The world of numismatics is full of exciting discoveries, and every year, new rare coins emerge with astonishing values. One of the most famous and sought-after coins in U.S. history is the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny—a coin that defies expectations and can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
While most Lincoln Wheat Pennies are only worth a single cent, a special edition from 1943 recently sold for $630,000, and some experts believe it may still be in circulation. This discovery has caused a stir among collectors and everyday people alike, as anyone could unknowingly possess this invaluable piece of history.
The 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny: A Historical Error
World War II and the 1943 Coin Change
During World War II, copper was an essential material used in the production of war supplies. To conserve resources, the U.S. Mint decided to replace the traditional copper-based pennies with a new material. As a result, most 1943 pennies were made of steel and coated with zinc.
However, due to a minting error, a small number of bronze pennies were mistakenly struck. These rare 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Pennies are now considered some of the most valuable coins in existence.
How to Identify a Rare 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny
If you’re a coin collector—or just someone curious about what’s in your change—you can check for these key characteristics to determine if you have a rare 1943 bronze penny:
1. Coin Material
- Most 1943 pennies are steel, but the rare ones are made of bronze.
- Examine the color—a bronze penny has a warmer, reddish-brown hue, while steel pennies appear grayish-silver.
2. The Magnet Test
- Steel pennies stick to a magnet, while bronze pennies do not.
- If your 1943 penny doesn’t cling to a magnet, it could be a valuable bronze version.
3. Weight Check
- A bronze Lincoln Penny weighs 3.11 grams.
- A steel Lincoln Penny weighs only 2.7 grams.
- Use a precision scale to confirm its weight.
4. Mint Mark
- Some rare 1943 Bronze Pennies may carry a “D” (Denver Mint) or “S” (San Francisco Mint) mark.
- Coins with mint marks tend to be even more valuable.
Is the $630,000 Lincoln Penny Still in Circulation?
While it may seem unlikely, this historic coin could still be hiding in plain sight. Many people don’t realize that their old pennies could be worth a fortune.
Where Could It Be?
- Overlooked as a regular penny: The 1943 Bronze Penny looks similar to other Lincoln Wheat Pennies.
- Lost in collections: Many valuable coins are buried in coin jars, old piggy banks, or inherited collections.
- Discovered by accident: Some collectors have found rare coins while cashing in change at banks or browsing antique stores.
How to Find One?
- Search through old change jars or collections.
- Look for pennies from 1943 and perform the magnet test.
- If it doesn’t stick to a magnet, weigh it!
What to Do If You Find a Rare 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny
If you believe you’ve discovered one of these rare coins, follow these steps:
✔ Step 1: Perform a magnet test—if it doesn’t stick, move to Step 2. ✔ Step 2: Weigh the coin—it should weigh 3.11 grams. ✔ Step 3: Have it authenticated by an expert numismatist. ✔ Step 4: Sell through a high-end auction house to get the best price.
Many of these coins have been sold at auction for six figures, with some reaching as high as $630,000.
Why Is the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny So Valuable?
Several factors contribute to its incredible worth:
1. Minting Error
- These pennies were never meant to be produced in bronze, making them a true rarity.
2. Extremely Low Supply
- Only a handful of 1943 Bronze Pennies exist today, increasing their desirability.
3. High Demand Among Collectors
- Numismatists and investors are willing to pay a premium for rare errors and historical pieces.
Other Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies Worth Money
While the 1943 Bronze Penny is the most famous, there are other valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies to look out for:
1. 1909-S VDB Penny
- First Lincoln penny ever made, featuring the designer’s initials “VDB”.
- Value: Up to $100,000 in high grades.
2. 1943 Copper Penny (Opposite Error)
- While most 1943 pennies were steel, a few copper ones exist.
- Value: Over $1 million for verified specimens.
3. 1955 Doubled Die Penny
- A clear doubling error on “LIBERTY” and the date.
- Value: Up to $50,000 depending on condition.
Final Thoughts: Could You Be Holding a Fortune?
The 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny is more than just a coin—it’s a piece of history, a symbol of wartime America, and one of the most valuable pennies in existence. While most pennies are worth just one cent, this rare mistake turned a simple coin into a collector’s dream worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
So, before you dismiss your old pennies, take a closer look—you might just be holding a fortune in your hands.
FAQs About the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny
Q: Why is the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny so valuable?
A: A rare minting mistake resulted in a few bronze pennies being struck instead of steel, making them extremely rare and valuable.
Q: How do I know if I have a rare 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny?
A: Perform the magnet test—if the penny does not stick, it may be bronze. Then, weigh the coin; a bronze penny weighs 3.11 grams, while a steel penny is 2.7 grams.
Q: Where can I sell a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny?
A: You can sell it at numismatic auction houses, coin dealers, or through PCGS and NGC-certified auctions.
Q: Is this penny still in circulation?
A: Yes! It’s possible that people may still mistakenly spend it as a regular penny, meaning it could still be out there waiting to be found.
Q: What should I do if I find a 1943 Bronze Penny?
A: Get it graded and authenticated by a professional coin grading service such as PCGS or NGC before selling it.