In a discovery that’s igniting waves of excitement across the numismatic world, a rare 1922 No D Lincoln Wheat Penny has reportedly been found in everyday circulation—and collectors are placing its value at a staggering $8.7 million.
The find has stunned experts and prompted coin enthusiasts across the country to check their pocket change with renewed enthusiasm.
The Coin That Was Never Meant to Be Rare
The 1922 Lincoln cent series is unique for one major reason: all of the pennies from that year were minted in Denver, Colorado. Unlike other years that saw coin production from multiple mints, 1922 had no pennies struck at the Philadelphia or San Francisco mints, making the “D” mintmark from Denver especially important for identification.
But here’s where the twist begins: due to excessive wear on one of the Denver mint’s dies used that year, some 1922 pennies were struck without a visible “D” mintmark. These so-called “1922 No D” pennies were not part of an intentional design—it was simply a result of mint machinery malfunction.
What makes these coins even more mysterious is their accidental rarity. The flawed die was retired after a short period, resulting in a limited number of No D coins. For decades, this coin has been a dream find for collectors, and now it’s apparently resurfaced in modern circulation.
Found in Change, Worth a Fortune
According to early reports from coin forums and appraisal insiders, the newly found specimen was picked up by a coin roll hunter who initially mistook it for a regular wheat penny. Upon closer inspection—and verification through magnification—it was confirmed that there was no mintmark beneath the date on the obverse.
What distinguishes a genuine 1922 No D penny from counterfeits or heavily worn coins is the clarity of the rest of the coin’s strike. On authentic specimens, Lincoln’s image is well defined, and the details are sharp, suggesting the absence of the mintmark was not due to wear but rather the result of a degraded die.
Once verified by third-party grading services, the penny was given a near-mint grade, further driving up its appraisal. Collectors and private investors are reportedly lining up with offers exceeding $8.7 million, marking it as one of the most valuable Lincoln Wheat Cents ever discovered.
Why This Coin Captures So Much Attention
What elevates the 1922 No D penny beyond just its scarcity is its backstory. It’s a tangible piece of U.S. minting history—an accidental creation that was never meant to exist. Coin collectors, especially those focused on Lincoln cents, revere the No D penny as a sort of “white whale.” It’s often included in major penny sets as a key rarity.
The recent rediscovery of such a coin in regular circulation raises compelling questions: How many other valuable coins might still be out there, lost in the sea of loose change?
Keep an Eye on Your Coins
While the odds of finding a million-dollar coin in your pocket are slim, this story proves it’s not impossible. The resurgence of rare coins in circulation—whether due to estate liquidations, forgotten collections, or sheer luck—continues to feed a growing interest in coin collecting across America.
The key takeaways? Always check your change. Look for missing mintmarks. And if you ever come across a 1922 penny with no D and a clean strike, have it professionally examined immediately.
This $8.7 million penny is a reminder that history, rarity, and fortune sometimes come in the smallest packages—one cent at a time.
Did You Know?
- The 1922 No D penny is the only regular-issue U.S. coin that was produced by a single mint (Denver) but lacks the identifying mintmark.
- Most 1922 pennies do have a D mintmark, but wear and tear can make it seem like it’s missing—this is why authentication is critical.
- Only a few thousand authentic No D pennies are believed to exist today.
Also Read:- 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar With Error Sells for $11.9 Million – Still in Circulation!
Final Thoughts
In the world of rare coins, lightning sometimes strikes where you least expect it. This rediscovered 1922 No D penny now stands as a symbol of luck, historical intrigue, and hidden value—and might just inspire millions of Americans to take a second look at the coins jangling in their pockets.
