This Lincoln Wheat Penny Could Be Worth $80 Million – Find Out If It’s Still Out There in Circulation
It might sound like a stretch, but it’s true—some rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies, especially the legendary 1943 bronze version, are valued as high as $80 million! These coins are unbelievably scarce, yet they could still be hiding in your old coin stash or tucked into loose change. Let’s break down what makes these pennies so valuable, how to identify one, and whether you’ve still got a shot at finding one today.
Why Are Certain Lincoln Wheat Pennies Worth So Much?
Pennies usually don’t turn heads—but a few rare ones are genuine collectibles because of minting errors or historical oddities. Take 1943, for instance: during World War II, the U.S. needed copper for the war effort, so the Mint switched to steel for that year’s pennies. But a few were mistakenly made from bronze—the old copper alloy. These rare mix-ups are incredibly sought-after, and collectors are willing to pay a fortune to get their hands on one.
The Legendary 1943 Bronze Penny
The 1943 bronze penny is basically the holy grail of U.S. coins. Only about 10 to 40 are believed to exist, and they were never meant to be produced. If you happen to stumble on one in mint condition, it could be worth an eye-popping $80 million! While other rare wheat pennies like the 1909-S VDB or the 1955 Doubled Die are also highly prized, they don’t come close in value to this elusive copper coin.
How to Know If You’ve Found a Rare 1943 Bronze Penny
Think you’ve spotted something special? Here are some tips to help determine if your 1943 penny is the rare bronze variety:
1. Check the Color
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Steel pennies: Appear silver or grey.
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Bronze pennies: Have a reddish or brown copper tone like standard pre-1982 pennies.
2. Try the Magnet Test
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Steel is magnetic—bronze isn’t. If your 1943 penny doesn’t stick to a magnet, it’s worth taking a closer look.
3. Weigh It
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Bronze coins weigh around 3.11 grams.
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Steel coins are lighter at about 2.7 grams.
Use a digital scale to get an accurate reading.
4. Spot the Mint Mark
Look beneath the “1943” for a letter:
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“D” for Denver
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“S” for San Francisco
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No letter? That means it was struck in Philadelphia. Mint location can affect value, especially for bronze versions.
If your penny passes all these tests, you could be holding a multimillion-dollar treasure. Just don’t clean it—cleaning can reduce its value dramatically.
Is It Still Possible to Find One of These Pennies?
Believe it or not, yes. While it’s extremely rare, a few of these coins may still be floating around in forgotten piggy banks, old coffee tins, or inherited coin collections. Most people don’t scrutinize their spare change, which is why coin hunting still has that thrilling “what if?” factor.
Other Lincoln Wheat Pennies Worth Serious Money
Even if you don’t find the ultra-rare 1943 bronze penny, there are still several other valuable wheat pennies to keep an eye out for:
1. 1909-S VDB Penny
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Value: $700 to over $2,500
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Why it’s rare: It was the first year of the Lincoln penny, and the designer’s initials (“VDB”) were quickly removed, making this one a limited edition.
2. 1914-D Penny
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Value: $250 to more than $2,000
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Why it’s rare: Very few were minted, and finding one in decent shape is tough.
3. 1922 No D Penny
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Value: $500 to upwards of $12,000
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Why it’s rare: A minting error caused the “D” mark to be missing from Denver-minted coins.
4. 1955 Doubled Die Penny
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Value: $500 to $5,000+
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Why it’s rare: The date and lettering appear blurred due to a die misalignment, making it highly collectible.
Even these lower-value finds could mean a pretty nice payday.
What to Do If You Think You Found a Rare Penny
If your penny looks promising, here’s what you should do:
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Don’t Clean It: Cleaning can damage the coin and lower its value.
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Handle With Care: Use gloves or hold it by the edges to avoid oils from your hands.
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Weigh It: Confirm the weight using a digital scale.
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Visit a Professional: Take it to a reputable coin dealer or numismatist.
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Get It Certified: Grading services like PCGS or NGC can verify authenticity and give it an official grade.
FAQs About Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies
1. How many 1943 bronze pennies exist?
Only 10 to 40 are known, which makes them one of the rarest U.S. coins ever minted.
2. Can I still find one in circulation?
It’s possible—though highly unlikely. Your best chance is searching through old jars or inherited collections.
3. What’s the highest amount a penny has sold for?
A 1943-D bronze penny sold for over $1.7 million. Experts believe one in flawless condition could sell for $80 million or more.
4. What makes a penny valuable?
Rarity, minting mistakes, historic value, and condition all play major roles in determining a penny’s worth.
5. Where can I sell a rare penny?
Once authenticated, you can go through coin dealers, auctions, or specialized online platforms to get top dollar.
Conclusion: Don’t Overlook That Penny!
The next time you find a penny lying around, take a moment before tossing it aside—it could be far more valuable than you’d think. The 1943 bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the rarest coins in American history, and it could still be out there, waiting to be discovered. So grab a magnifying glass, dig into those old jars, and keep an eye on your change. You might just uncover a life-changing little piece of history.