Lincoln Wheat Penny worth thousands of dollars could still be in circulation

The rare coin dating back to 1909 is reportedly still available—and it could be worth a pretty penny.

A rare coin from 1943, valued at an astonishing sum, is reportedly still in circulation.

The Lincoln Wheat Penny was created by the United States Mint in 1909 to honor the country’s brave Civil War leader. It was meticulously crafted by sculptor Victor David Brenner and was considered novel at the time as the first coin in the nation’s history to feature the image of a historical figure.

The coin dwindled in popularity during World War II when copper became scarce, leading manufacturers to start making cents with steel.

However, some suspect that copper blanks from 1942 were used in 1943 to create a super-rare edition of the Lincoln coin, making it one of the most valuable coins in the country’s history.

Reports indicate that one of those coins from 1943 is estimated to be worth a whopping $195 million.

There are numerous other rare coins that enthusiasts can include in their hunt list for rare coin collections.

According to Bankrate, at least nine super rare coins are in circulation worth millions.

Those include the 1974 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar, which sold at a 2022 auction for $12 million; the 1787 Brasher Doubloon, which was sold in 2021 for $9.36 million; the 1787 Fugio cent, valued at up to $10,000; the 723 Umayyad Gold Dinar, sold in 2011 for $6 million and in 2019 for $4.8 million; and the 1343 Edward III Florin, sold in 2006 for $850,000, but now estimated to be worth $6.8 million.

Warren Zivi, the head numismatist and president of American Rarities, a coin dealer based in Boulder, Colorado, offered some advice to coin collectors.

“Coins are both a hobby and an investment,” Zivi told Bankrate. “You have to make good choices in what you pick.”

He warned that there are many scammers out there, but assured that it is easier than ever to authenticate coins.

“It’s easier than ever before to get an opinion on authenticity and valuation,” he said. “Buyers or sellers can send in pictures or even whole collections.”