Imagine finding a penny in your pocket that could make you an instant multi-millionaire. Sounds unbelievable, right? Well, that’s exactly what could happen if you stumble upon one of the rarest and most valuable coins in American history—the 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny. This tiny piece of metal is valued at an astounding $45 million, and the craziest part? Some experts believe it might still be in circulation today!
What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, also known as the Wheat Cent, was introduced in 1909 to celebrate the 100th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln. It was produced until 1958 and is easily recognized by its two wheat stalks on the reverse side.
Here’s what it looks like:
- Front (Obverse): A portrait of Abraham Lincoln along with the inscriptions “In God We Trust,” “Liberty,” and the year of minting.
- Back (Reverse): Two wheat stalks with the words “One Cent” and “United States of America”.
While millions of these pennies were produced, a few rare versions have turned out to be worth a fortune. The one that has captured everyone’s attention is the 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny, a rare minting mistake that skyrocketed in value over the years.
Why is This Penny Worth $45 Million?
Not every Lincoln Wheat Penny is special—most are just worth face value. But the 1943 copper penny is different. Here’s why it’s such a big deal:
During World War II, copper was in high demand for making military equipment, so the U.S. Mint decided to switch from copper to zinc-coated steel for pennies. The 1943 pennies were supposed to be made entirely of steel, but by mistake, a few copper blanks from 1942 were left in the minting machines and ended up being used for the new 1943 pennies.
Since this was a total accident, only a handful of these copper pennies exist, making them some of the rarest and most sought-after coins in history. Collectors are willing to pay insane amounts to get their hands on one, with some reports suggesting one could be worth as much as $45 million.
How to Check If You Have a 1943 Copper Penny
Thinking of digging through your coin jar or old piggy bank? Here’s how you can identify whether you have one of these ultra-rare pennies:
Check the Date – It should clearly say 1943 and not 1942 or 1944. Many fake versions exist, so double-check.
Use a Magnet – The steel pennies from 1943 will stick to a magnet, but the copper ones won’t. If your 1943 penny doesn’t stick, it could be rare.
Look at the Color – A genuine 1943 copper penny will have a reddish-brown copper color, while the normal 1943 pennies are grayish-silver steel.
Get It Verified – If you think you have a real 1943 copper penny, take it to a professional coin expert or grading service like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation). They can verify whether it’s authentic and estimate its true value.
Where Could This $45 Million Penny Be?
The exciting part about this story is that nobody knows exactly how many of these pennies exist—and that means there’s a chance one is still out there!
Some believe a few of these pennies could still be sitting in an old coin collection, tucked away in a forgotten piggy bank, or even passed around in everyday transactions. Since pennies don’t often get inspected closely, one of these could easily slip through unnoticed. Could you be the lucky one to find it?
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
If you don’t find a 1943 copper penny, don’t worry—there are other rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies that are also worth a pretty penny:
- 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny – The very first Lincoln cent, minted in San Francisco with designer Victor David Brenner’s initials (VDB) on the back. It can be worth over $100,000.
- 1944 Steel Penny – Another rare error coin, this one is basically the opposite of the 1943 copper penny. Instead of being made from copper, some 1944 pennies were accidentally struck in steel. These can be worth up to $1 million.
- 1955 Doubled Die Penny – This one has a noticeable double image on the lettering due to a printing error. Some of these have been sold for tens of thousands of dollars.
Could You Be the One to Find the $45 Million Penny?
The thought of finding a penny worth millions is enough to make anyone start checking their spare change a little more closely. While the chances are incredibly slim, the fact that some of these rare 1943 copper pennies are still unaccounted for keeps collectors and treasure hunters hopeful.
So, next time you see an old penny, take a second look—you never know, you might just be holding a $45 million treasure in your hands!
Final Thoughts
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is more than just a coin—it’s a piece of American history and, for a lucky few, a ticket to unimaginable wealth. If you ever come across a 1943 penny, don’t just toss it aside. Check its material, its date, and its color—you might be holding a fortune without even realizing it!
Disclaimer: The values of rare coins fluctuate over time. The $45 million estimate is based on past auctions and expert opinions, but actual prices may vary. If you think you have a rare penny, always consult with a professional before making any decisions.