A Penny That Could Change Your Life
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, minted from 1909 to 1958, may look like an ordinary coin, but certain rare versions are worth a small fortune — up to $144,000 or even more.
With Abraham Lincoln’s portrait on one side and two wheat stalks on the other, this iconic coin has earned the nickname “Wheat Penny.” While most are worth only a few cents, one type — the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny — is a collector’s dream.
The Secret Behind the 1943 Bronze Penny
In World War II, the U.S. Mint needed copper for military equipment. As a result, pennies in 1943 were made from zinc-coated steel instead of copper.
But a few were mistakenly struck on leftover bronze blanks from 1942. These minting errors created the ultra-rare 1943 bronze pennies — with only 10 to 15 known examples today.
One recently sold at auction for $144,000, and others have fetched as much as $1.7 million. The combination of rarity, history, and a unique wartime story makes them some of the most valuable pennies ever made.
How to Tell If You Have the Rare Penny
Think you might have one? Here’s what to check:
- Year: Look for 1943. Most are steel, but the bronze version is the jackpot.
- Material: Use a magnet — steel sticks, bronze doesn’t.
- Weight: Bronze weighs about 3.11 grams, while steel is lighter at 2.7 grams.
- Mint Mark: An “S” under the year means it was made in San Francisco, often making it more valuable.
If your 1943 penny is reddish-brown and doesn’t stick to a magnet, it’s worth having a professional check it immediately.
Bronze vs. Steel 1943 Penny — Key Differences
| Feature | Bronze 1943 Penny | Steel 1943 Penny |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Copper/Bronze | Zinc-coated Steel |
| Magnet Test | Non-magnetic | Magnetic |
| Weight | ~3.11 grams | ~2.7 grams |
| Color | Reddish/Brown | Silver/Gray |
Could You Still Find One Today?
Believe it or not, yes. Rare 1943 bronze pennies occasionally turn up in:
- Estate sales
- Old coin jars
- Bank coin rolls
- Cash registers
Collectors say it’s rare but not impossible. People often overlook old coins, unaware of their value.
What to Do If You Find a 1943 Bronze Penny
- Don’t clean it — cleaning can destroy its value.
- Store it safely — use a coin holder or soft cloth.
- Get it graded — services like PCGS or NGC can confirm authenticity and condition.
- Sell it strategically — through coin auctions, dealers, or trusted online platforms.
A Tiny Treasure Hunt in Your Change
The Lincoln Wheat Penny isn’t just money — it’s a piece of American history. Next time you get change, check those pennies carefully.
That small copper coin in your wallet or piggy bank might just be worth six figures.