Imagine discovering a single penny in your pocket change that could be worth $3 million! This is the case with one of the rarest Lincoln Wheat Pennies, which experts believe may still be out there, waiting to be found.
Coin collectors and everyday people alike are searching through their spare change, hoping to uncover 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, certain rare variations and minting errors make some of them worth a fortune.
The $3 million penny is an ultra-rare 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny, mistakenly minted in copper instead of steel during World War II.
The 1943 Copper Penny – A Million-Dollar Minting Mistake
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc-coated steel for pennies to conserve copper for the war effort.
However, a small number of 1943 pennies were accidentally struck on leftover copper planchets from 1942. These mistake pennies are among the rarest U.S. coins, with only 20 to 30 authentic pieces known to exist.
How Much Is a 1943 Copper Penny Worth?
The value of a 1943 copper penny depends on its condition and mint mark. Some have sold for record-breaking amounts:
- $1.7 million – A 1943 copper penny was sold at a private auction.
- $2.5 million – Another rare specimen was valued in top condition.
- $3.0 million – The estimated value of the rarest known 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 verify its authenticity:
- Check the Color – The rare 1943 copper penny will have 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, while the common steel version 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, whereas 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) for verification.
Other Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies Worth Big Money
Besides the 1943 copper penny, other Lincoln Wheat Pennies are worth thousands of dollars, including:
- 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 – An error penny 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 $3 Million Penny Still Be in Circulation?
While many of these rare pennies have been discovered, some 1943 copper pennies remain unaccounted for. Experts believe there is a possibility that one could still be in circulation, sitting in a coin jar, a piggy bank, or tucked away in an old collection.
How to Find Rare Coins in Everyday Change
- Check your pocket change – Older pennies might be more valuable than you think.
- Search through bank coin rolls – Some rare coins are still found in rolls from banks.
- Visit estate sales and flea markets – Valuable coins sometimes show up in old collections.
- Join coin shows and collector groups – Learning from experts can help you spot hidden gems.
Absolutely! The thrill of finding a $3 million penny in everyday change is enough reason to check every coin carefully. History has shown that valuable coins can still be discovered in unexpected places.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just curious, keeping an eye out for rare pennies could lead to an unbelievable 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 $3 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.
How do u tell for sure if it’s the licoln wheat penny with so much for sure I have a grate deal of penny’s that was passed down to me from my grate grand mother and it’s quite possible it could be on of them these penny’s have been sitting in an old jar for upwards of 70 years I have 4 large old ball caning jars full of them to be exact
Mr. Skirvin. I have 43 and 45 pennies put away. Like to sell them. M.I.Huizar
I have a 1955 double die penny want to know how can I see if it is the real deal
I have a 1917 wheat penny with an error on the 9 in the1917 date, it is extra long is this worth anything?