Lincoln Wheat Penny : In a world where most pennies are overlooked or tossed into jars and drawers, one rare Lincoln Wheat penny stands out — and it could be worth up to $49,000. Even more exciting is the possibility that this coin may still be in everyday circulation, hiding in plain sight among your spare change.
What Makes the Lincoln Wheat Penny Special?
The Lincoln Wheat penny, first minted in 1909, is a classic piece of American coinage. It features the profile of President Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat ears flanking the words “ONE CENT” on the back. This design was produced until 1958, making it one of the most recognizable and collected coins in U.S. history.
While many Wheat pennies are common and worth just a few cents to a few dollars, certain rare editions are highly sought after by collectors. One such coin — potentially worth $49,000 — has gained legendary status.
The $49,000 Penny: What Is It?
The coin in question is likely the 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny or a similarly rare minting error from that period. In 1943, due to World War II copper shortages, the U.S. Mint switched to making pennies out of zinc-coated steel. However, a small number of bronze planchets (copper blanks from 1942) were mistakenly used at a few mints — including the San Francisco Mint — resulting in extremely rare 1943 bronze pennies.
Only a handful of these 1943-S bronze pennies are known to exist, and when authenticated, they can sell for tens of thousands of dollars — one such coin fetched $49,000 at auction.
Could One Still Be in Circulation?
Surprisingly, yes. It’s not impossible. Coins from the 1940s still occasionally turn up in circulation, especially Wheat pennies. If a rare bronze 1943-S penny slipped past collectors or was unknowingly spent decades ago, it could very well end up in someone’s coin jar, piggy bank, or pocket change today.
Many people don’t realize how valuable certain coins are and may overlook these tiny treasures entirely.
How to Identify a $49,000 Lincoln Penny
Think you might have a rare Lincoln Wheat penny? Here’s what to look for:
- Date: 1943 — especially with an “S” mint mark (for San Francisco).
- Material: Most 1943 pennies are steel and stick to a magnet. A bronze/copper one won’t.
- Weight: A bronze penny weighs about 3.11 grams, while a steel penny weighs 2.7 grams.
- Color: Bronze pennies have a reddish or brown color, unlike the grayish steel coins.
If your coin meets these criteria, it’s time to get a professional appraisal.
What to Do If You Think You Found One
- Do not clean it — this can reduce its value.
- Handle with care, preferably using gloves.
- Test it with a magnet — bronze coins are not magnetic.
- Weigh the coin if possible.
- Consult a coin grading service, like PCGS or NGC, for authentication.
Other Valuable Wheat Pennies to Watch For
Even if you don’t find the $49,000 penny, keep an eye out for these other rare and valuable Lincoln Wheat pennies:
- 1909-S VDB – Worth up to $1,000+ in good condition
- 1914-D – Valued at several hundred to several thousand dollars
- 1955 Doubled Die – Famous error coin, worth up to $10,000+
- 1922 No D – A rare variety missing the mint mark
Final Thoughts
The next time you get change from the grocery store or dig through an old coin jar, take a second look — that ordinary-looking penny could be worth $49,000. With a bit of attention to detail and some basic knowledge, you might just discover a historic treasure hiding in your pocket.
So yes, the $49,000 Lincoln Wheat penny could still be in circulation. The question is: will you be the one to find it?
