Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $35K : Could You Be Holding a $35,000 Penny? This Rare USA Coin Might Be Lurking in Your Spare Change. In the world of coin collecting, some of the most valuable treasures are hiding in plain sight. One such gem is the rare Lincoln Wheat Penny—an iconic piece of United States currency now valued at up to $35,000. Though originally minted over 75 years ago, this penny is still believed to be in circulation across the USA. It’s a classic case of overlooked value in something most people ignore: spare change.
If you’re curious whether you’ve unknowingly held one of these rare coins, or if you simply want to learn more about one of America’s most legendary pennies, read on.
What Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny and Why Is It So Valuable in the United States?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, first minted in 1909, was introduced in the United States to commemorate the 100th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s birth. It became the first U.S. coin to feature an actual person. Minted until 1958, it featured two wheat stalks on the reverse, giving it the nickname “Wheat Penny.”
While most of these coins are common, some rare versions—due to minting errors or unique historical contexts—can fetch tens of thousands of dollars. One such example is the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny struck in bronze, an error coin that’s now valued as high as $35,000.
The $35,000 Lincoln Penny: 1943 Bronze Penny with Unusual Characteristics
During World War II, the United States Mint shifted penny production from bronze to zinc-coated steel to conserve copper for wartime needs. However, a few bronze planchets were mistakenly left in the presses, leading to the accidental creation of 1943 bronze pennies—an extremely rare type.
The $35,000 version specifically refers to a 1943 bronze penny with signs of circulation, making it a piece that may still be found in everyday change.
Defining Features of the $35,000 Lincoln Wheat Penny:
- Year: 1943
- Mint Mark: Can vary (often none, sometimes “D” or “S”)
- Composition: Bronze (copper and tin), not steel
- Weight: 3.11 grams
- Color: Reddish-brown or copper tone
- Magnetic: No (steel coins are magnetic)
- Value: Up to $35,000 depending on condition and authentication
| Year | Mint Mark | Metal Type | Error Type | Estimated Value | Special Characteristic | Circulating in USA? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 | None | Bronze | Wrong Planchet | Up to $35,000 | Bronze in a steel year | Possibly |
| 1943 | D | Copper | Minting Error | Up to $83,000 | Denver mint variation | Rare |
| 1943 | S | Copper | Minting Error | Up to $63,000 | San Francisco issue | Rare |
| 1944 | Steel | D or None | Wrong Metal Used | Up to $60,000 | Should have been copper | Rare |
| 1955 | None | Copper | Double Die Obverse | $1,500 – $10,000 | Lettering is doubled | Rare |
| 1909 | S VDB | Copper | Low Mintage | $1,000 – $3,000 | Designer initials VDB | Rare |
| 1922 | No D | Copper | Missing Mint Mark | $500 – $3,000 | Rare Denver error | Rare |
| 1931 | S | Copper | Low Mintage | $150 – $1,200 | Depression-era issue | Rare |
How to Identify the $35K Lincoln Penny in Your Pocket
Finding a rare U.S. coin like the $35,000 penny might seem impossible, but it happens more than you’d think. Here’s how to inspect your coins like a pro:
- Check the date: Focus on Lincoln Wheat Pennies dated 1943.
- Use a magnet: If it’s not magnetic and has a copper tone, it could be bronze.
- Weigh it: Steel pennies weigh about 2.7 grams; bronze ones weigh around 3.11 grams.
- Look at the color: A reddish or brown tone is a good sign—it’s copper-based.
- Don’t clean the coin: Cleaning destroys value. Keep it as-is and have it professionally reviewed.
Other Valuable Lincoln Pennies Still Circulating in the USA
While the $35K penny is exciting, it’s far from the only rare Lincoln Wheat Penny worth hunting for. Several other coins from the United States Mint can bring you serious money if discovered:
| Coin Name | Year | Mint Mark | Error / Feature | Estimated Value | Why It’s Valuable |
| 1943-D Copper Penny | 1943 | D | Bronze Planchet | Up to $83,000 | Rarest of the rare |
| 1943-S Copper Penny | 1943 | S | Bronze Planchet | Up to $63,000 | San Francisco variation |
| 1944 Steel Penny | 1944 | D or None | Steel Planchet | Up to $60,000 | Should’ve been copper |
| 1955 Double Die Penny | 1955 | None | Double Die Obverse | $1,500 – $10,000 | Visible doubling of text |
| 1909-S VDB Penny | 1909 | S | Low Mintage | $1,000 – $3,000 | First Lincoln Wheat Penny |
| 1922 No D Penny | 1922 | No D | Mint Mark Error | $500 – $3,000 | Minting flaw from Denver |
| 1914-D Penny | 1914 | D | Low Circulation | $200 – $4,500 | Popular collector’s item |
Why These Rare Coins Are Still Found in the USA Today
It’s shocking, but true: even in the United States today, coins worth thousands are still changing hands. Many Americans don’t inspect their coins closely, and rare pennies may remain unnoticed in old coffee tins, forgotten boxes, or passed along in everyday purchases.
Banks, estate sales, flea markets, and garage sales across the USA are also prime places where these coins occasionally resurface.
Beginner Tips for Coin Collecting in the United States
If you’re in the USA and looking to start coin collecting, here’s a simple beginner’s guide:
- Check your daily change, especially older coins with unique mint marks.
- Buy a magnifying glass and pocket scale for accurate inspection.
- Download a coin guide app for quick reference on the go.
- Store valuable finds in coin flips or albums to avoid damage.
- Don’t clean your coins, even if they look old or dirty.
- Follow coin-collecting forums or local USA coin clubs to stay informed.
What to Do If You Find a Potentially Rare Penny
So you’ve found a suspicious-looking 1943 penny. What’s next?
- Perform a magnet test: No stick means it’s possibly bronze.
- Weigh it on a digital scale: Look for the 3.11g mark.
- Contact a grading service: Send it to PCGS or NGC for authentication.
- Visit a certified U.S. coin dealer for an appraisal.
- Sell it through auction for maximum exposure and fair market value.
Final Thoughts: Your American Penny Could Be Worth Thousands
The $35,000 Lincoln Wheat Penny is more than just a coin—it’s a piece of United States history with the power to reward a lucky finder handsomely. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just someone curious about what’s in your pocket, it’s worth taking a few seconds to check. That copper-toned coin could be your unexpected payday.
Disclaimer: Coin prices vary based on condition, authentication, and current market demand. Always seek professional evaluation before buying or selling valuable coins.
