Most people don’t think twice about pennies. They’re scattered in pockets, dropped in couch cushions, or saved in jars without a second thought. But what if I told you that one of those pennies could be worth $13 million? That’s right—there’s a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny out there that could turn an ordinary trip to the store into a life-changing moment.
And the craziest part? Some of these pennies might still be in circulation.
So, what makes this coin so special, and how can you tell if you have one? Let’s dive in.
What Makes the Lincoln Wheat Penny Special?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first minted in 1909 and was in production until 1958. It was designed to honor the 100th birthday of Abraham Lincoln, making it the first U.S. coin to feature a real person.
- Front (Obverse): Displays Abraham Lincoln’s profile.
- Back (Reverse): Features two wheat stalks, symbolizing prosperity and growth—hence the name “Wheat Penny.”
While most Lincoln Wheat Pennies are just ordinary pocket change, a few rare editions have made history by selling for millions.
The $13 Million Lincoln Penny – A One-of-a-Kind Coin
Among all the Lincoln Wheat Pennies, one coin stands out—the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny.
What Makes This Coin So Valuable?
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to steel pennies to conserve copper for wartime production. But somehow, a few bronze (copper) pennies were mistakenly produced instead of steel ones.
These rare 1943 Bronze Pennies are worth millions because:
1. It Was a Minting Mistake – These pennies were never supposed to exist. A few were accidentally struck on old bronze planchets instead of steel.
2. Only a Few Exist – Less than 20 genuine bronze 1943 pennies have ever been found, making them one of the rarest coins in U.S. history.
3. It’s a Piece of History – This coin represents a time when every resource was being managed carefully for the war, making it highly valuable to collectors.
Could This Penny Still Be in Circulation?
Believe it or not, yes! While most known copies of the 1943 Bronze Penny have been snapped up by collectors, some experts believe a few are still out there, hiding in jars, drawers, or even in someone’s pocket right now.
People often overlook old pennies, especially since many don’t realize certain coins are worth more than face value. That means someone could unknowingly spend one, and it could end up in your change!
How to Identify a 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny
So, how do you spot one of these rare pennies? Here’s what to look for:
1. Use a Magnet Test
- Steel 1943 pennies stick to a magnet.
- Bronze 1943 pennies will not stick—if yours doesn’t stick, you might have something special!
2. Check the Color
- Steel pennies look silver-gray and might show signs of rust.
- Bronze pennies have a copper-like appearance—just like older pennies from the 1940s.
3. Look for Mint Marks
- The rare 1943 Bronze Pennies were made in Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S).
- If you find a 1943 copper-colored penny with one of these mint marks, get it checked immediately!
What to Do If You Think You Found a Rare Penny
If you stumble across an old penny that looks promising, don’t rush to spend it. Instead, follow these steps:
1. Don’t Clean It! – Cleaning a coin can lower its value. Keep it in its original state.
2. Get It Professionally Verified – A coin expert, numismatist, or grading service like PCGS or NGC can confirm if it’s authentic.
3. Sell It Wisely – If your penny is the real deal, you could sell it at a major coin auction for millions!
Final Thoughts
The idea that a tiny penny could be worth $13 million is absolutely mind-blowing. But rare 1943 Bronze Lincoln Pennies do exist, and some experts believe there are still a few waiting to be found.
So, next time you get a handful of change, take a moment to look closely. You never know—you might be holding one of the most valuable coins in history without even realizing it.
Disclaimer: The prices mentioned for rare coins, including the Lincoln Wheat Penny, are not guaranteed and may not be entirely accurate due to market fluctuations and varying appraisals.
