What if the next coin you receive as change is worth over $122,000? Yes, you read that right! A rare Lincoln Wheat Penny, still in circulation, has recently been valued at $122K. This small copper coin may be hiding in your pocket, wallet, or piggy bank without you even knowing it. Let’s find out why this old penny is worth so much and how you can spot one if you’re lucky!
What Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a coin that was first introduced in 1909 by the U.S. Mint. It shows Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat ears on the back. These coins were made until 1958 and are now popular among collectors because of their historical value and unique design.
Why Is This Penny Worth $122,000?
Not every Lincoln Wheat Penny is worth a fortune. The one that’s valued at $122,000 is a rare error coin—it was either struck using the wrong metal, has a double stamp, or some unusual mistake during minting. These kinds of rare coins are called “mint errors,” and collectors are ready to pay big money for them.
One of the most valuable is the 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny. During World War II, most pennies that year were made from steel to save copper for the war. But by mistake, a few were still made with copper. Only a few of these exist, and one recently sold for a whopping $122,000!
How to Identify a Rare Lincoln Penny
Here’s how you can check if you have a valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny:
- Look for the years 1909 to 1958 on the coin
- Check the 1943 penny—if it’s made of copper, it might be rare
- Look for errors like double prints, missing letters, or strange colours
- Use a magnifying glass or take it to a coin expert for checking
Where Can You Find These Pennies?
You can find Lincoln Wheat Pennies in everyday places like:
- Old coin jars at home
- Change from local shops
- Family collections
- Antique or vintage markets
- Even inside old wallets or purses
- People often don’t realise their value and spend them like normal coins.
What to Do If You Find One
If you come across a Lincoln Wheat Penny, don’t spend it without checking. Follow these steps:
- Compare it online with known rare coins
- Visit a local coin shop or get it appraised by an expert
- If it’s valuable, you can sell it at auctions or online to collectors
- Or keep it safe as a long-term investment
The next time you get change, don’t ignore the small coins. That old Lincoln Wheat Penny could be worth more than gold. With one recently valued at $122,000, it’s smart to look closely at every old penny you come across. Whether you’re a coin lover or just curious, it’s worth checking your pockets—you never know what treasure you might be carrying around!
FAQ’s
What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a US coin minted between 1909 and 1958. It has Abraham Lincoln on the front and wheat ears on the back.
Why is the 1943 Lincoln Penny worth $122,000?
Most 1943 pennies were made of steel, but a few were accidentally made of copper. These rare copper versions are very valuable.
How can I tell if my penny is rare?
Check the year, metal, and any minting errors. A copper 1943 penny or one with mistakes may be extremely valuable.
Where can I find rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies?
You might find them in old wallets, coin jars, shop change, antique stores, or family coin collections.
What should I do if I find a valuable penny?
Don’t spend it. Get it checked by a coin expert, and if it’s rare, consider selling it at an auction or keeping it as an investment.
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