Let’s be honest—most of us barely notice pennies anymore. We toss them in jars, leave them in car cup holders, or simply step over them on sidewalks. But believe it or not, hidden among those forgotten coins could be one worth a staggering $2.1 million.
It’s true. The famed 1943 bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the rarest and most valuable coins in American history. Even more exciting? Experts believe a few could still be out there, waiting for a lucky person to find them.
The Start of a New Era in Coin Design
The story of the Lincoln Wheat Penny dates back to 1909, when the U.S. Mint decided to honor Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. Until then, U.S. coins mostly featured symbolic figures like Lady Liberty.
Sculptor Victor David Brenner created the design, featuring Lincoln’s profile on the front and two wheat stalks framing the words “ONE CENT” on the back. This beloved design remained until 1958, when it was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial reverse. Today, those early Wheat Pennies are both nostalgic and, for some, incredibly valuable.
How a Wartime Error Created a Million-Dollar Coin
During World War II, copper was critical for making ammunition and military gear. To conserve resources, the Mint switched to making pennies out of zinc-coated steel in 1943. These coins had a silvery look instead of the usual coppery color.
However, a few copper blanks from 1942 mistakenly got mixed into the 1943 minting run. This slip-up resulted in the now-legendary 1943 bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny—one of the rarest coins a collector could ever hope to find.
A Dream Find for Collectors
Because so few of these 1943 bronze pennies exist, they have achieved almost mythic status. One even sold at auction for a jaw-dropping $2.1 million. The best part? There’s still a chance some are hidden away in old jars, boxes, or even inside forgotten drawers.
How to Identify a 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny
Thinking about raiding your change jar yet? Here’s what to look for:
- Date: Check if it’s stamped 1943.
- Magnet Test: Steel pennies stick to a magnet; bronze ones don’t.
- Color: Bronze pennies have a warm copper tone, unlike the silvery steel ones.
- Weight: A bronze penny weighs about 3.11 grams; steel versions are around 2.7 grams.
If you find a suspicious penny, don’t celebrate just yet—get it authenticated by a professional before jumping to conclusions.
Other Valuable Wheat Pennies to Watch For
While the 1943 bronze penny is the ultimate prize, other Wheat Pennies are also worth a fortune:
- 1909-S VDB Penny: From the San Francisco Mint with Brenner’s initials, valued at over $100,000.
- 1944 Steel Penny: Another error coin that’s extremely rare and valuable.
- 1955 Double Die Penny: Known for doubled lettering, this error can sell for thousands.
What To Do If You Think You’ve Found a Rare Penny
First rule: don’t clean it! Cleaning a rare coin can wipe out its value in seconds. Instead:
- Perform the magnet test.
- Weigh the coin if you can.
- Get it verified through reputable grading services like PCGS or NGC.
These experts can authenticate your coin, assign it a grade, and guide you on your next steps.
The Thrill of the Search
Finding a rare coin isn’t just about the money—it’s about the adventure. The idea that life-changing treasures could be hiding in your spare change makes every handful of coins a little more exciting.
Next time you get pennies back at the checkout counter, give them a second look—you just might find a small piece of history… and maybe a fortune.
FAQs
How rare is the 1943 bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny?
Only a few dozen are known to exist, making it one of the rarest and most valuable coins for collectors today.
How much can a 1943 bronze penny sell for?
Depending on its condition, a 1943 bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny can fetch up to $2.1 million at auction.
How can I tell if I have a 1943 bronze penny?
Check the date, test it with a magnet, and weigh it; bronze versions are not magnetic and weigh about 3.11 grams.
Should I clean a potentially rare penny before selling it?
No! Cleaning can severely damage the coin and drastically reduce its value to collectors and grading services.
Where can I get a rare penny authenticated?
You can have it professionally authenticated and graded by trusted services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC.