The Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $190 Million: Still in Circulation?

Published on: May 13, 2025

Have you ever picked up a penny from the sidewalk and wondered if it’s worth more than a cent? I did, just last week, when I found a shiny Lincoln Wheat Penny in my change. It got me thinking about a wild claim I saw online: a Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $190 million, supposedly still floating around in circulation. Could such a treasure really be hiding in your pocket? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of rare coins, debunk myths, and uncover the truth about these iconic pennies.

What Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?

The Lincoln Wheat Penny, minted from 1909 to 1958, is one of America’s most beloved coins. Designed by Victor D. Brenner to honor Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday, it features the president’s profile on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse—hence the name “Wheat Penny.” According to the U.S. Mint, over 20 billion were produced, making them a common sight in change for decades.

But not all Wheat Pennies are created equal. Errors, low mintages, and unique compositions have turned some into collector’s gold. Numismatist David Lange notes, “The Wheat Penny’s long production run and occasional minting mistakes make it a treasure trove for collectors.”

The $190 Million Penny: Fact or Fiction?

The claim of a $190 million Lincoln Wheat Penny has sparked excitement across social media, but is it true? Spoiler alert: no penny has ever sold for anywhere near that amount. The rumor likely stems from exaggerated reports about rare pennies, like the 1943 Bronze Penny, which we’ll discuss later. A 2024 article from Times Now debunked similar claims, noting no evidence supports such astronomical valuations.

[](https://www.timesnownews.com/world/us/us-buzz/rare-lincoln-wheat-penny-valued-in-millions-still-in-circulation-what-we-know-article-116782961)

So, where did this figure come from? It’s possible that misinformation amplified the value of known rare pennies, which have sold for millions, not hundreds of millions. Let’s explore the real heavyweights in the Wheat Penny world.

Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies to Know

While $190 million is a stretch, some Lincoln Wheat Pennies have fetched jaw-dropping prices at auction. Here are the stars of the show, backed by data from Heritage Auctions and PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service).

1943 Bronze Penny

During World War II, pennies were made of steel to conserve copper. However, a few 1943 pennies were mistakenly struck in bronze at the Denver Mint. Only one is known to exist, and it sold for $1.7 million in 2010, with estimates reaching $2.3 million in mint condition. “This is the holy grail of penny errors,” says coin expert Bob Campbell.

[](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/10-most-valuable-pennies-120044568.html)

1943-S Bronze Penny

Even rarer, the 1943-S Bronze Penny from the San Francisco Mint has only four known copies. One sold for $282,000 in 2016. Its rarity comes from the same wartime minting error, making it a collector’s dream.

[](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/10-most-valuable-pennies-120044568.html)

1914-D Lincoln Penny

Minted in Denver, the 1914-D penny had a low mintage of 1.2 million. A mint-condition example sold for $159,000 in 2006. Its vibrant red color and scarcity drive its value.

[](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/10-most-valuable-pennies-120044568.html)

1926-S Red Lincoln Penny

Another San Francisco gem, the 1926-S penny in red, mint condition sold for $149,500. Only two uncirculated copies remain, making it a rare find.

[](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/10-most-valuable-pennies-120044568.html)

Are These Valuable Pennies Still in Circulation?

Could you find a 1943 Bronze Penny in your change? It’s not impossible, but it’s highly unlikely. Most rare pennies have been snatched up by collectors or identified through decades of circulation. However, stories of lucky finds keep hope alive. In 2019, a Massachusetts teenager found a 1943 Bronze Penny in his lunch money, later valued at $204,000. Such discoveries are rare but fuel the dreams of coin hunters.

Numismatist Laura Sperber explains, “Most high-value pennies are already in collections, but errors can still surface in old piggy banks or estate sales.” The odds are slim—fewer than 20 bronze 1943 pennies are known—but checking your change costs nothing.

How to Identify a Valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny

Want to spot a treasure? Here’s a quick guide to checking your pennies, optimized for featured snippets:

Check the Date and Mint Mark: Look for 1943, 1914-D, or 1926-S. Mint marks (D for Denver, S for San Francisco) are below the date.
Test the Material: A 1943 penny should stick to a magnet (steel). If it doesn’t, it might be bronze—get it appraised!
Examine Condition: Red, uncirculated pennies are worth more. Avoid cleaning coins, as it lowers value.
Consult a Professional: Visit a coin dealer or use PCGS/NGC grading services for authentication.

Pro tip: Download the PCGS CoinFacts app for real-time value estimates.

Why Coin Collecting Captivates Us

I remember my grandpa’s coin collection—rows of Wheat Pennies in a dusty album, each with a story. Coin collecting isn’t just about value; it’s about history, rarity, and the thrill of the hunt. According to the American Numismatic Association, over 10 million Americans collect coins, drawn to their tangible link to the past.

Expert Q. David Bowers says, “Coins are time capsules. A Wheat Penny from 1943 carries the weight of a nation at war.” Whether you’re a casual collector or a serious numismatist, the allure of finding a rare penny is universal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $190 million?

No, no penny has ever sold for $190 million. The claim is likely an exaggeration of rare pennies like the 1943 Bronze Penny, valued up to $2.3 million.

Can I find a valuable penny in circulation?

It’s possible but rare. Most high-value pennies are in collections, but errors like the 1943 Bronze Penny have been found in circulation as recently as 2019.

How do I know if my penny is valuable?

Check the date, mint mark, and material. Key dates include 1943 (bronze), 1914-D, and 1926-S. Have it appraised by a professional coin dealer.

Why are some pennies worth so much?

Rarity, minting errors, and condition drive value. Low mintages (e.g., 1914-D) or errors (e.g., 1943 Bronze) make certain pennies highly sought after.