A Lincoln Penny Worth $1.4 Million? It’s True!
Have you ever checked the pennies in your pocket or change jar? Most of us ignore them, thinking they’re not worth much. But did you know that one rare Lincoln Wheat Penny sold for a stunning $1.4 million at auction? That’s not a joke—this actually happened. Even more surprising, a few of these valuable coins might still be out there, hiding in someone’s spare change.
The Story Behind the Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is an important part of American coin history. It was made from 1909 to 1958 and was the first U.S. coin to show a real person—Abraham Lincoln—on it. The front of the coin features Lincoln’s profile, and the back has two wheat stalks around the words “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” That’s why collectors call it the “Wheat Penny.” These coins were common for many years, until the design was changed in 1959.
The Rare 1943 Bronze Penny
So, what makes one of these pennies worth over a million dollars? It all comes down to a mistake made during World War II. In 1943, copper was needed for war supplies, so the U.S. Mint started making pennies from steel coated with zinc. These new steel pennies looked silver, not the usual copper color. But during the switch, a few leftover copper coin blanks from 1942 accidentally got used.
This mistake led to a few 1943 pennies being made from bronze instead of steel. These are extremely rare—experts think fewer than 30 of them exist today, from mints in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Because they weren’t supposed to exist, and so few were made, their value skyrocketed. One even sold for $1.4 million.
How to Spot a Real 1943 Bronze Penny
Think you might have one of these rare coins? Here’s what to check:
- Date: It must say 1943.
- Color: A real bronze penny looks brown or reddish, not silver.
- Magnet Test: Steel pennies stick to magnets. Bronze ones don’t.
- Weight: A bronze penny weighs about 3.11 grams; a steel one is lighter, around 2.7 grams.
Be careful—many fakes exist. Some are just steel pennies coated in copper, and others have altered dates. If you’re unsure, don’t guess.
Get It Checked by the Pros
If you think you have a 1943 bronze penny, don’t try to sell it right away. You need to get it professionally authenticated. Because of its high value, this coin is one of the most copied in the U.S. coin world. Services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) can verify if it’s real and tell you how well it’s preserved. This step is essential if you want to sell or auction the coin.
Other Wheat Pennies Worth Money
The 1943 bronze penny isn’t the only valuable one out there. Other rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies can also sell for thousands, including:
- 1909-S VDB – The first Lincoln penny, with limited minting and the designer’s initials.
- 1914-D – Rare and highly sought after.
- 1922 “No D” – Missing its Denver mint mark due to a minting error.
- 1955 Doubled Die – Known for its visibly doubled text.
Even regular wheat pennies can be worth more than one cent to collectors who want to complete their collections.
Could You Still Find One Today?
It might sound far-fetched, but a 1943 bronze penny could still be out there. Some have been discovered in inherited coin collections, rolls of bank pennies, or even pocket change. Because they look similar to ordinary coins, they can go unnoticed. So yes, it’s possible—though unlikely—that a rare and valuable penny could be hiding in plain sight.
Why People Love Collecting Coins
Even if you don’t find a million-dollar coin, collecting coins can be a fun and rewarding hobby. It mixes history, art, and the excitement of the hunt. Many collectors start by saving interesting coins from their daily change and slowly learn more over time. The Lincoln Wheat Penny series is a great starting point, as many are still easy and affordable to collect.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. While the 1943 bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny is real and valuable, finding one in circulation is extremely rare. The values mentioned are based on recent auction results and can change over time. Many counterfeit versions exist, so always have rare coins authenticated by professionals before buying or selling. The author does not guarantee that any coins you own will have significant value. Consult with a certified coin expert before making decisions involving rare coins.
