Finding a penny worth a million dollars may sound like something out of a movie, but it’s real — and it might be sitting in your pocket. The legendary 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny, mistakenly minted in bronze during World War II, has become one of the rarest and most valuable coins in American history. With only a handful confirmed to exist, this one-cent coin has fetched prices as high as $1,000,000. Even more astonishing is the possibility that a few are still in circulation.
Let’s break down what makes this penny so valuable, how to identify it, and what steps you should take if you believe you’ve found one.
Why the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny Is So Valuable
During WWII, copper was a critical resource for ammunition and military supplies. To conserve it, the U.S. Mint began producing pennies out of zinc-coated steel in 1943. However, a few copper (bronze) blanks from 1942 accidentally remained in the minting machinery and were struck with the 1943 date — creating a genuine minting error.
These bronze 1943 pennies were never meant to exist, making them extraordinarily rare.
Estimated Value of 1943 Bronze Wheat Pennies
| Mint Mark | Rarity | Estimated Value (High Grade) |
|---|---|---|
| None (Philadelphia) | Extremely Rare | Up to $1,000,000 |
| D (Denver) | Ultra Rare | $300,000 – $1,500,000 |
| S (San Francisco) | Rare | $250,000 – $1,000,000 |
How to Identify a Rare 1943 Bronze Penny
Here’s a step-by-step checklist you can use to see if you may have a rare penny in your possession:
1. Check the Date
Look for the year 1943. This was the year the mint transitioned to steel cents. If your 1943 penny looks like copper, it’s worth a closer look.
2. Inspect the Color
Steel pennies have a gray or silver-like appearance. Bronze pennies are brown or reddish in tone. A 1943 penny that appears copper-colored might be a valuable mistake.
3. Magnet Test
Steel sticks to a magnet — copper does not. If your 1943 penny is non-magnetic, that’s a good sign.
4. Weigh It
Use a digital scale:
- Steel Penny: ~2.7 grams
- Bronze Penny: ~3.11 grams
If your 1943 penny weighs closer to 3.1 grams, it could be bronze.
5. Look for a Mint Mark
Below the date, check for:
- No mint mark (Philadelphia)
- “D” (Denver)
- “S” (San Francisco)
All are valuable, but Philadelphia coins are the most frequently authenticated.
What to Do if You Think You Have One
If your penny meets the criteria above, do not clean or tamper with it. Your next step should be to get it authenticated by a professional coin grading service:
Trusted Coin Grading Services:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) – pcgs.com
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) – ngccoin.com
They can verify whether your coin is the real deal and provide an official grade, which can dramatically influence the final market value.
Are There Still 1943 Bronze Pennies in Circulation?
Yes — it’s possible. Some have turned up in coin rolls, piggy banks, old collections, and estate sales. Experts believe a few may still be out there, passed along unknowingly for generations.
If you’ve got a jar of wheat pennies, don’t dismiss them. It might be worth combing through them, especially if they include coins from 1943, 1944, or earlier.
Other Valuable Wheat Pennies to Watch For
While the 1943 bronze penny is the crown jewel, other Lincoln Wheat pennies can also be valuable, including:
| Year | Notable Features | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | Low mintage, designer initials | $500 – $5,000+ |
| 1914-D | Rare Denver mint | $200 – $3,000+ |
| 1922 No D | Missing mint mark | $500 – $10,000+ |
| 1955 Doubled Die | Obvious doubling on obverse | $1,000 – $10,000+ |
| 1969-S Doubled Die | Very rare | $10,000 – $75,000+ |
The 1943 bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny isn’t just a rare collector’s item — it’s a symbol of historical accident and immense value. With just a few known to exist and some possibly still in circulation, checking your change might just lead to a life-changing discovery. If you think you’ve found one, take the proper steps to authenticate it — your penny could be worth far more than one cent.
FAQs
How can I tell if my 1943 penny is copper or steel?
Use a magnet — steel sticks, copper doesn’t. Also, copper pennies weigh more (about 3.11 grams).
Can I sell a rare penny online?
Yes, after authentication by PCGS or NGC, you can list it with reputable auction houses or rare coin dealers.
Are all 1943 pennies valuable?
No. Most 1943 pennies are made of steel and worth just a few cents unless in pristine condition. Only the bronze ones are worth big money.
What if my coin is damaged or cleaned?
Cleaning coins can reduce their value. A damaged coin may still have value, but it’s best to get a professional evaluation.
Where should I NOT try to sell a rare coin?
Avoid pawn shops or general secondhand stores. They often lack the expertise to properly value rare coins.