The Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $1.6 Million
Imagine picking up a penny off the ground and discovering it’s worth $1.6 million. That dream could be a reality if you come across a rare 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny. This isn’t just a legend—some of these coins have actually sold for over a million dollars at auctions. What makes this penny so valuable is a rare mistake made during its production in World War II. The best part? A few of these coins might still be out there, possibly hiding in a coin jar, an old collection, or even your pocket.
How a Wartime Mistake Created a Priceless Coin
During World War II, the U.S. government needed copper for military equipment. To save the metal, pennies in 1943 were made from steel coated with zinc, giving them a silver look. But a few leftover copper coin blanks from 1942 were accidentally used in early 1943. These blanks were struck with the 1943 penny design, creating a coin that wasn’t supposed to exist—the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny.
Why It’s Worth So Much
The value of this penny comes from how rare it is. Experts believe only 20 to 30 of these pennies exist today. They were made at three mints: Philadelphia (no mint mark), San Francisco (marked “S”), and Denver (marked “D”). The Denver version is the rarest, with only one known to exist—it sold for $1.7 million in 2010. Even the Philadelphia and San Francisco versions can sell for over $1.6 million if they’re in good shape.
How to Spot One
Think you might have one of these rare pennies? Here’s what to check:
- Color: It should be a copper or reddish-brown color, not the usual silvery-gray of 1943 steel pennies.
- Magnet test: Use a magnet. Steel pennies will stick to it; the rare bronze ones will not.
- Mint mark: Look under the date. No mark means Philadelphia, “D” is for Denver (the rarest), and “S” stands for San Francisco.
Get It Authenticated
If you think you’ve found a real 1943 Bronze Penny, don’t try to sell it right away. Because these coins are so valuable, there are many fakes out there. Some scammers coat steel pennies with copper or change the dates on other coins to make them look like the 1943 version. The only way to know for sure is to have your coin checked by a trusted grading service like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation).
Is It Still Possible to Find One?
Yes—though rare, it’s still possible to discover one. Some have been found in old collections, penny rolls from banks, or even loose change. Since the 1943 Bronze Penny looks like a regular copper coin to the untrained eye, it’s easy to overlook. That’s what makes it exciting—you never know what might turn up in your spare change.
A Piece of History
Aside from its value, this penny tells a story. It’s a reminder of how the country adapted during World War II, even changing the metal used in coins to save resources. This small error resulted in one of the most famous and valuable coins in American history.
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
The 1943 Bronze Penny is the most famous, but it’s not the only valuable one. The Lincoln Wheat series, made from 1909 to 1958, includes other rare finds like:
- 1909-S VDB: One of the first Lincoln pennies, with the designer’s initials on the back. Very rare.
- 1914-D and 1922 “No D”: Hard to find and worth a lot to collectors.
Even regular wheat pennies have value to collectors because they were the first U.S. coins to feature a real person—President Abraham Lincoln.
What to Do If You Think You’ve Found One
Handle the coin carefully. Don’t clean or polish it, as that can lower its value. Keep it in a safe coin holder. Then take it to a trusted coin expert or grading service for evaluation. If it turns out to be real, you could sell it at a major auction house or to a professional coin dealer. Or, you might want to keep it as a rare and growing investment.
The Fun of the Search
The most exciting part? Anyone could find one. You don’t need to be a coin expert—just someone with a sharp eye and a little luck. So next time you see a penny on the ground or sort through spare change, take a second look. You never know—it could be the one that changes your life.
Disclaimer:
This article is for educational purposes only. While the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny is extremely valuable, it’s also incredibly rare. The prices mentioned reflect sales of certified, authentic coins and may vary depending on market demand and condition. There are many fakes, so it’s important to have any coin authenticated by a professional service before making financial decisions. No guarantees are made about the discovery or value of any coins you may have.
