Most of us don’t think much about pennies. They collect in jars, slip into couch cushions, or get used for small purchases without a second thought. But what if one of those pennies was worth $9 million? Believe it or not, a rare 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny is still out there, possibly sitting unnoticed in circulation.
Let’s dive into the story of this remarkable coin, why it’s worth so much, and how you might just be lucky enough to find one.
A Quick History of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first minted in 1909 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s birth. It became the first U.S. coin to feature a real person and quickly became a staple of American currency.
Designed by Victor David Brenner, the front of the coin displays Lincoln’s profile, while the back features two wheat stalks, symbolizing prosperity and unity. This design remained in circulation until 1958, when it was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial Penny.
While most Wheat Pennies are only worth a cent, certain rare versions have sold for millions of dollars.
The $9 Million 1943 Copper Penny
Not every Lincoln Wheat Penny is valuable, but one specific version from 1943 has sold for an unbelievable $9 million. So, what makes this penny so special?
1. The 1943 Copper Penny Mistake
During World War II, the U.S. government needed copper for military equipment, so the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel pennies in 1943. However, a few pennies were accidentally struck on leftover copper planchets, creating one of the most famous error coins in history.
While millions of steel pennies were produced in 1943, only about 10 copper pennies have ever been discovered. That extreme rarity makes them highly valuable.
2. How This Penny Was Discovered
These copper pennies were mistakenly mixed in with the regular steel pennies and entered circulation. Because nobody initially realized they were different, people spent them like regular pennies. Years later, collectors began searching for these rare coins, and the hunt for the 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny began.
3. Auction Prices and Record Sales
In 2010, one of these rare 1943 copper pennies sold for $1.7 million. More recently, another 1943 copper penny was valued at $9 million, making it one of the most expensive coins ever sold.
With collectors willing to pay millions for this mistake, it’s no wonder people are still searching for these rare pennies today.
How to Identify a 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny
If you want to check if you have a $9 million penny, here’s what to look for:
1. Check the Date
The 1943 copper penny is one of the rarest, but other valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies include:
- 1909-S VDB Penny – One of the first Lincoln pennies, with only 484,000 ever minted.
- 1914-D Penny – A rare early Wheat Penny with a low production count.
- 1922 No D Penny – A minting mistake caused no mint mark to appear on some Denver-minted pennies.
- 1955 Double Die Penny – A famous error coin with doubled text and numbers.
2. Test the Metal
Since most 1943 pennies were made of steel, a magnet test can help determine if yours is rare.
- Steel pennies stick to a magnet.
- Copper pennies do not.
If your 1943 penny does NOT stick to a magnet, you might be holding one of the rarest coins in the world.
3. Look for Minting Errors
Rare Wheat Pennies often have errors or unique characteristics that make them valuable. Some common minting mistakes include:
- Double-stamped numbers or letters
- Off-center minting
- Unusual colors or metal compositions
Can You Still Find This Penny in Circulation?
Yes! Although extremely rare, valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies have been found in everyday transactions. Many people don’t check their pennies carefully, so some of these rare coins may still be moving through the economy undiscovered.
If you want to increase your chances of finding one, try checking:
- Your loose change – Always examine pennies before spending them.
- Coin rolls from banks – Some collectors go through bank-wrapped penny rolls to find rare coins.
- Old coin collections – If you inherit a box of old coins, you might find a hidden treasure.
- Garage sales and flea markets – Rare coins sometimes get sold cheaply by people who don’t realize their value.
What to Do If You Find a Rare Penny
If you think you’ve found a valuable 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny, don’t spend it! Instead, follow these steps:
Get It Authenticated – Have your coin verified by a professional grading service, such as:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
Research Its Value – Check recent auction prices for similar pennies to estimate its worth.
Sell It Through Trusted Sources – If you decide to sell, use:
- Auction houses (Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers)
- Online marketplaces (eBay, Coin World Marketplace)
- Reputable coin dealers and collectors
Final Thoughts
The idea that a simple penny could be worth $9 million is almost unbelievable. But history has proven that hidden treasures still exist—sometimes right in our pockets.
While the chances of finding one are slim, all it takes is one lucky discovery to change everything.
So next time you check your spare change, take a second look. You never know—you might be holding a fortune in your hands.
Disclaimer – The values mentioned in this article are based on market trends, collector interest, and historical auction prices. These values are not guaranteed and may change over time. Always consult a professional numismatist or coin grading service before making any financial decisions regarding rare coins.
