Rumors have circulated claiming a Lincoln Wheat Penny (usually a 1943 “copper” error) is worth $14 million and might still be in everyday circulation.
Headlines say that this rare coin, struck accidentally on a copper (bronze) planchet when pennies were supposed to be made of steel, is the “holy grail” for coin collectors who might stumble upon it in a pocket or jar.
However, experts caution that no verifiable sale for $14 million has been recorded. The value often cited for these rare 1943 copper Wheat pennies ranges from hundreds of thousands to low millions, depending on condition, mint mark, and provenance.
What Makes Some Wheat Pennies Valuable
| Feature | What Collectors Look For |
|---|---|
| Year & Mint Mark | 1943 pennies, especially with mintmarks “D” (Denver) or “S” (San Francisco), or Philadelphia with no mintmark |
| Metal Composition | Genuine copper/bronze planchets vs steel; true copper pennies are non-magnetic |
| Condition (Grade) | Mint State or near-uncirculated examples; sharp strike, good luster, few flaws |
| Rarity / Known Examples | Very few genuine 1943 copper planchet error coins are confirmed; often only a few dozen |
| Authenticity & Provenance | Certified by major grading services; documented history or pedigree |
Reported Values vs. Verified Sales
- A 1943-D bronze Wheat penny sold for $1.7 million in 2010; this remains one of the most famous, confirmed high-value sales.
- Other reported values for 1943 copper Wheat pennies vary, often quoted between $300,000 – $1,500,000+ depending on mint and condition.
- The $14 million figure is widely circulated in media and blogs, but no authenticated sale has yet matched that amount. It appears to be speculative or promotional in many appearances.
Is It Still Circulating?
- Can one of these rare pennies still be in pocket change? Theoretically yes—many stories suggest heirs, old change jars, and estate collections have yielded rare coins.
- In practice, nearly all high-grade and verified rare Wheat pennies are now in collections and encapsulated by grading services.
- Counterfeit or altered “copper-coated steel” pennies are common. Many pennies are plated to mimic rare types. Use careful tests before believing high value.
How to Test If Your Penny Might Be Rare
- Magnet test: A copper/bronze coin will not cling to a magnet. A steel coin will.
- Weight test: Genuine copper pennies are heavier (~3.11 grams) vs steel ones (~2.7 grams).
- Inspect mint mark & date: Check for “D” or “S” on 1943; verify whether mint mark is consistent and correct.
- Look for plating or alterations: Many fakes are plated or have altered surfaces to appear like copper.
- Seek authentication: Professional grading (PCGS, NGC etc.) with detailed photos, provenance, will verify value.
Despite widespread rumors, there is no verified Lincoln Wheat penny sale for $14 million. True rare pennies like the 1943 copper errors fetch impressive prices (in the low millions), but most are safely stored in collections. If you believe you have one, authenticate it—your one-cent piece might just be priceless.
FAQs
Has any Lincoln Wheat penny sold for $14 million?
No confirmed sale at that amount is documented. Highest verified values are notably lower — in the high hundreds of thousands to low millions for rare error pieces.
What is the most valuable Wheat penny known today?
The 1943-D bronze Wheat penny, sold for $1.7 million, is among the top confirmed. Other rare error types likewise fetch very high premiums.
Should I check my change for such rare pennies?
Yes, but with realistic expectations. Chances are extremely slim. If you find something odd, test it (magnet, weight) and get it graded if you believe it’s extraordinary.
