Most people don’t think twice about pennies. They end up in jars, car cup holders, or forgotten in pockets. But what if one of those pennies was worth a mind-blowing $26 million?
It sounds like a fairy tale, but it’s true. A rare Lincoln Wheat Penny from 1943, mistakenly struck in copper instead of steel, has reached legendary status among collectors. The best part? It’s still in circulation, meaning someone out there could be walking around with a literal fortune in their pocket without even realizing it.
So, what makes this penny so valuable, and how can you tell if you’ve got one? Let’s dive in.
The History of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first minted in 1909 to honor the 100th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln. This coin was historic because it was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person rather than a symbolic figure like Lady Liberty.
Designed by Victor David Brenner, the coin features:
- Obverse (front): Lincoln’s portrait, along with the words “In God We Trust,” “Liberty,” and the minting year.
- Reverse (back): Two wheat stalks, giving the coin its nickname—the Wheat Penny.
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was produced until 1958, when it was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial Penny. While millions of these coins were made, some rare versions have become the stuff of legends.
Why Is This Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $26 Million?
Not all Lincoln Wheat Pennies are valuable—most are still worth just one cent. But a few rare variations have sold for millions, and the 1943 Copper Wheat Penny is the most valuable of them all.
1. Rare Minting Error
During World War II, the U.S. Mint stopped using copper for pennies and switched to steel to save copper for war supplies. But a few pennies were accidentally struck on leftover copper planchets from 1942, creating one of the rarest error coins in history.
2. Extremely Limited Availability
Experts estimate that only one or two genuine 1943 Copper Pennies exist today. That level of rarity is what drives the price into the tens of millions.
3. High Collector Demand
Because of their mystery and extreme rarity, collectors and investors are willing to pay millions to own one.
If a verified 1943 Copper Wheat Penny came up for auction today, it could easily break records, with experts predicting values up to $26 million.
How to Identify the Rare 1943 Copper Wheat Penny
So, how do you know if you’ve got one of these legendary pennies? Here are a few easy tests you can do:
1. Check the Color
- Most 1943 pennies were made of steel, which gives them a silver appearance.
- The rare 1943 Copper Penny has a reddish-brown copper tone, like pennies made before and after 1943.
2. Perform the Magnet Test
- A regular 1943 steel penny will stick to a magnet.
- A rare 1943 Copper Penny will not stick.
3. Weigh the Penny
- A steel penny weighs 2.7 grams.
- A copper penny weighs 3.11 grams.
- If you have a 1943 penny that weighs 3.11 grams and doesn’t stick to a magnet, you might have hit the jackpot.
4. Check for Tampering
- Some people try to fake a 1943 Copper Penny by altering the 1948 penny.
- Make sure the “3” in “1943” is clear and hasn’t been modified from an “8.”
What to Do If You Find One
Think you’ve found a 1943 Copper Wheat Penny? Here’s what to do next:
1. Do NOT Clean the Coin
- Cleaning a rare coin can damage its surface and reduce its value significantly. Leave it exactly as you found it.
2. Get It Authenticated
- Take your penny to a professional coin appraiser or use a coin grading service like:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
3. Sell It the Right Way
- Rare coins like this often fetch the highest prices at major auctions.
- Consider selling through:
- Heritage Auctions
- Stack’s Bowers
- Certified rare coin dealers
With the right buyer, this single penny could make you a multimillionaire.
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
While the 1943 Copper Penny is the most famous, there are other rare Wheat Pennies that could still be worth a lot:
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny – Worth up to $50,000
- One of the first Lincoln Wheat Pennies ever made.
- Features designer Victor David Brenner’s initials (VDB) on the back.
2. 1914-D Lincoln Penny – Worth $5,000 to $30,000
- Minted in Denver and produced in low numbers, making it a collector’s item.
3. 1922 No D Lincoln Penny – Worth $10,000+
- A minting error resulted in some 1922 pennies missing the “D” mint mark, making them rare.
4. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny – Worth $1,500 to $10,000
- A misprinting error caused a doubled image on the date and lettering, making it one of the most famous error coins in U.S. history.
The Thrill of Coin Hunting
The idea that a $26 million Lincoln Wheat Penny could still be out there is exciting. Most people never check their pennies, which means one of these rare coins could be sitting in a jar, a bank roll, or even in a store’s cash register right now.
If you’re serious about finding rare coins, here are some tips:
1. Always check your change—especially for older pennies.
2. Look through old coin collections from family members.
3. Search through rolls of pennies from banks—sometimes rare coins get mixed in.
4. Visit estate sales, flea markets, and coin shops—you never know what might turn up.
Final Thoughts
The 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the rarest and most valuable coins ever, with an estimated worth of $26 million. Because it’s still in circulation, someone out there could be holding this once-in-a-lifetime treasure without even realizing it.
So, next time you get a handful of change, take a second look. You never know—that little copper penny could change your life forever.
Disclaimer: The prices mentioned for rare coins, including the 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny, are subject to market fluctuations. Always consult a professional numismatist before making financial decisions regarding rare coins.