What if you found out a penny in your pocket was worth $99 million? It sounds like a dream, but it’s true there’s a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny out there that could be worth that much, and it might still be in circulation. Could this penny be hiding in your spare change? Let’s dive into the story behind this incredible coin and how you might find it.
The History of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was made from 1909 to 1958. It’s a special coin because it was the first U.S. penny to feature a real person President Abraham Lincoln on the front. The back of the coin has two stalks of wheat, which stand for prosperity and unity. Most of these pennies are worth just one cent, but some rare ones are worth a fortune to collectors.
The $99 Million Penny: A Rare Treasure
The penny that’s making headlines is a 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny. Here’s why it’s so special: during World War II, the U.S. Mint stopped using copper to make pennies because copper was needed for the war. Instead, they made pennies out of steel. But a few pennies were accidentally made with bronze (a mix of copper and tin), and these are extremely rare. One of these bronze pennies recently sold for $99.2 million at an auction, making it one of the most valuable coins ever.
How to Spot the Rare 1943 Bronze Penny
If you want to know if you have this valuable penny, here’s what to look for:
- Year: The penny must be from 1943.
- Material: It should be made of bronze, not steel. You can test this with a magnet—steel pennies will stick to a magnet, but bronze pennies won’t.
- Condition: The better the condition, the more valuable the coin. The $99 million penny was in almost perfect condition.
What to Do If You Think You Have One
If you think you might have a rare 1943 bronze penny, here’s what you should do:
- Check the Coin: Look at the year and see if it’s in good condition.
- Test It with a Magnet: If the penny doesn’t stick to a magnet, it could be bronze.
- Talk to an Expert: Take the coin to a professional coin dealer or collector to get it checked out.
- Get It Graded: Have the coin authenticated by a trusted grading service, like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS).
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
The 1943 bronze penny isn’t the only valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny. Here are a few others that collectors love:
- 1909-S VDB Penny: This penny was made in San Francisco and has the designer’s initials, VDB, on the back. Only 484,000 were made, so it’s very rare.
- 1955 Double Die Penny: This penny has a mistake—the date and lettering are doubled, making it a unique and valuable find.
Why People Love Coin Collecting
Coin collecting is a fun and exciting hobby for many reasons:
- History: Every coin tells a story about the time it was made.
- Potential Value: Finding a rare coin can be like discovering treasure.
- Beautiful Designs: Coins often have cool and detailed designs that show the culture of their time.
Final Thoughts
Finding a $99 million penny in your pocket is super rare, but it’s not impossible. The 1943 bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny is a fascinating piece of history, and if you have one, it could be worth a fortune. If you think you’ve found a valuable penny, make sure to get it checked by an expert. Happy hunting!