

Here’s how to check if your coin could be the rare 1943 bronze penny:

• Check the date – It must be from 1943.
• Look at the color – Bronze pennies are brown or reddish. Steel ones are grayish and shiny.
• Try the magnet test – Steel sticks to magnets. Bronze does not.
• Not sure? – Visit a coin appraiser or a professional numismatist to verify.

Even if your penny isn’t the ultra-rare bronze version, many older Lincoln Wheat Pennies are still worth decent money depending on their year, mint mark, and condition.

The Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $9.36 Million – Still Found in Pocket Change

Value

To help you know the value difference, here’s a simple comparison:

Fortune

The story of the 1943 bronze Wheat Penny reminds us that incredible value can be hidden in plain sight. It proves that everyday items—like loose change—can sometimes turn into million-dollar findings.

So the next time you receive coins at a checkout counter or go through an old piggy bank, take a closer look. That tiny copper-colored penny might just be your unexpected lottery ticket.

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