Imagine discovering a rare penny in your pocket change that could be worth a staggering $2 million! One of the most valuable coins in U.S. history, the 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny, is still believed to be in circulation. Coin collectors and everyday people alike are on the lookout, hoping to stumble upon this hidden treasure.
Why Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny So Valuable?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first minted in 1909 and remained in production until 1958. While most of these pennies are common, some rare versions and minting errors make certain editions extraordinarily valuable.
The $2 million Lincoln Wheat Penny is an ultra-rare 1943 copper penny, accidentally struck in copper instead of steel during World War II.
The 1943 Copper Penny – A Minting Mistake Worth Millions
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc-coated steel for pennies to conserve copper for wartime production.
However, a few 1943 pennies were mistakenly struck on leftover copper planchets from 1942, making them one of the rarest U.S. coins in existence. Only 20 to 30 genuine 1943 copper pennies are known today, and experts believe a few may still be undiscovered.
How Much Is a 1943 Copper Penny Worth?
The value of a 1943 copper penny depends on its condition and mint mark. Here are some record-breaking sales:
- $204,000 – A circulated 1943 copper penny sold at auction in 2019.
- $1.7 million – A 1943 copper penny was sold at a private auction.
- $2.0 million – The estimated value of a top-condition 1943 copper penny still believed to be in circulation.
How to Identify a 1943 Copper Penny
If you think you have a rare 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny, follow these steps to check its authenticity:
- Check the Color – The rare 1943 copper penny has a reddish-brown color, unlike the silver-gray steel pennies from that year.
- Use a Magnet – A real 1943 copper penny will NOT stick to a magnet, but a steel penny will.
- Look for Mint Marks – The 1943 copper penny may have:
- No mint mark (Philadelphia Mint)
- “D” (Denver Mint)
- “S” (San Francisco Mint)
- Check the Weight – A genuine 1943 copper penny weighs 3.11 grams, while a steel penny weighs 2.7 grams.
- Get It Authenticated – If you believe you have a 1943 copper penny, take it to a professional coin grading service like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) to verify its authenticity.
Other Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies Worth Big Money
While the 1943 copper penny is the most valuable, other Lincoln Wheat Pennies are also worth a fortune:
- 1909-S VDB Penny – With only 484,000 minted, this penny is valued at $1,000 to $100,000.
- 1914-D Penny – A rare find, worth $5,000 to $150,000.
- 1922 No D Penny – A minting error missing its “D” mint mark, valued at $5,000 to $50,000.
- 1955 Double Die Penny – A famous error where the lettering appears doubled, worth $1,000 to $50,000.
Could the $2 Million Penny Still Be in Circulation?
Yes! While most of these rare pennies have been discovered, some 1943 copper pennies remain unaccounted for. Experts believe that a few might still be in circulation, sitting in an old jar of coins, a collection, or even mixed in with everyday pocket change.
How to Find Rare Coins in Everyday Change
- Check your pocket change – Older pennies might be worth more than you think.
- Search through bank coin rolls – Some rare coins still turn up in rolls from banks.
- Visit estate sales and flea markets – Valuable coins are sometimes found in old collections.
- Join coin shows and collector groups – Learning from experts can help you spot hidden gems.
Absolutely! The thrill of finding a $2 million penny in everyday change makes it worthwhile to check every coin carefully.
History has shown that valuable coins can still be discovered in unexpected places. Whether you’re a collector or just curious, keeping an eye out for rare pennies could lead to an incredible payday.
FAQ’s
How can I tell if I have a rare 1943 copper penny?
To identify a rare 1943 copper penny, check for its reddish-brown color, test it with a magnet (it should not stick), weigh it (should be 3.11 grams), and look for mint marks. Getting it authenticated by a professional grading service is the best way to confirm its authenticity.
How many 1943 copper pennies exist?
There are only about 20 to 30 known 1943 copper pennies, making them extremely rare and valuable.
What is the value of a 1943 copper penny?
The value of a 1943 copper penny ranges from $200,000 to $2 million, depending on its condition and mint mark.
Where can I sell a rare 1943 copper penny?
You can sell a rare 1943 copper penny through reputable coin dealers, auction houses, and platforms like Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, or PCGS.
Are all 1943 pennies valuable?
No, most 1943 pennies are common steel cents and worth only a few cents. However, rare mint errors, like the 1943 copper penny, are extremely valuable.
I have a 1920 wheat penny and different ones too .
Hello Manny Vertrees,
Can you share pics of your Wheat Penny?
i have a 1920 wheat penny
I have a 1956 wheat penny
1982d small date Lincoln penny. Weight 3 11 gras s yeah baby!!! NOW I what’s my next step? Thanks nike
Does anyone know anything about the 1972 error penny?? What the error would be ? And does it have a mint mark? My uncle worked at a bank for a long time when he passed away I was fortunate to have a bankers bag with some coins inside that he said were error coins. I have multiple wheat pennies but I’m unsure what errors to look for, although you can just look at some of them and see that they are error coins.
I have 1950’s, 1940’s, and older pennies, even a steel penny. I also have other coins some go back to the 1920’s, I don’t know if you look at those or not.
I have a 1962 penny that has no mint mark and looks like it was Stamped wrongly is there any such thing q
I have a 1943 copper wheat penny and 1943 steel wheat penny