Many people think rare coins are only found in collections or auctions. In reality, valuable Lincoln wheat pennies sometimes turn up in everyday change. This article explains how to spot a Lincoln wheat penny worth $90K still hiding in change, what tests to perform, and how to get it authenticated and sold safely.
How a Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $90K Still Hiding in Change Can Turn Up
Not every old penny is valuable. Most Lincoln wheat cents are common and worth face value or a small premium to collectors. A tiny fraction of Lincoln wheat pennies — due to errors, mint marks, rarities, or extremely high grades — can be worth tens of thousands of dollars or more.
Finding a high-value coin in circulation is rare but possible. The most important steps after you suspect a rare coin are to avoid cleaning it, perform simple tests, and seek professional authentication.
Signs to Spot a Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $90K Still Hiding in Change
Use these quick checks when you pull a wheat penny from change. Each step helps narrow down whether the coin might be valuable.
- Check the date and mint mark. Rare dates and mint marks are the first indicators of value.
- Look for obvious errors. Off-center strikes, double dies, and wrong-metal strikes can dramatically increase value.
- Do the magnet test. Some rare 1943 copper cents exist because most 1943 cents were struck in steel; a non-magnetic 1943 could be a copper error.
- Examine the condition. Extremely high-grade coins in mint state are far more valuable than worn examples.
- Avoid cleaning. Scrubbing or polishing will reduce the coin’s value immediately.
Practical Tests to Identify a Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $90K Still Hiding in Change
Here are low-cost tests you can do at home to screen a suspect penny. These steps are safe when done carefully and can help you decide whether to pursue professional grading.
- Magnet test: Use a small magnet. If the coin sticks, it is steel or plated steel and likely not a 1943 copper error.
- Weight check: Weigh the coin on a precise scale. Most pre-1982 bronze pennies weigh about 3.11 grams. Steel 1943 cents weigh noticeably less (around 2.7 grams depending on the scale).
- Visual inspection: Use a loupe or magnifying glass. Look for doubled letters, repunched mint marks, or unusual surface textures.
- Compare to photos: Use reputable numismatic sites to compare known varieties like 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1955 doubled die, and 1943 copper errors.
Common Valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny Varieties to Watch For
These varieties are frequently cited as high value items. A coin in poor condition is worth less than the same coin in top grade, but they are good dates to check.
- 1909-S VDB and 1909-S (key early dates)
- 1914-D (scarce Denver mint issue)
- 1922 plain (no mint mark) and 1931-S (rare dates)
- 1955 doubled die obverse (distinct doubled lettering)
- 1943 copper cents (most 1943 cents are steel; copper examples are rare errors)
What to Do If You Think You Found a Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $90K Still Hiding in Change
If your initial checks raise suspicion, follow a safe process to protect value and document the find.
- Do not clean or polish the coin. Surface alterations lower value.
- Take high-resolution photos of both sides in good light. Include a scale reference like a ruler.
- Weigh and magnet-test the coin and note results.
- Consult local coin dealers or post clear, dated photos to reputable coin forums for preliminary opinions.
- If consensus suggests rarity, submit the coin to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication and grading.
Where to Get Authentication and How Sales Work
Professional grading gives buyers and sellers confidence. Grading services encapsulate the coin and provide a grade that collectors trust. This typically increases the sale price and makes auction or dealer offers easier to compare.
After grading, you can sell through dealers, auction houses, or online marketplaces that support certified coins. Expect graded rare cents to get more competitive bids at established numismatic auctions.
Protecting the Value When Selling a Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $90K Still Hiding in Change
- Get multiple opinions before selling. Different dealers may value the same coin differently.
- Use graded third-party services to maximize buyer trust.
- Insure the coin in transit if you ship it for sale or grading.
Real-World Example: How a Find Can Play Out
Case study: A person found a 1943 wheat cent that looked unusual in a pocket change lot. It passed the non-magnetic test and weighed like a typical bronze cent. They took photos, consulted an experienced dealer, and submitted it to a grading service. After authentication, the coin was confirmed as a copper 1943 error and sold at auction for a five-figure price.
This step-by-step example shows the typical route from discovery to sale: initial suspicion, home testing, dealer consultation, professional authentication, and auction sale. Each step preserved the coin’s value.
Key Takeaways for Collectors and Casual Finders
Finding a Lincoln wheat penny worth $90K still hiding in change is unlikely but possible. The key is careful handling, sensible testing, and professional authentication. Avoid cleaning the coin and get multiple opinions before making major decisions.
With patience and the right steps, a single penny from the bottom of your purse or change jar could turn into a valuable numismatic discovery.