First, it gained notoriety on social media: a Lincoln Wheat Penny, said to be worth as much as $99 million, can still be found in circulation among poor, unsuspecting souls! The coin collectors and numerous onlookers panic. Just who wouldn’t want that one coin to turn their life around? So now let us unravel the ancient tale regarding this Lincoln Wheat Penny. The truth behind that price…and how you can also get your hands on that treasure lying around in spare change.
The Story Behind the Mysterious $99 Million Penny
Just yesterday, an announcement went off on the social media waves: an ordinary-looking coin—the Lincoln Wheat Penny—worth exactly $99 million! Probably unsubstantiated, but it certainly sets the heart beating.
Of course the Lincoln Wheat Penny was launched around 1909, and its rarest cousins, such as the 1943-D bronze penny, can fetch millions of dollars in sales. They were accidentally minted with this commodity value, for these coins are worth as much as gold to antiquarians.
The tale of a $99 million coin could either merely be an urban myth, but it reminds us that treasures may lie hidden in our everyday loose change.
The Story About Lincoln Wheat Penny
Lincoln Wheat Penny is said to be first issued in the year 1909. It was the first coin in America to engrave the likeness of a real person: US President Abraham Lincoln. The design was created by the noted designer Victor D. Brenner. A portrait of Lincoln graced one side, while views of two wheat ears decorated the reverse. This design ran uninterrupted until 1958, when it was replaced with the Lincoln Memorial Penny.
Except for a few, which were mistakenly made from copper, most coins during World War II were made of zinc-coated steel because of the scarcity of copper. And today, that mistake is an irreplaceable treasure. This is what social media had been throwing around, but the evidence just does not hold up.
Most expensive penny ever was the one auctioned in 2010 for $1.7 million and now has an estimated $2.3 million-the 1943-D Bronze Wheat Penny.Then what is the $99 million figure based on? Pretty much a false story or exaggeration, with yet another viral post saying there was a penny worth a whopping $121 million.
These coins can also make you a millionaire
| Year & Type | Key Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1943-D Bronze Penny | Made of copper instead of steel | $2.3 million |
| 1909-S VDB | Designer’s initials on the reverse | $2 million |
| 1955 Doubled Die | Double effect in front lettering | $125,000 |
| 1914-D | Very limited mintage | $200,000 |
Some of these coins are mis-strikes, while others were minted in tiny quantities. For example, there is only 4.84 million of the 1909-S VDB Penny, while that of the 1955 Doubled Die Penny has a marked characteristic of double printing on the date and wording.
Why These Rarest of Coins Could Still Be Hanging Around in Your Pocket?
Wondering where all those expensive coins actually are? Actually, that’s what is special about the Lincoln Wheat Penny-it might be in circulation!
Billions of pennies are produced every year. These little coins seem to be forgotten; they end up in some old wallet or piggy bank or stuffed somewhere in the drawer. People just forget them while they take change from vending machine or restaurant.
Keep these things in mind.
Examine the year and mint mark: There is a tiny letter underneath the year-D (Denver), S (San Francisco)-or if not, just Philadelphia. Certain years of coins can be extremely rare.
Doubled die error: In years such as 1955, you have some coins with the date and words stamped twice-these are very collectible coins.
1943 coin: If it is made of copper rather than steel, it might just give you a big treasure.
The coin should feel light: While they are made out of steel, the 1943 ones stick to the magnet. The copper ones do not. Simple. However, it would be best to present your dubious coin to a professional collector or auction house.
Conclusion
The saga of the Lincoln penny worth $99 million may be a hoax, but very many Lincoln Wheat pennies are really worth millions. That coin lying in your old piggy bank or grandma’s closet or in an old wallet could just be a rare treasure. So the next time you pick up a penny, take a close look at it. Who knows, it could be the biggest payoff of your life!
FAQs
Q1. Is there really a penny worth $99 million?
A. While no verified sale has reached $99 million, rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies have fetched millions. The rumor has sparked public interest, even though it’s not fully backed by evidence.
Q2. What makes some pennies so valuable?
A. Minting errors, limited production, and historical significance are key factors. Coins like the 1943-D bronze penny are extremely rare and can be worth a fortune.
Q3. Can I really find one of these rare pennies in my loose change?
A. Yes, it’s possible. Rare pennies sometimes go unnoticed in everyday circulation, tucked away in wallets or coin jars for years.
Q4. How do I know if I have a valuable penny?
A. Check the year, mint mark, and look for any unusual details like double lettering. If in doubt, get it checked by a coin expert.
Q5. Why is everyone suddenly talking about this penny now?
A. A viral rumor about a $99 million penny reignited interest in coin collecting. It reminds people that real treasure could be hiding in plain sight.
