Imagine reaching into your pocket and pulling out a penny that could change your life forever. Sounds crazy, right? But that’s exactly what’s possible with the legendary Lincoln Wheat Penny—a rare version of this coin is worth a jaw-dropping $12.5 million. It’s still out there, possibly mixed in with everyday coins, just waiting for someone to notice. Could that lucky person be you?
Value
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, minted from 1909 to 1958, is already a classic among coin collectors. But not all of these pennies are created equal. While most are worth just a few cents, there’s one that stands above the rest—the 1943 copper version.
This particular coin is incredibly rare, and its sky-high value comes from a fascinating bit of history combined with a minting mistake.
Mystery
So, what’s the story behind this penny?
In 1943, during World War II, the U.S. Mint stopped making pennies from copper. Copper was needed for war supplies, so pennies were made from zinc-coated steel instead. But a small number of copper blanks (called planchets) were mistakenly left in the minting machines, and a few real 1943 copper pennies were struck.
Only a handful are known to exist, which is why one of them has been valued at an astonishing $12.5 million.
Circulation
Here’s the wild part—some of these coins might still be out there, mixed in with regular change.
Over the years, lucky folks have found these rare pennies in piggy banks, coin jars, flea markets, and even as lunch money. That’s what makes this story so exciting. There’s a real chance that a fortune could be hiding in your loose change.
Features
Want to know if your penny might be worth millions? Here’s how to identify a 1943 copper penny:
- Year: It must be from 1943.
- Material: It should be copper, not steel.
- Weight: A copper penny weighs 3.11 grams (steel ones are lighter at 2.7 grams).
- Magnet Test: Copper isn’t magnetic. If the penny sticks to a magnet, it’s steel and not valuable.
These clues can help you spot the difference between a common penny and a once-in-a-lifetime find.
Knowing
Believe it or not, stories of people finding these valuable pennies still pop up.
In 2019, a teenager found a 1943 copper penny in his lunch money. After getting it authenticated, it was valued at over $1.7 million. That kind of story keeps collectors and everyday people hopeful that another one might surface.
Steps
Think you might have found one? Don’t just toss it back into your change jar. Here’s what to do:
- Run the magnet test.
- Weigh the penny—3.11 grams is the magic number.
- Take it to a numismatist (a coin expert) for a professional opinion.
- Get it appraised—this step could turn a lucky find into a massive payday.
Worth
So why does this penny demand such a huge price tag? Simple: it’s the perfect storm of rarity, history, and collector demand. Because it was never meant to exist, it’s like a minting unicorn. With only a few out there, demand keeps growing—and so does the value.
Hunt
Every time you get change, you’re holding a small chance at finding treasure. The idea that a $12.5 million penny might still be in circulation is thrilling. Next time you see a 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny, don’t ignore it—it might just be the most valuable thing you’ve ever held in your hand.
FAQs
Why is the 1943 penny special?
It was mistakenly minted in copper during WWII when steel was used.
How do I test if my 1943 penny is copper?
Use a magnet. Copper won’t stick; steel will.
What does a 1943 copper penny weigh?
A genuine one weighs 3.11 grams.
Is the $12.5M penny still out there?
Yes, experts believe some are still in circulation.
What should I do if I find one?
Get it authenticated and appraised by a coin expert.
