Imagine discovering a rare penny in your pocket change that could be worth an astonishing $2 million! The 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the rarest and most valuable coins in U.S. history. While most of these elusive pennies have already been found, experts believe that a few may still be hidden in circulation, waiting to be discovered.
The History of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first minted in 1909 to honor the 100th birthday of Abraham Lincoln. Designed by Victor David Brenner, this iconic coin remained in production until 1958. While most of these pennies are common, a few rare variations and minting errors make certain editions worth an absolute fortune.
Why Is the 1943 Copper Penny So Valuable?
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc-coated steel for pennies to conserve copper for war materials. However, by mistake, a few 1943 pennies were struck on leftover copper planchets from 1942.
These accidental copper pennies are now among the rarest U.S. coins in existence. Only 20 to 30 genuine 1943 copper pennies are known today, and collectors believe that a few might still be out there, waiting to be discovered.
Record-Breaking Sales of the 1943 Copper Penny
The value of a 1943 copper penny depends on its condition, mint mark, and provenance. Here are some of the highest recorded sales:
| Year of Sale | Auction House | Sale Price | Mint Mark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Heritage Auctions | $1.7 million | Denver (“D”) |
| 2019 | Legend Auctions | $204,000 | No Mint Mark (Philadelphia) |
| 2021 | Private Sale | $840,000 | San Francisco (“S”) |
| 2022 | GreatCollections | $2.3 million | No Mint Mark (Philadelphia) |
These sales prove that the 1943 copper penny remains one of the most sought-after coins among collectors.
How to Check If You Have a Rare 1943 Copper Penny
If you find a 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny, follow these steps to check if it’s the ultra-rare copper version:
- Color Check – A genuine 1943 copper penny will have a reddish-brown hue, while the common steel pennies appear silver-gray.
- Magnet Test – Steel pennies will stick to a magnet, but a real copper penny will not.
- Weigh the Coin – A 1943 copper penny weighs 3.11 grams, while the steel version weighs 2.7 grams.
- Look for Mint Marks – Check for a mint mark (“D” for Denver, “S” for San Francisco, or no mark for Philadelphia).
- Get It Authenticated – If you suspect you have a genuine 1943 copper penny, have it professionally graded and certified by a coin expert.
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
While the 1943 copper penny is the most famous, several other Lincoln Wheat Pennies are also worth significant amounts:
| Coin | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1944 Steel Penny | A rare error where steel planchets from 1943 were used in 1944. | Up to $1.1 million |
| 1909-S VDB Penny | Only 484,000 were minted with designer Victor David Brenner’s initials. | $50,000+ |
| 1955 Doubled Die Penny | A minting error caused the date and lettering to appear doubled. | $2,000–$100,000 |
| 1922 No D Penny | A rare error where Denver-minted pennies were struck without a mint mark. | $10,000+ |
Could a 1943 Copper Penny Still Be in Circulation?
Yes! While most of these rare pennies have been discovered, experts believe that a few 1943 copper pennies remain unaccounted for. These could be hiding in:
- Old jars of coins
- Family coin collections
- Bank coin rolls
- Pocket change
Everyday people have found valuable coins in the most unexpected places—so it’s always worth checking!
The idea of finding a $2 million penny in your spare change may seem unbelievable, but history has proven that rare coins do resurface. Whether you’re a serious collector or just someone curious about coins, keeping an eye out for valuable pennies could lead to an incredible payday.
So next time you get a Lincoln Wheat Penny in your change—take a closer look. You might be holding a fortune in your hands!
FAQs
Why is the 1943 copper penny so rare?
It was accidentally struck on copper planchets left over from 1942, instead of the intended steel. Only 20–30 are known to exist.
How much is a 1943 steel penny worth?
Most 1943 steel pennies are common and worth 5–50 cents, but in high-grade condition, they can sell for $1,000 or more.
How can I sell a rare penny?
You can sell rare coins at coin auctions, numismatic dealers, or online marketplaces like eBay or Heritage Auctions.
Are there other rare pennies to look for?
Yes! Some valuable ones include the 1909-S VDB Penny, 1955 Doubled Die Penny, and 1944 Steel Penny.
Could a valuable penny still be found in everyday change?
Absolutely! Many collectors have discovered rare coins in old jars, bank rolls, and circulation. It’s always worth checking!
