Discover the Lincoln Wheat Penny Still in Circulation: Imagine reaching into your pocket, pulling out a handful of change, and discovering a coin worth over $3 million. It sounds like a dream, but for coin collectors and lucky individuals, this fantasy can become reality. One particular coin, the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny, has stunned collectors with its rarity and sky-high value. While it may look like an ordinary old penny, this small piece of copper is worth $3,290,000 — and some versions of it may still be in circulation today.
A Penny Unlike Any Other
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was introduced in 1909 to honor the 100th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln. It remained in production until 1958, featuring two wheat ears on the reverse side. During World War II, in 1943, copper was in short supply due to its military uses. As a result, the U.S. Mint decided to make pennies out of zinc-coated steel to conserve copper for wartime needs.
However, a small number of 1943 pennies were accidentally struck in bronze (copper) planchets — the same material used in 1942. These errors are now among the most valuable coins in American history.
Why Is It Worth $3,290,000?
The staggering value of the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny lies in its rarity and historical significance. Only a few of these bronze pennies were mistakenly produced at the Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Denver mints. It’s believed that fewer than 20 examples exist today. These coins were struck when leftover copper blanks were fed into the press instead of steel ones.
Collectors prize these coins for three main reasons:
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Extreme Rarity – Very few exist.
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Historical Error – It was a mistake during wartime production.
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Condition – The best-preserved versions can fetch millions.
In a 2010 auction, one pristine 1943-D (Denver mint) Bronze Lincoln Penny sold for an incredible $1.7 million. Since then, demand has grown, and in a more recent private sale, one specimen fetched an astonishing $3,290,000.
How to Identify a 1943 Bronze Penny
If you’re curious whether you have a treasure in your change jar, here’s how to spot the famous coin:
| Feature | 1943 Steel Penny | 1943 Bronze (Copper) Penny |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Gray or silver | Reddish-brown or copper-like |
| Magnet Test | Attracted to magnet | Not attracted to magnet |
| Weight | 2.7 grams | 3.11 grams |
| Sound when dropped | High-pitched ring | Duller, softer sound |
| Edge | Smooth | Smooth |
| Material | Zinc-coated steel | 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc |
Pro Tip:
Use a magnet test first. If your 1943 penny sticks to a magnet, it’s steel and common. If it doesn’t stick, there’s a chance it might be bronze — and potentially worth a fortune.
What to Do If You Think You Have One
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Do not clean the coin. Cleaning can significantly reduce its value.
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Weigh it on a digital scale. A bronze penny weighs around 3.11 grams.
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Perform the magnet test. As mentioned above.
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Get a professional appraisal. Contact a reputable coin dealer or send it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC.
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Verify the mint mark. Versions from the Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) mints are even rarer.
You never know — that penny lying forgotten in a drawer could be a million-dollar mystery.
Final Thought
In a world where most of us overlook pennies, the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny is a thrilling reminder that history — and value — can hide in plain sight. With just a simple check of your spare change, you might stumble upon a coin worth more than a luxury home. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a casual enthusiast, it’s always worth taking a closer look at your coins. After all, treasures can be found where you least expect them.
FAQs
Q: Why did the U.S. Mint use steel in 1943 instead of copper?
A: Copper was needed for World War II ammunition and equipment, so steel was used to make pennies that year.
Q: How many 1943 bronze pennies exist?
A: Fewer than 20 authentic examples are known to exist, making them extremely rare.
Q: How much is a regular 1943 steel penny worth?
A: A common 1943 steel penny in average condition is worth 5 to 50 cents, but uncirculated versions can sell for a few dollars.
Q: Can I find a 1943 bronze penny in circulation?
A: It’s extremely unlikely, but possible. Some have surfaced in change or old collections. That’s why it pays to check.
Q: What is the most valuable penny ever sold?
A: One of the most valuable is the 1943-D bronze Lincoln penny, which sold for $3,290,000 in a private sale.