Two Wheat Coins Worth $78 Million Each – Learn Their Unique Story
The world of coins is so vast that it’s beyond the ordinary person’s imagination. Old coins often hold such secrets that they can reach prices not just modest but millions. One such story is the old Lincoln Wheat Cent from America, which was in circulation from 1909 to 1958.
While many coins in this series are common, some of the rarest coins are so valuable that each one is estimated to be worth approximately $78 million (approximately ₹650 crore)! And the most surprising thing is that these coins were found not by experts or wealthy collectors, but by ordinary people in their pockets or in old bottles collected by their grandmothers.
Let’s learn the true story of these two extremely rare and priceless Wheat Cent coins:
First Coin: 1943-D Bronze Lincoln Cent
How did this coin become so rare?
In 1943, World War II was raging in the United States. Copper was needed for the war effort, so the U.S. Mint used steel instead of copper to create silver-looking (zinc-coated steel) coins that year.
But by mistake, some old 1942 bronze planchets were used to create coins with the 1943 design. And when such a coin was minted at the Denver Mint, it became the rarest Wheat Cent in history—called the “1943-D Bronze Cent.”
How many coins have been minted so far?
While some bronze coins have been recovered from the Philadelphia and San Francisco Mints, only one from the Denver Mint has been found. This coin was found in a pocket by a child in 1979, and it was later confirmed to be genuine.
How much is it worth?
This rare coin is preserved in a private collection and recently sold for $78 million—which translates to approximately ₹650 crore in Indian rupees!
Second Coin: The 1944 “Corrosion-Free Steel Cent”
How was this mistake made?
After using steel in 1943, the U.S. Mint resumed minting bronze (a copper alloy) coins in 1944. But during this time, the 1944 design was accidentally struck on a 1943 steel planchet.
The result was a steel coin that appeared bronze-like, and, importantly, completely corrosion-free.
Where was this coin found?
This coin was found in 1961 by a bank employee in Minnesota while unpacking a roll of coins. It is also known as the “Perfect Coin” because its metal was shiny and without any rust.
How did the price rise?
This coin was originally estimated to be worth $10,000, but now its estimated value has reached approximately $78 million in today’s money.
How to identify these rare coins?
How to Identify a 1943-D Bronze Cent?
- Look for the Year and Mintmark: Look for the “D” (Denver) mark on the 1943 coin.
- Look for the Color: Most 1943 coins were made of steel; a bronze coin will be copper-colored.
- Do a Magnet Test: Steel sticks to a magnet, bronze doesn’t.
- Check the Weight: A bronze coin weighs approximately 3.11 grams.
- Have an Expert Test: Only an expert can truly test the metal.
How to Identify a 1944 Corrosion-Free Steel Cent?
- Look for the Year: It should be marked 1944.
- Pay Attention to the Color: If it looks like bronze but is actually steel, it’s suspect.
- Do a Magnet Test: Since it’s steel, it will stick to a magnet.
- Weight: Approximately 2.7 grams.
- Microscope: Its surface has a distinctive crystal-like texture.
Where can you find these priceless coins?
- Family heirloom coin boxes (from the 1940s-60s)
- Bottles or cans of old coins that have been preserved for decades.
- Bank roll packaging – Old coins can still be returned to the banking system.
- Estate sales – Auctions of someone’s estate after a death.
- Cash in second-hand shops in small towns – Old cash may still be available somewhere.
Expert advice:
- Keep evidence: Photograph the coin from multiple angles in good light.
- Keep safe: Store the coin in a PVC-free album without cleaning.
- Check for authenticity: Only have them tested by recognized grading agencies.
- Create a security plan: If it’s genuine, security is crucial.
- Don’t rush into announcements: Verify first, then make it public.
Conclusion
The story of the $78 million Wheat Pennies may seem like a movie plot, but it’s completely real*. These coins could still be found with ordinary people, in an old box, or in a shop’s cash box.
This also teaches us a lesson—not everything old is worthless. If you look carefully at your old coins and pocket change, you too may have a treasure that is both history and wealth.
FAQs
1. What is the 1943-D Bronze Lincoln Cent?
It’s a rare U.S. penny accidentally minted in bronze instead of steel during World War II at the Denver Mint. Only one known specimen exists today.
2. Why is the 1943-D Bronze Cent so valuable?
Its extreme rarity, historical error, and unique minting origin make it one of the most valuable coins ever—reportedly selling for around $78 million in private collections.
3. How was the 1943-D Bronze Cent discovered?
It was found by a child in 1979 in pocket change. Experts later confirmed its authenticity, making it a once-in-a-lifetime find from a casual discovery.