What if the change rattling in your pocket was secretly worth a small fortune? Believe it or not, a simple Lincoln Wheat Penny valued at $718,000 is still reported to be out there in circulation. For ordinary people, it looks like any other coin — but for collectors, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime treasure.
What Is the $718K Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, first minted in 1909, is famous among coin enthusiasts. But not all wheat pennies are created equal. Some rare varieties, such as misprinted or low-mintage versions, are worth staggering sums. The penny valued at $718,000 is one of these extraordinary rarities — a coin that blends history, rarity, and collector obsession into one shiny copper disk.
The Surprising History Behind the Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny debuted in 1909 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person’s portrait and quickly became an iconic part of American currency. Between 1909 and 1958, billions were minted, but a few slipped through with unusual errors, rare mintmarks, or special characteristics that transformed them from pocket change to prized collectibles.
Key Wheat Penny Varieties and Values
| Year & Mintmark | Unique Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | Designer initials “VDB” added | $1,000–$3,000 |
| 1914-D | Low mintage in Denver | $5,000–$15,000 |
| 1943 Copper | Wrong metal composition | $100,000–$500K |
| 1944 Steel | Transition metal error | $50,000–$200K |
| 1955 Double Die | Misaligned strike | $10,000–$50,000 |
| 1943-S Copper | Ultra-rare, only a few known | $718,000+ |
Why This Penny Is So Valuable Today
The penny fetching $718K is believed to be a 1943-S copper wheat penny, minted in San Francisco during World War II. At the time, pennies were supposed to be made of steel to conserve copper for the war. Yet a handful were accidentally struck in copper — creating one of the most legendary U.S. coin errors ever. Today, collectors will pay nearly three-quarters of a million dollars for one in top condition.
How to Tell If You Have One
- Check the Date — Look for a 1943 wheat penny. Most are steel and magnetic, but copper versions are non-magnetic.
- Test the Weight — Copper pennies weigh about 3.11 grams, while steel versions weigh 2.7 grams.
- Look for Mintmarks — A rare 1943-S copper penny from San Francisco is the jackpot.
Quick Identification Guide
| Feature | Common Steel Penny | Rare Copper Penny |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Grayish/Silver | Brownish/Red |
| Weight | 2.7 grams | 3.11 grams |
| Magnetic? | Yes | No |
| Value | 5–10 cents | $100K–$718K |
Jaw-Dropping Facts About the Wheat Penny
- Fewer than 20 genuine 1943 copper pennies are confirmed to exist.
- One sold at auction for $1.7 million in 2010.
- Millions of 1943 steel pennies were minted, but most are worth little more than face value.
Expert Tips for Collectors
- Don’t clean your coin — polishing reduces collector value.
- Get it authenticated — Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC verify authenticity.
- Store properly — Use a protective case to prevent wear and damage.
FAQs
Q: Can I really find a $718K penny in circulation?
A: Yes, though extremely rare. Some have been found in pocket change, estate sales, or old coin jars.
Q: How do I sell one if I find it?
A: Auction houses, coin dealers, and certified grading services are your best options.
Q: Are all wheat pennies valuable?
A: No, most are common and worth only a few cents unless they’re rare varieties.
Conclusion: The Hunt for a Million-Dollar Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny valued at $718,000 proves that history and fortune can hide in plain sight. While your loose change may seem ordinary, one lucky find could change everything. So the next time you spot a wheat penny, take a closer look — it might just be the hidden treasure of your lifetime.
