Have you ever imagined that a simple penny could be worth a fortune? Believe it or not, a rare 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny has been sold for as much as $800,000, and some may still be out there, waiting to be discovered.
If you’ve got old coins lying around, it’s time to check them! This blog will walk you through everything you need to know about this rare penny—its history, why it’s so valuable, how to identify it, and how to sell it for top dollar.
The History of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first minted in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Designed by Victor David Brenner, it was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person.
Obverse (Front): A profile of Abraham Lincoln
Reverse (Back): Two wheat stalks representing prosperity
This design was used until 1958, when it was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial Penny.
Why Is the 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny Worth $800,000?
The 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny is one of the most valuable U.S. coins ever because it was accidentally struck on a bronze planchet when all pennies were supposed to be made of steel during World War II.
Three Reasons Why This Coin Is So Valuable:
A Rare Minting Mistake:
In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched to steel pennies to conserve copper for the war.
However, a few pennies were mistakenly struck on leftover bronze (copper) planchets from 1942, making them incredibly rare.
Extremely Limited Supply:
Fewer than 40 authentic 1943 Bronze Pennies are believed to exist today.
Record-Breaking Auction Prices:
In 2019, a 1943 Bronze Penny sold for $870,000, setting a new record.
How to Identify a Rare 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny
Think you might have one of these valuable pennies? Follow these five steps to check:
1. Check the Year:
The penny must have the date 1943 under Lincoln’s portrait.
2. Perform the Magnet Test:
Most 1943 pennies were made of steel, which sticks to a magnet.
If your 1943 penny does NOT stick to a magnet, it might be the rare bronze version.
3. Examine the Color:
Steel pennies look grayish-silver.
Bronze pennies have a reddish-brown (copper) tint.
4. Weigh the Penny:
Steel 1943 Penny: Weighs 2.7 grams
Bronze 1943 Penny: Weighs 3.11 grams
5. Get It Authenticated:
If your penny passes these tests, take it to a professional coin grading service like PCGS or NGC to confirm its authenticity.
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
While the 1943 Bronze Penny is the most famous, other Lincoln Wheat Pennies are also worth thousands of dollars:
1909-S VDB Penny:
Only 484,000 minted, making it one of the rarest Lincoln Pennies.
Value: Up to $100,000.
1914-D Lincoln Penny:
A rare edition from the Denver Mint.
Value: $30,000+.
1955 Double Die Penny:
A minting error caused double lettering, making this penny highly valuable.
Value: Up to $20,000.
Could You Still Find a Rare Lincoln Wheat Penny in Circulation?
Yes! While rare, some of these valuable pennies are still out there. They might be hiding in old coin jars, piggy banks, or even your pocket change. Many people unknowingly spend them because they don’t realize their true value.
What to Do If You Find a Rare Penny
If you suspect you’ve found a valuable penny, follow these steps:
Do NOT Clean It:
Cleaning the coin can reduce its value. Leave it as is!
Get It Authenticated:
Take it to a coin expert or professional grading service (PCGS or NGC) to verify its authenticity and condition.
Consider Selling It:
Rare coins sell for the highest prices at major auctions or through reputable coin dealers.
Platforms like Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, or eBay are great places to sell rare coins.
Should You Start Collecting Coins?
If this story has sparked your interest, coin collecting can be a fun and profitable hobby. Here’s how to get started:
Learn About Valuable Coins: Research rare coins and their features.
Buy from Reputable Sources: Avoid fakes by purchasing from certified dealers.
Store Coins Properly: Keep them in protective cases to prevent damage.
Final Thoughts – Could You Own a Fortune?
The 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny, worth up to $800,000, is a reminder that hidden treasures can be found in unexpected places.
Next time you come across an old penny, take a closer look—you might just be holding a life-changing fortune!
Disclaimer:
Coin values fluctuate based on market trends. Professional authentication is necessary to determine a coin’s actual worth. Always consult a numismatic expert before making financial decisions.