Headlines claiming a Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $9.9 million is still circulating in the United States have reignited public interest in old pocket change. The story sounds unbelievable—and that’s because it mostly is. While Lincoln Wheat Pennies can be extremely valuable, the $9.9 million figure needs careful explanation.
So is there really a nearly $10 million penny still out there? Let’s separate verified facts from online myths and explain which Wheat Pennies are actually worth life-changing money.
Why the $9.9 Million Wheat Penny Story Exists
The claim usually comes from a mix of:
- Confusion with historic auction records
- Exaggerated private valuations
- Misinterpretation of rare mint errors
- Viral social media headlines without citations
To date, no Lincoln Wheat Penny has publicly sold for $9.9 million. However, some have sold for over $1 million, and a few are considered priceless enough that theoretical valuations approach eight figures.
The Penny Behind the $9.9 Million Myth
1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny
This is the coin most often connected to multi-million-dollar claims.
Why It’s Legendary
- In 1943, pennies were supposed to be made of steel
- A few were accidentally struck on bronze planchets
- Fewer than 20 genuine examples are known
- Fully authenticated and legally owned
Verified Auction Prices
- $250,000 – $1.7 million (depending on condition)
💡 Why $9.9 Million Is Mentioned
Experts believe that a perfect, previously unknown specimen, if discovered and legally certified, could approach record-breaking valuations in a future auction—but this remains theoretical, not documented.
Other Ultra-Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
- First year of issue
- Extremely low mintage
- Highly sought after
Value:
👉 $900 – $6,000+ (circulated)
👉 $50,000 – $100,000+ (top grade)
2. 1944 Steel Wheat Penny
- Minting error opposite of 1943 bronze
- Only a few dozen exist
Value:
👉 $75,000 – $500,000+
3. 1955 Doubled Die Wheat Penny
- Dramatic doubling visible to the naked eye
Value:
👉 $1,500 – $125,000+
4. 1922 No-D Wheat Penny
- Missing mint mark error
Value:
👉 $700 – $50,000+
Wheat Penny Value Chart (2026)
| Coin | Verified Value Range |
|---|---|
| 1943 Bronze | $250K – $1.7M |
| 1944 Steel | $75K – $500K |
| 1909-S VDB | $900 – $100K+ |
| 1955 Doubled Die | $1.5K – $125K+ |
| 1922 No-D | $700 – $50K+ |
Is a $9.9 Million Wheat Penny Still Circulating?
Short Answer: Extremely Unlikely
Here’s why:
- All known million-dollar Wheat Pennies are accounted for
- They are held by collectors, museums, or estates
- Any new discovery would trigger immediate authentication
That said, rare pennies have been found decades later in old jars, collections, and inherited change—so checking coins is never pointless.
How to Check If Your Wheat Penny Is Valuable
Collector Checklist
- Check the date
- Focus on 1909, 1922, 1943, 1944, 1955
- Test magnetism
- 1943 bronze pennies are not magnetic
- Check mint marks
- Use magnification for doubling
- Never clean the coin
What to Do If You Think You Found One
- Stop handling immediately
- Store in a non-PVC holder
- Photograph both sides
- Contact a professional numismatist
- Submit to PCGS or NGC for authentication
Authentication is mandatory for any high-value claim.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Has a Wheat Penny ever sold for $9.9 million?
No verified public auction supports that price.
What is the most valuable Wheat Penny ever sold?
A 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny, sold for over $1.7 million.
Are Wheat Pennies still found in circulation?
Rarely, but they still appear in old collections and change jars.
Are online value claims reliable?
Only if backed by auction records and certification.
Does cleaning a penny ruin value?
Yes. Cleaning can reduce value by 90% or more.
Conclusion
The claim of a $9.9 million Lincoln Wheat Penny still circulating is not supported by verified auction data. However, the legend persists because Wheat Pennies can be extraordinarily valuable—and history proves that rare discoveries do happen.