A single penny might just change your life—literally. While most of us overlook them, some Lincoln Wheat Pennies, particularly the ultra-rare 1943 bronze penny, have sold for millions. Recently, one such coin fetched $3,360,000, reigniting interest in everyday change jars and dusty old coin boxes across America.
Whether you’re a collector or someone casually curious, here’s how to identify a fortune in your pocket.
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Why the Lincoln Wheat Penny Is So Special
Introduced in 1909 to honor the centennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, the Lincoln Wheat Penny was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person. Designed by Victor David Brenner, it showcased Lincoln’s profile on the front and a pair of wheat ears flanking “One Cent” on the reverse—a symbol of national prosperity.
Minted from 1909 to 1958, most Wheat Pennies are worth just a few cents today. But rare mint errors and specific dates have made some versions worth thousands—even millions.
The $3.36 Million Penny: A Wartime Error Worth Millions
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel to save the metal for wartime efforts. However, a few bronze blanks were mistakenly used in early 1943, producing a rare batch of copper-colored 1943 pennies.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Year | 1943 (check obverse side) |
| Color | Bronze or copper—not silver |
| Magnet Test | Should NOT stick to a magnet |
| Weight | Around 3.11 grams |
| Authentication Needed | PCGS or NGC |
Only a few dozen genuine 1943 bronze pennies are known to exist, and they’ve sold for up to $3.36 million at auction. That kind of error doesn’t just make history—it makes headlines and changes lives.
What to Check in Your Pocket
Think you’ve got a valuable penny? Here’s a simple test process:
| Test | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Year | Look for 1943 |
| Color | Copper tone (steel pennies look silvery) |
| Magnet Test | Bronze pennies don’t stick to a magnet |
| Weight | Should weigh around 3.11 grams (use a digital scale) |
If your coin meets these criteria, do not clean it—this can reduce its value. Instead, send it to a professional grading service like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) for verification.
Other Wheat Pennies Worth Big Money
Even if you don’t find a 1943 bronze penny, here are several other valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies to watch for:
| Coin | Reason It’s Valuable |
|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | First year, rare San Francisco mint, limited mintage |
| 1914-D | Extremely low mintage |
| 1922 No D | Mint error—missing Denver mint mark |
| 1955 Doubled Die | Double-stamped text—very collectible |
These coins can sell for thousands depending on their condition and rarity.
The Treasure in Your Change Jar
Rare coins aren’t just for museums or high-end auctions. They’re often hiding in old jars, estate sales, or even pocket change. The thrill of discovering a million-dollar penny is very real—and it’s happening more often as collectors scour for unrecognized gems.
These coins are more than currency—they’re part of American history, little pieces of the past that occasionally come with a life-changing payday.
FAQs
What makes the 1943 penny valuable?
It was mistakenly minted in bronze during a year when pennies were supposed to be steel.
How can I test if my 1943 penny is rare?
Check color, weight (~3.11g), and whether it sticks to a magnet (it shouldn’t).
Can these pennies still be found today?
Yes! Some have surfaced in pocket change, family collections, or coin jars.
What is the 1909-S VDB penny?
A first-year Lincoln cent with a rare San Francisco mint mark—extremely collectible.
Who can verify my coin’s authenticity?
Trusted grading services like PCGS and NGC can certify your coin’s value.
