Most of us don’t think much about pennies. They’re the coins that sit in jars, get lost under couch cushions, or end up in the tip jar at your local coffee shop. But what if one of those pennies was actually worth $175,000?
It might sound crazy, but a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny from 1943 could still be out there in circulation—meaning someone, somewhere, might unknowingly be carrying around a small fortune. Let’s take a look at what makes this penny so valuable, how to identify one, and what to do if you find one.
What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first introduced in 1909 to honor Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person, replacing the previous designs that showcased Lady Liberty.
How to Recognize a Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Front (Obverse): Features Abraham Lincoln’s portrait, along with “In God We Trust,” “Liberty,” and the minting year.
- Back (Reverse): Displays two wheat stalks, which is why it’s called the “Wheat Penny.”
This design was used until 1958, when it was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial Penny.
Most Lincoln Wheat Pennies are worth only a few cents, but some rare editions are worth thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars.
Why Is the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $175,000?
While millions of Lincoln Wheat Pennies were made, one version of the 1943 penny became one of the rarest and most valuable coins in U.S. history.
Here’s Why It’s So Special:
1. A Minting Mistake Turned This Penny Into a Fortune
- In 1943, the U.S. Mint stopped using copper for pennies and switched to steel to conserve copper for World War II supplies.
- However, a small number of pennies were accidentally struck on leftover bronze (copper) planchets from 1942.
- This printing error created one of the rarest and most valuable pennies ever discovered.
2. Limited Availability
- It’s estimated that only a handful of these 1943 Bronze Pennies exist today.
- Most 1943 pennies were made of steel, so if you find a 1943 penny that looks like copper, it could be incredibly rare.
3. High Demand Among Collectors
- A 1943 Bronze Penny can sell for as much as $175,000 or more, depending on its condition.
- Some have even sold for over $1 million at auctions!
How to Check If You Have a $175,000 Penny
If you’re curious whether you have one of these rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies, here’s how to find out:
1. Check the Date
- The 1943 Wheat Penny is the one to look for.
- If you have a 1943 penny that looks copper instead of silver, don’t ignore it!
2. Try the Magnet Test
- Steel 1943 pennies are magnetic and will stick to a magnet.
- A rare 1943 bronze penny will NOT stick—if yours doesn’t, you might have something valuable.
3. Look at the Color
- Most 1943 pennies were made of steel, so they appear silver or gray.
- A rare 1943 Bronze Penny has a reddish-brown (copper) color.
4. Weigh the Penny
- A steel 1943 penny weighs 2.7 grams.
- A bronze 1943 penny weighs 3.1 grams.
- If your 1943 penny is copper-colored and weighs 3.1 grams, you could be holding a rare and valuable coin.
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
While the 1943 Bronze Penny is one of the most valuable, other Lincoln Wheat Pennies are also worth thousands:
- 1909-S VDB Wheat Penny – Worth up to $100,000 (rare first-year edition).
- 1914-D Wheat Penny – Valued at $5,000 or more due to its limited mintage.
- 1955 Double Die Wheat Penny – Sells for thousands due to a misprinted date and lettering.
Could You Still Find a Rare Lincoln Wheat Penny in Circulation?
Yes! Even though these coins are rare, some have been discovered in everyday places.
Many people spend these pennies without realizing their value, meaning they could still be out there waiting to be found.
Where Might You Find One?
1. Old piggy banks and coin jars
2. Loose change from stores
3. Rolls of pennies from banks
4. Garage sales, flea markets, and estate sales
If you come across an old penny, always check the year—you never know what you might find!
What to Do If You Find a Rare Penny?
If you think you’ve found a 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny, follow these steps:
1. Do NOT Clean It!
- Cleaning the coin can ruin its surface and lower its value significantly.
- Even if it looks dirty, leave it in its original condition.
2. Get It Authenticated
- Take it to a professional coin grading service, such as:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
- These experts will verify if the coin is real and determine its condition.
3. Sell It the Right Way
- Rare coins often sell for the highest prices at major auctions. Consider selling through:
- Heritage Auctions
- Stack’s Bowers
- Certified rare coin dealers
- Avoid selling to unknown buyers online—always work with a trusted expert to ensure you get the best price.
Final Thoughts
The Lincoln Wheat Penny valued at $175,000 is one of the most legendary coins in U.S. history.
While finding one is extremely rare, it is possible. So next time you come across an old penny, take a closer look—you might just be holding a once-in-a-lifetime fortune.
Disclaimer: The values mentioned for rare coins, including the Lincoln Wheat Penny, may fluctuate over time. Always consult a professional numismatist before making financial decisions related to rare coins.
