Most people don’t think twice about pennies. They’re small, easy to lose, and often ignored. But what if one of those tiny coins could be worth $1.7 million? That’s the case with a rare 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny, a coin so valuable that collectors dream of finding one. And here’s the exciting part—it’s still believed to be in circulation.
What Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, also known as the Wheat Cent, was introduced in 1909 to mark 100 years since Abraham Lincoln’s birth. This was a significant moment in U.S. history, as it was the first time an actual person appeared on an American coin.
Designed by Victor David Brenner, the penny features Lincoln’s profile on the front and two wheat stalks on the back. These pennies were produced until 1958, after which they were replaced by the Lincoln Memorial design. While millions of these pennies were made, a few special versions—like the 1943 Bronze Penny—have become incredibly valuable.
Why Is This Penny Worth $1.7 Million?
Not all Lincoln Wheat Pennies are valuable, but some rare versions have sold for jaw-dropping amounts. The 1943 Bronze Penny is one of the most famous examples. Here’s why it’s worth so much:
World War II Metal Change – In 1943, the U.S. Mint stopped using copper for pennies to save metal for the war effort. Instead, they made pennies from zinc-coated steel.
A Rare Minting Error – Despite the switch to steel, a small number of 1943 pennies were accidentally struck in bronze (copper). Experts believe this happened when leftover copper planchets (metal blanks) from 1942 were mistakenly used in early 1943.
Extremely Limited Supply – It’s estimated that fewer than 20 of these coins exist today, making them one of the rarest coins in U.S. history.
Because of this mistake, collectors will pay huge amounts for an authentic 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny. In fact, one was sold for $1.7 million in a private sale.
How to Identify a 1943 Bronze Penny
Think you might have one of these rare pennies? Here’s how to check:
- Use a Magnet – A real 1943 Bronze Penny is NOT magnetic, while the common steel version will stick to a magnet.
- Check the Color – The rare bronze penny has a reddish-brown color, while the steel penny looks silvery-gray.
- Weigh the Coin – A bronze penny weighs 3.11 grams, while the steel version is lighter at 2.7 grams.
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
The 1943 Bronze Penny isn’t the only Lincoln Wheat Penny worth serious money. Here are a few others that could bring in big bucks:
1. 1909-S VDB Penny – This was the first Lincoln Wheat Penny ever made, and only a small number had the designer’s initials (VDB) on the back. It can be worth over $100,000.
2. 1944 Steel Penny – In 1944, pennies were supposed to be made of copper again, but a few steel ones were mistakenly produced. These rare coins have been valued at over $100,000.
Could You Have One?
Here’s the exciting part—some of these rare pennies are still out there. Many people don’t realize they’re spending valuable coins, and they get mixed in with regular change. That means you could find one in a coin jar, an old collection, or even your pocket.
Final Thoughts
The idea that a simple penny could be worth millions makes coin collecting an exciting hobby. The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny is a rare treasure, and the best part is that it could still be found in circulation. So next time you come across an old penny, take a closer look—it might just be worth far more than a single cent!
