To most people, a penny is hardly worth a second glance—but for coin collectors, certain rare cents can be worth a small fortune. One Lincoln Wheat Penny in particular has stunned the numismatic world with recent auction sales reaching $168,000. If you have a stash of old coins, it might be time to check—this incredible penny could be hiding in your coin jar right now.
1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny
The coin behind the buzz is the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny, an accidental rarity from the World War II era. In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched to making pennies from steel coated in zinc to save copper for the war effort. However, a few bronze planchets (the metal blanks used in 1942) were mistakenly left in the presses, resulting in a handful of 1943 pennies being struck in the wrong metal.
Why Is It Worth So Much?
This penny’s extreme rarity and historical significance are what make it so valuable. Only a few dozen 1943 bronze pennies are known to exist today, and each verified piece commands huge interest at auctions. In 2019, one sold for $204,000, and more recently, another fetched $168,000—proving their value is holding strong and even increasing with time.
How to Tell If You Have One
The key difference is the metal composition. The 1943 bronze penny will look similar to earlier copper coins—not the grayish steel color most 1943 pennies have.
Here’s how to check:
- Use a magnet — steel 1943 pennies will stick; bronze ones won’t
- Look at the color — bronze has a coppery tone, not silvery
- Weigh it — bronze pennies weigh about 3.11 grams, while steel versions weigh less
- Check for the 1943 date and ensure it’s not altered from a different year
A Penny That Could Change Your Life
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most desirable error coins in U.S. history. If you find one, you’re potentially holding a six-figure treasure. Take a few minutes to check your coin jar, old piggy banks, or inherited collections—you might uncover a life-changing piece of history.
FAQ’s:
1. How many 1943 Bronze Lincoln Pennies are known to exist?
Fewer than 20 authentic examples are confirmed across all U.S. mints.
2. How can I verify if I have a real 1943 bronze penny?
Use a magnet, scale, and consult a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.
3. Why were these pennies struck in bronze instead of steel?
They were likely struck by mistake when leftover bronze planchets from 1942 were not cleared out before 1943 minting began.
4. What mints produced the 1943 bronze penny?
Most known examples are from Philadelphia (no mint mark), though some were made in Denver (D) and San Francisco (S).
5. Should I clean my old pennies before getting them appraised?
No. Cleaning a coin can severely reduce its value—leave it in its original state.