In a quiet U.S. town, an unassuming penny dropped into a church donation box turned out to be worth nearly $846,000 — a discovery that has set the coin-collecting world abuzz.
The Rare 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny — Born from a Wartime Mistake
In 1943, the U.S. Mint swapped copper for steel in penny production to conserve copper for World War II.
But somewhere along the line, a handful of pennies were accidentally struck in bronze instead of steel.
Today, experts believe fewer than 20 of these 1943 bronze cents still exist.
The church donation find wasn’t just rare — it was graded Mint State 65, meaning it had been preserved in near-perfect condition for over eight decades, which sent its auction value soaring.
Why This Penny Fetched $846,000
The extraordinary price came down to three key factors:
- Extreme Rarity — Only a tiny number of 1943 bronze cents are known.
- Historical Significance — A fascinating wartime minting error.
- Exceptional Preservation — Sharp details, rich copper tone, and flawless wheat-ear reverse.
Past sales of this elusive coin have ranged from $500,000 to $1.8 million, depending on condition and provenance.
How to Tell if You Have a 1943 Bronze Penny
Think your coin jar might hold a jackpot? Here’s what to check:
- Date — Must be 1943.
- Magnet Test — Steel pennies stick; bronze ones don’t.
- Color — Bronze has a warm copper hue, not a silvery finish.
- Condition — Don’t clean it — cleaning destroys value.
- Authentication — Use trusted grading services like PCGS or NGC.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Coin Type | 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny |
| Auction Price | $846,000 |
| Condition | Mint State 65 |
| Known Examples | Fewer than 20 |
| Composition | Bronze (error; most 1943 pennies are steel) |
Why Finds Like This Matter
Stories like this church penny prove that priceless treasures can hide in the most ordinary places — old coin jars, inherited collections, and even pocket change.
The 1943 bronze penny is more than just a collectible. It’s a slice of American history and a reminder that even minting mistakes can become million-dollar marvels.
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