The Penny That Could Make You Rich
What if a small fortune was hiding in your pocket or coin jar? For coin collectors and lucky finders, that dream could come true. A rare Lincoln Wheat Penny, worth up to $550,000, has popped up again in coin-collecting circles, and yes, it might still be in everyday change. If you’re a collector or just curious about hidden treasures, it’s time to check your spare change closely.
Made decades ago, this small copper coin is a legend among coin fans for its rarity and interesting history.
What Makes This Penny So Special?
The $550K Lincoln Wheat Penny is the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent. During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel for pennies to save copper for war supplies. But a few bronze coin blanks from the old copper mix were used by mistake in 1943, creating one of the rarest U.S. coins ever.
Here’s a quick look at common vs. rare 1943 pennies:
| Coin Type | Material | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1943 Steel Penny | Steel/Zinc | $0.10 – $5 |
| 1943 Bronze Penny | Copper/Bronze | Up to $550,000+ |
| 1943-D or 1943-S Bronze | Copper/Bronze | Even rarer – higher value |
Only a few real 1943 bronze pennies exist today, making them super valuable to collectors. In 2010, one sold at auction for $1.7 million, depending on its condition and origin.
How to Spot the Rare 1943 Bronze Penny
Not all 1943 pennies are rare, millions were made in steel and are common. But if you find a 1943 penny that looks like copper, here’s what to do:
- Check the date, it must say 1943.
- Look at the color, if it’s brownish like a normal copper coin, that’s a clue.
- Use a magnet, steel pennies stick to magnets, bronze ones don’t.
- Weigh it, a real 1943 bronze penny weighs about 3.11 grams, while steel ones are around 2.7 grams.
If you think you have one, don’t clean or change it. Take it to a professional coin appraiser or send it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC to confirm it’s real.
Still in Circulation?
While most of these rare pennies are in collections or museums, a few are still missing and could turn up in your change from a store or in an old coin jar at home. This isn’t just a dream, people have found valuable coins this way by chance.
People have found valuable coins in:
- Old piggy banks
- Inherited coin collections
- Flea markets and garage sales
- Charity donation jars
So, there’s a small but real chance one of these pennies is still out there.
Final Thoughts
The 1943 bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny is more than a collector’s item, it’s a piece of history from a wartime mistake and a reminder of the value of paying attention. For most, a penny might not seem worth checking, but this one could change your life.
Before you dump that jar of change into a Coinstar machine, take another look. Your fortune might be hiding right there.