Imagine pulling a penny from your pocket and discovering it could make you rich beyond your wildest dreams — $88 million rich. Sounds unbelievable, right? That’s exactly the story circulating online about a certain Lincoln Wheat Penny — one of America’s most iconic old coins. But what’s true fact, and what’s internet legend? Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand.
What Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny (also called the Wheat Cent) was the standard U.S. one-cent coin from 1909 to 1958. It’s beloved by collectors for its classic design featuring Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat stalks on the back — and because some rare varieties can be worth far more than one cent.
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Here’s the scoop:
- The idea began circulating on social media, blogs, and viral articles claiming a certain Lincoln Wheat Penny could be worth a staggering $88 million — with some suggestions that it’s “still in circulation.”
- However — no major auction house, grading company, or verified sale has ever documented a penny selling for $88 million. Even experts say this number is most likely online speculation / myth, not confirmed reality.
So far, the highest confirmed sales for rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies are much lower than that rumor suggests — though still impressive!
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Here are a few examples collectors care about:
1943 Bronze Penny
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During WWII, pennies were supposed to be made of steel.
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A very small number were accidentally struck on bronze (copper) planchets — making them extremely rare.
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Some specimens have fetched hundreds of thousands or more at auction.
1909-S VDB Penny
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One of the very first Lincoln pennies ever made, with designer Victor David Brenner’s initials.
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Low mintage makes it highly collectible.
Other Key Dates & Errors
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1914-D, 1931-S, double die errors like the 1955 doubled die — all can be worth thousands to tens of thousands depending on condition.
While none have been publicly confirmed at $88m, these coins do show why collectors get so excited about Wheat Pennies.
Could a Very Valuable Penny Still Be in Your Change?
Yes — it’s possible.
Many Wheat Pennies are still hidden in old jars, coin rolls, garages, or forgotten wallets. Since the coins were minted for decades and billions were made, even rare ones occasionally turn up outside of collections.
Tips for spotting a valuable penny:
- Look at the date and mint mark — rare years and mint marks (S or D) matter.
- Check the metal and color — e.g., 1943 bronze (non-steel) pennies are targets.
- Look for errors — off-center strikes, doubled letters, or missing details can boost value.
- Don’t clean the coin — cleaning often lowers value.
If you think you found something special, take it to a trusted coin dealer for grading and verification.
Final Thoughts
🪙 Is there an $88 million Lincoln Wheat Penny?
Right now — that number is internet legend, not confirmed fact.
🪙 Can Lincoln Wheat Pennies be worth lots of money?
Absolutely — rare dates and errors have sold for hundreds of thousands or even more at auction.
🪙 Could you find one in your pocket change?
Yes — rare coins still show up in circulation and old collections, so it’s always worth checking!
If you’ve got a jar of old pennies at home… maybe give it a closer look. You never know — one tiny coin could hold a big surprise! 🪙💰