A recent auction reportedly sold a Lincoln Wheat Penny for $144,000, and many are asking if such a coin could still be found in pocket change.
The coin in question is commonly cited as the 1943 copper (bronze) error penny, struck when pennies were generally made of zinc-coated steel due to wartime copper shortages. Because only a few copper planchets were mistakenly used, this error variant is among the most sought after.
Key Varieties That Drive Value
Other rare Wheat pennies also contribute to the hype:
- 1909-S VDB: Very low mintage with designer’s initials on the reverse; one of the earliest Wheat penny varieties.
- 1955 Doubled-Die Obverse: A famous error with dramatic doubling on date and lettering.
- 1944 Steel Pennies: Erroneous steel planchets used in 1944 when steel was no longer the planchet material.
Together, these rare variants cause collectors to wonder if a valuable penny really could slip through unnoticed in loose change.
Could the $144,000 Penny Still Be Out There?
While most of these high-value coins are now in collections, grading slabs, or with serious collectors, experts agree that it’s possible, though extremely unlikely, that one might still be circulating.
Over decades, many error pennies were pulled from circulation, but old coin rolls, family jars, and collections may still hide one.
Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies & Their Approximate Values
| Penny Variety | Why Rare / Error Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1943 Copper Error (Bronze) | Wrong metal during steel year; very few exist | $100,000 – $1,000,000+ |
| 1909-S VDB | Low mintage; designer’s initials “VDB” | $50,000 – $300,000+ |
| 1955 Doubled-Die Obverse | Dramatic double strike error on date/lettering | $1,000 – $50,000+ |
| 1944 Steel Pennies | Mistaken steel planchets used after steel production ended | $100,000 – $400,000+ |
| 1922 No D Strong Reverse | Missing mintmark and reverse strike clarity | $30,000 – $80,000+ |
How to Spot a Potential Prize
If you think you might have one of these rare Wheat pennies, check for:
- Mint mark & date — look for “S,” “D,” or key dates like 1909, 1943, 1955, 1922.
- Material/composition — copper vs. steel; color shift; magnet test (steel will attract).
- Design details — VDB initials, doubled letters, missing mintmark, clarity of wheat stalks.
- Condition/grade — sharp edges, minimal wear, strong original coloration (especially reddish copper).
- Authentication & grading — PCGS, NGC, or equivalent; coins in certified holders are worth significantly more.
While headlines about a $144,000 Wheat penny still in circulation spark excitement, most such coins are held by collectors or certified dealers.
More modest sales place real values lower, though rare error varieties like the 1943 copper or 1909-S VDB still hold six-figure potency—if authenticated correctly, they’re more than just legends.
FAQs
Did a Lincoln Wheat penny actually sell for $144,000?
Yes, reports suggest that a 1943 copper error penny sold for around $144,000, though full verification (photos, grading) is key to confirming such a sale.
Which Wheat pennies are most likely to reach six figures?
The 1943 copper error and 1909-S VDB are the top candidates. Also, strong examples of rare errors like the 1944 steel and 1955 doubled-die can occasionally approach or exceed that range.
Could I still find one in circulation?
While it’s very rare, it is technically possible. Most specimens have been removed, but old coin rolls, family collections, and jars still have potential. Always handle carefully and get expert authentication.
