Imagine finding an old penny in your pocket and realizing it’s worth $550,000. Sounds unbelievable, right? But for some lucky people, this has been a reality. A rare Lincoln Wheat Penny from 1943 is still believed to be in circulation, making it one of the most sought-after coins among collectors. If you’ve ever tossed aside an old penny without a second thought, you might want to take a closer look next time.
What’s Special About the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first minted in 1909 to honor Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birth anniversary. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person’s face, replacing the previous Indian Head design. The front of the coin shows Lincoln’s profile, while the back features two wheat stalks, giving it its distinctive name.
These pennies were in circulation until 1958, when they were replaced by the Lincoln Memorial Penny. While most Lincoln Wheat Pennies are only worth a cent, a few rare ones can fetch thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars.
The $550,000 Lincoln Wheat Penny
One of the most valuable Wheat Pennies ever discovered is the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny.
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel for penny production to conserve metal for war efforts. However, a small number of pennies were accidentally made using leftover bronze planchets from 1942. These rare errors resulted in a handful of bronze 1943 pennies, making them incredibly valuable.
One of these rare pennies was sold at auction for $550,000, and experts believe some could still be out there.
How to Tell If You Have a 1943 Bronze Penny
Finding a 1943 penny in your pocket change might seem exciting, but not all 1943 pennies are valuable. Most were made from steel and are common. Here’s how to check if you have the rare bronze version:
- Check the Date – The coin must have “1943” stamped on it.
- Use a Magnet – The steel pennies from 1943 will stick to a magnet, but the rare bronze ones will not.
- Look at the Color – A bronze penny will have a reddish-brown tone, while steel pennies are grayish-silver.
- Get It Verified – If you think you’ve found a 1943 bronze penny, take it to a professional coin dealer or send it to a grading service for authentication.
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
While the 1943 Bronze Penny is the most famous, there are several other Lincoln Wheat Pennies that collectors prize:
- 1909-S VDB Penny – One of the earliest and rarest Wheat Pennies, with some selling for up to $100,000.
- 1944 Steel Penny – Another minting error similar to the 1943 bronze version, worth over $100,000.
- 1955 Double Die Penny – A misprinted penny where the lettering appears doubled, valued between $1,500 and $50,000, depending on condition.
Could You Have One?
Rare coins often go unnoticed because most people don’t inspect their spare change. Many valuable Wheat Pennies have been found in old piggy banks, coin jars, and even rolls of pennies from the bank. While the chances of finding a 1943 Bronze Penny are slim, it’s not impossible—after all, some of these coins are still in circulation.
What to Do If You Find a Rare Penny
If you think you’ve found a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny, follow these steps:
- Don’t clean it – Cleaning a coin can reduce its value.
- Get it checked – Take it to a professional coin dealer for verification.
- Consider selling it – If it’s authentic, collectors and auction houses might be willing to pay a hefty price for it.
Final Thoughts
It’s incredible to think that a penny, something most of us barely notice, could be worth a small fortune. The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny is a perfect example of how rare mistakes in coin production can turn ordinary objects into valuable treasures.
So next time you find an old penny in your change, don’t ignore it—you might just be holding $550,000 in your hand!
