The Lincoln : Imagine finding a penny worth more than a luxury mansion! The 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the rarest coins in U.S. history, valued at up to $2.8 million. Here’s everything you need to know about this incredible coin that might still be hiding in circulation.
Why Is This Penny So Valuable?
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 1943 |
| Mint Error | Wrong metal (copper instead of steel) |
| How Many Exist? | 10-15 confirmed specimens |
| Record Sale | $2.8 million (2023 auction) |
| How to Spot One | Magnet test (real 1943 pennies stick) |
| Current Value | 100,000−2.8 million |
The Amazing Story Behind the Coin
1. A World War II Mistake
During WWII, the U.S. Mint made pennies from steel (to save copper for bullets). But a few copper blanks got stuck in machines, creating these ultra-rare coins.
2. Only 10-15 Known to Exist
Most 1943 pennies are silver-colored steel. The few copper ones are accidental treasures.
3. The 2.8MillionPenny∗∗In2023,aperfect∗∗1943−SCopperPenny∗∗gradedMS62soldfor∗∗2.8 million – the most ever paid for a Lincoln cent!
How to Check If You Have One
- Look at the Date
- Only 1943 pennies can be valuable
- Check both Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S) versions
- Do the Magnet Test
- Steel pennies stick to magnets
- Copper pennies won’t stick (this could be your million-dollar find!)
- Check the Color
- Real copper pennies look brown/red
- Fake ones are often painted (scratch test helps)
What To Do If You Find One
✅ Don’t clean it! Even dirt adds to authenticity
✅ Store carefully in a protective case
✅ Get it certified by PCGS or NGC grading services
✅ Contact coin experts like Heritage Auctions
Warning: Many fakes exist! Some are:
- Altered 1948 pennies (the “3” is changed)
- Copper-plated steel coins
Real People Who Found Fortune
- A Massachusetts man found one in his school lunch money (sold for $200,000)
- A Texas teenager discovered one in his grandfather’s coin collection (valued at $1.7 million)
Why Collectors Go Crazy For It
✔ Rarest Lincoln penny ever made
✔ Historical WWII artifact
✔ Great investment – prices keep rising
✔ The ultimate “treasure hunt” coin
Could You Find One Today?
Experts estimate 3-5 more might still be undiscovered in:
- Old piggy banks
- Inherited coin collections
- Antique store “junk” boxes
- Even circulating change!
FAQs
Q. Why is the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny valuable?
A. The 1943 Bronze Penny is rare because it was mistakenly struck on copper planchets instead of steel, making it highly valuable.
Q. How can I check if my 1943 penny is valuable?
A. Use a magnet—if it sticks, it’s steel and common; if it doesn’t, it might be the rare bronze version.
C: Are all 1943 pennies valuable?
A: No! Only the copper ones. Steel 1943 pennies are worth 10¢ to $1.
D: What makes one worth $2.8 million?
A: Perfect condition (MS62 grade) + San Francisco mint mark (“S”) + certification.
