Imagine finding a penny in your pocket change that turns out to be worth millions. It may sound unbelievable, but this is the reality for one rare version of the Lincoln Wheat Penny. A particular 1943 copper penny has been valued at an astonishing $3.2 million, and what’s even more exciting? It’s still believed to be in circulation. Coin collectors and treasure hunters continue searching for this rare coin, hoping to turn a simple one-cent find into a fortune. But what makes this penny so valuable? Let’s cut into its history, rarity, and how you might be lucky enough to find one.
Table of Contents
History
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first minted in 1909 to commemorate President Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. Designed by Victor D. Brenner, it was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person. The reverse side of the coin features two wheat stalks, symbolizing prosperity and growth.
This penny was minted until 1958 before being replaced by the Lincoln Memorial Penny. Most Lincoln Wheat Pennies were made of copper, but during World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to steel in 1943 to conserve copper for military supplies. However, a few pennies that year were mistakenly struck on leftover copper blanks from 1942, creating one of the rarest and most valuable coins in history.
Value
The 1943 copper penny is so valuable because of its rarity and the unique historical mistake that led to its creation.
Why is this penny worth so much?
- Extremely rare – Only about 20 to 40 of these coins are known to exist.
- Historical error – It was an accident, making it one of the most sought-after U.S. coins.
- High demand – Collectors and investors are willing to pay millions for one.
- Record sale price – One of these pennies sold for $3.2 million in a private auction.
Identification
If you think you have a 1943 Lincoln Penny, here’s how you can check if it’s the rare copper version:
Check the color
- The common 1943 steel penny is silver-colored.
- A genuine 1943 copper penny will have a brownish, reddish tone.
Use a magnet test
- Steel pennies will stick to a magnet.
- A real copper 1943 penny will not stick to a magnet.
Look for mint marks
- The 1943 Lincoln Penny was minted in three locations:
- Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- Denver (“D” mint mark)
- San Francisco (“S” mint mark)
- Any of these versions, if made from copper, is extremely valuable.
Weigh the coin
- A copper penny weighs 3.11 grams, while a steel penny weighs 2.7 grams.
- Use a precise scale to check.
Get it authenticated
- If your penny passes these tests, take it to a professional coin appraiser or a grading service like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) for verification.
Circulation
Could a $3.2 million penny still be in circulation? Absolutely! Coins pass through many hands over the years, and some people may not realize they have a rare coin. Stories have surfaced of people finding valuable pennies in pocket change, garage sales, and old piggy banks. So, next time you get change, take a closer look—you never know what you might find.
Other Valuables
While the 1943 copper penny is the most famous, there are other rare Lincoln pennies worth serious money. Here are a few to watch for:
| Coin | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB Penny | Up to $100,000 (low mintage) |
| 1955 Double Die Penny | $1,500+ (doubled text error) |
| 1972 Double Die Penny | Hundreds to thousands of dollars |
| 1983 Double Die Reverse Penny | Over $1,000 (rare error) |
The 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny remains one of the most valuable and mysterious coins in U.S. history. With only a handful known to exist, there’s a real possibility that some are still out there, waiting to be known. If you ever come across an old penny, take a closer look—you might just be holding a multimillion-dollar treasure. Keep checking your change, visit coin dealers, and stay informed about rare coins. You never know when luck might be on your side!
FAQs
How can I tell if my 1943 penny is copper?
Use a magnet—if it doesn’t stick, it could be a rare copper penny.
Why is the 1943 copper penny so valuable?
It was mistakenly made from copper instead of steel, making it rare.
How many 1943 copper pennies exist?
Only about 20 to 40 genuine 1943 copper pennies are known to exist.
Where can I get my penny verified?
Professional grading services like PCGS and NGC can authenticate it.
Are all 1943 pennies valuable?
No, most are steel and common, but the copper versions are extremely rare.
