A Penny for Your Thoughts—Or $700,000?
Most people overlook the humble penny. It jingles at the bottom of your pocket, collects dust in coin jars, and rarely seems worth a second glance. But one particular version of the Lincoln Wheat Penny has stunned the coin-collecting world by selling for a jaw-dropping $700,000. Even more surprising? Some of these rare coins could still be out there, hiding in plain sight.
This isn’t some urban legend. It’s the real-life story of a wartime minting mistake that turned a one-cent coin into a fortune. Here’s everything you need to know about the rare 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny that’s fetching huge sums at auction—and how you might be able to spot one.
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny: A Wartime Error Worth a Fortune
During World War II, copper was desperately needed for military equipment, especially shell casings. To conserve resources, the U.S. Mint shifted to using zinc-coated steel to produce pennies in 1943. However, a few leftover bronze planchets (copper-based blanks used in 1942) were mistakenly fed into the coin presses, creating one of the most legendary minting errors in history.
This resulted in a very limited number of 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Pennies, which should not exist. Most of these rare coins were struck in Philadelphia, but a few came from the San Francisco (S) and Denver (D) mints as well. These errors have become high-value collector’s items, with authenticated specimens fetching hundreds of thousands—and in one documented sale, $700,000.
Why the $700,000 Lincoln Penny Is So Valuable
Several key factors contribute to the incredible value of the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny:
- Rarity: Fewer than 20 are known to exist across all three mints.
- Historical significance: It’s a direct result of WWII-era coin production changes.
- Error status: It’s a rare and dramatic minting mistake.
- Collector demand: Coin enthusiasts around the world are eager to own this piece of history.
A pristine example of the coin, certified by a grading service like PCGS or NGC, can easily fetch six figures. One such coin sold for $700,000 at auction, setting a record that shocked even seasoned numismatists.
How to Tell If You Have One in Your Pocket
While incredibly rare, it’s not impossible that an undiscovered 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny is still out there. Some have been found in coin jars, change drawers, and even by children. Here’s how to check:
- Check the Date: It must read 1943.
- Use a Magnet: Steel pennies stick to magnets. Bronze pennies do not.
- Color Matters: Steel cents are silver-gray. Bronze ones are reddish-brown.
- Weigh It: Steel cents weigh around 2.7 grams, while bronze cents weigh about 3.11 grams.
- Look for a Mint Mark: Some versions have a small “D” (Denver) or “S” (San Francisco) below the date.
If your 1943 penny is bronze-colored, doesn’t stick to a magnet, and weighs closer to 3.11 grams, it’s worth having it professionally authenticated.
Watch Out for Fakes and Altered Coins
Because of its fame, the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny is a popular target for counterfeiters. Some fake versions are made by copper-plating a 1943 steel penny, while others are created by altering the date on similar coins. A trained eye and proper tools can usually detect these fakes, but it’s always best to have a rare coin evaluated by a certified grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Never buy or sell a supposed 1943 bronze penny without official certification—the value hinges entirely on authenticity.
FAQs
Q1: What makes the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny so valuable?
Its wartime minting error, extreme rarity, and historical context make it one of the most sought-after U.S. coins.
Q2: Are all 1943 pennies valuable?
No. Most 1943 pennies are made of steel and are only worth a few cents to a couple dollars. Only the bronze versions are worth big money.
Q3: Can I really find one in circulation today?
It’s very rare, but a few have been found in everyday change or old collections. One was even discovered by a 16-year-old student in the 1940s.
Q4: What should I do if I think I have one?
Don’t clean it or try to alter it. Get it graded and authenticated by a trusted coin grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Conclusion: That Penny in Your Pocket Could Be Worth $700,000
The Lincoln Wheat Penny that sold for $700,000 proves that even the smallest coins can carry life-changing value. While the odds of finding a 1943 Bronze Penny in circulation are slim, they’re not zero. And that possibility has inspired countless people to look more carefully at their coins.
So next time you see a 1943 penny, don’t toss it aside. Grab a magnet, check the color, and weigh it if you can. You might be holding one of the most valuable coins in the world—and not even know it yet.