Pennies are often overlooked—they get lost in couch cushions, thrown into jars, or left behind at stores. But what if one of those pennies was worth $1.7 million? Sounds crazy, right? Well, it’s true! A rare 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny, made from bronze instead of steel, sold for that unbelievable amount. And that’s not all. Experts believe that a few more could still exist, concealed in plain sight.
This article will break down the story behind this ultra-valuable penny, how to spot one, and other rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies worth big money. Let’s dive in!
What Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny (also called the Wheat Cent) was first introduced in 1909 to celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. It was a big deal because it was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person—before that, coins had symbols or imaginary figures.
Designed by Victor David Brenner, the penny shows Lincoln’s profile on the front and two wheat stalks on the back (that’s why it’s called the “Wheat Penny”). These coins were made until 1958, when the design changed to the Lincoln Memorial Penny.
Why Is the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny Worth $1.7 Million?
Most wheat pennies are worth just a few cents, but the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny is different. Here’s why:
- World War II Copper Shortage: During the war, copper was needed for bullets and military supplies, so the U.S. Mint made 1943 pennies from steel (which is why they look silver).
- A Rare Mistake: A few bronze (copper) blanks from 1942 were accidentally left in the machines, leading to a tiny number of 1943 bronze pennies being made.
- Extremely Rare: Only 15 to 20 of these bronze pennies are known to exist. Because they’re so rare, one sold for $1.7 million in a private deal!
How to Check If You Have a Rare 1943 Bronze Penny
Think you might have one? Here’s how to check:
- Magnet Test – Steel pennies stick to magnets. If your 1943 penny doesn’t stick, it could be bronze.
- Color Check – Steel pennies look silver/gray. Bronze pennies are reddish-brown.
- Weight Test – Steel pennies weigh 2.7 grams, and bronze pennies weigh 3.11 grams.
- Mint Mark Lookup – Check for “D” (Denver) or “S” (San Francisco) mint marks.
If your penny passes these tests, don’t clean it! Get it checked by a coin expert to confirm its value.
Other Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies Worth Money
The 1943 Bronze Penny isn’t the only valuable Wheat Cent. Here are others to watch for:
- 1909-S VDB Penny – The first Lincoln penny, with designer initials. Worth 1,000+∗∗(somesellfor∗∗1,000+∗∗(somesellfor∗∗100,000+).
- 1944 Steel Penny – A few steel pennies were accidentally made in 1944. Worth $75,000+.
- 1922 No D Penny – Missing the “D” mint mark, making it super rare. Worth $500+ in good condition.
Could You Still Find a Rare 1943 Bronze Penny Today?
Yes! These pennies weren’t all found right away—some were spent like normal coins. Over the years, people have discovered them in:
- Coin jars
- Flea markets
- Estate sales
- Bank coin rolls
So, keep an eye out—you might just get lucky!
What to Do If You Find a Rare 1943 Bronze Penny
If you think you have one:
- Don’t clean it (cleaning lowers value).
- Get it authenticated by a professional (like PCGS or NGC).
- Sell it through a trusted coin dealer or auction.
If it’s real, you could be looking at life-changing money!
Who would’ve thought a humble penny could be worth $1.7 million? The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the rarest and most valuable coins in U.S. history. And the best part? Some might still be in circulation!
So next time you see a penny on the ground, take a closer look—it might just be worth a fortune.
FAQ’s
How many 1943 bronze pennies exist?
Only 15 to 20 are known to exist, making them extremely rare.
What’s the most expensive Lincoln Wheat Penny ever sold?
A 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny sold for $1.7 million in a private sale.
Can I still find a 1943 bronze penny in circulation?
Yes! Some may still be out there—check old coin jars, rolls, or flea markets.
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