Coins have long fascinated collectors, but few are as legendary as the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny. This rare penny has an astonishing value—up to $60 million! What’s even more surprising? Some of these elusive coins could still be in circulation, hiding in old collections, coin jars, or even pocket change.
The History of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
First introduced in 1909, the Lincoln Wheat Penny was a historic release, marking the first time a real person’s portrait appeared on a U.S. coin. The front features President Abraham Lincoln, while the back showcases two wheat stalks, giving it the nickname “Wheat Penny.” This design remained in use until 1958, after which it was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial design in 1959.
Why Is the 1943 Bronze Penny So Valuable?
So, what makes this particular penny worth millions? It all comes down to a rare mistake at the U.S. Mint.
During World War II, copper was in high demand for military supplies, so the U.S. Mint decided to switch penny production from bronze (a mix of copper and tin) to zinc-coated steel in 1943. However, a few pennies—estimated to be less than 20—were accidentally struck using the old bronze material instead of steel. These rare coins were never meant to exist, making them some of the most valuable error coins in history.
How to Tell If You Have a Rare 1943 Bronze Penny
If you come across a 1943 penny, here’s how to check if it’s one of the extremely rare bronze versions:
- Magnet Test – Regular 1943 pennies were made of steel, so they’ll stick to a magnet. A real bronze 1943 penny won’t.
- Check the Date – Ensure the date is 1943 and properly aligned with no signs of tampering.
- Look for a Mint Mark – The penny might have:
- No mint mark (Philadelphia Mint)
- A small “D” (Denver Mint)
- A small “S” (San Francisco Mint)
- Weigh the Coin – A bronze penny weighs 3.11 grams, while a steel one weighs 2.7 grams.
Where Could You Find One?
It might seem like a long shot, but some of these rare pennies are still out there! They’ve been discovered in places like:
- Old piggy banks or coin jars
- Estate sales and garage sales
- Family collections passed down through generations
- Random pocket change from cash transactions
Collectors and coin enthusiasts regularly check their coins, hoping to uncover one of these rare finds.
What to Do If You Think You Found One
If you believe you’ve stumbled upon a 1943 bronze penny, here’s what to do next:
- Don’t Clean It! – Cleaning can reduce the coin’s value significantly. Leave it in its original state.
- Verify Its Authenticity – Take it to a trusted numismatist (coin expert) or professional coin grading service like PCGS or NGC.
- Sell It the Right Way – If confirmed as authentic, consider auctioning it through a reputable auction house where collectors are willing to pay millions for rare coins.
Final Thoughts
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the rarest and most valuable coins ever. While finding one is incredibly rare, the possibility still exists! So next time you come across an old penny, take a second look—it just might be worth a fortune.
