The $900K Lincoln Wheat Penny : Imagine digging through your loose change and finding a penny worth nearly $900,000. It might sound like a dream, but a rare 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny made of bronze could turn that fantasy into reality. Even crazier? Experts think a few of these valuable coins might still be out there, lurking in coin jars, old collections, or even your pocket. Here’s everything you need to know about this tiny treasure, from why it’s worth a fortune to how you can spot one yourself.
What Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a classic piece of American coinage, minted from 1909 to 1958. Featuring Abraham Lincoln’s portrait on the front and two wheat stalks on the back, it was the first U.S. coin to honor a real person. Most of these pennies are common, worth just a cent or two, but a few rare versions—like the 1943 bronze penny—are prized by collectors and can fetch life-changing sums.
Why the 1943 Bronze Penny Is Worth Up to $900K
Back in 1943, World War II was in full swing, and copper was needed for the war effort. To save this precious metal, the U.S. Mint switched to making pennies out of zinc-coated steel instead of the usual bronze. But here’s where the magic happened: a small number of bronze blanks from 1942 got mixed up in the process and were accidentally stamped with the 1943 date.
These mistakes are incredibly rare—only about a dozen are known to exist today. Their scarcity makes them a holy grail for coin collectors, with one selling for an astonishing $900,000 at auction. Whether it’s from Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (“D”), or San Francisco (“S”), a bronze 1943 penny is a ticket to a massive payday.
How to Spot the $900K Penny
Think you might have one of these rare coins? Here’s your step-by-step guide to identifying a 1943 bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny:
- Check the Date and Mint Mark: Look for “1943” on the front. Under the date, you might see no mint mark (Philadelphia), a “D” (Denver), or an “S” (San Francisco). All bronze versions are rare, but some mint marks are even harder to find.
- Examine the Color: Most 1943 pennies are silver-gray because they’re made of steel. A bronze penny, however, will have a coppery or brownish hue—a major clue it could be the real deal.
- Try the Magnet Test: Steel sticks to a magnet; bronze doesn’t. If your 1943 penny doesn’t cling to a magnet, you’re on the right track.
- Weigh It: A steel penny weighs about 2.7 grams, while a bronze one tips the scale at around 3.11 grams. You’ll need a precise scale to measure this accurately.
Found a penny that checks all these boxes? Don’t celebrate just yet—take it to a professional coin grading service like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) to verify its authenticity and value.
Is This Rare Penny Still Out There?
Here’s the exciting twist: some of these $900K pennies might still be hiding in plain sight! For decades, they’ve been mistaken for ordinary change, possibly sitting in a dusty coin jar, tucked into an old bank roll, or even jangling in your pocket. Experts believe a few remain undiscovered, making every 1943 penny you come across worth a second glance.
A Small Coin With a Big Story
The 1943 bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny isn’t just a coin—it’s a piece of history and a potential jackpot. With only a handful known to exist and the chance that more are waiting to be found, it’s a thrilling prospect for coin hunters and casual change-checkers alike. Next time you spot a penny, take a closer look—it could be your lucky break.
Frequently Asked Questions About the $900K Lincoln Wheat Penny
Why is the 1943 bronze penny so valuable?
It’s a rare mistake from World War II. Pennies in 1943 were meant to be steel to save copper, but a few were accidentally struck on leftover bronze blanks, making them super scarce and highly sought after.
How do I know if I’ve got a 1943 bronze penny?
Look for a 1943 penny that’s copper-colored or brown, doesn’t stick to a magnet, and weighs about 3.11 grams. Check for a mint mark too: no mark (Philadelphia), “D” (Denver), or “S” (San Francisco).
Could one still be floating around in circulation?
Yes! Experts say a few might still be out there, overlooked in change jars, old collections, or even everyday transactions. It’s a long shot, but it’s possible.
What should I do if I think I’ve found one?
If you suspect you’ve got a winner, don’t cash it in just yet. Reach out to a trusted coin grading service like PCGS or NGC to have it authenticated and appraised.
Are all 1943 pennies worth a lot?
Nope! Most 1943 pennies are steel and only worth a few cents. It’s the rare bronze ones that can bring in the big bucks.