A rare coin could be hiding in your change, and it’s worth a fortune. The 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny, mistakenly made of bronze instead of zinc-coated steel, is one of the most valuable coins in the world. Experts say only a handful of these pennies exist, and one sold for $1.7 million at auction. The best part? Some are still out there, waiting to be found in circulation. Here’s what you need to know about this treasure and how to spot it.
Why This Penny Is So Special
During World War II, the U.S. Mint used steel to make pennies because copper was needed for the war effort. But in 1943, a tiny number of pennies were accidentally struck in bronze. These mistakes are now worth millions. Only about 20 are known to exist, making them incredibly rare. Collectors dream of finding one, and even regular people could stumble across this coin in old jars, piggy banks, or even pocket change.
How to Spot the Million-Dollar Penny
Identifying a 1943 bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny is simple if you know what to look for. First, check the date: it must say 1943. Next, see if it’s bronze, not silver-colored steel. A quick test is to use a magnet. Steel pennies stick to magnets, but bronze ones don’t. Also, look for the “wheat” design on the back, showing two wheat stalks. If you find one, don’t clean it—cleaning can lower its value. Take it to a coin expert or appraiser right away.
| Feature | 1943 Bronze Penny | Regular 1943 Penny |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Bronze | Zinc-coated steel |
| Color | Coppery brown | Silver |
| Magnet Test | Doesn’t stick | Sticks to magnet |
| Back Design | Wheat stalks | Wheat stalks |
Where These Pennies Have Been Found
Stories of these pennies popping up are rare but exciting. One was found in a teenager’s lunch money in the 1940s and later sold for over $1 million. Another was discovered in a coffee can of old coins. These finds show that bronze pennies could still be hiding anywhere—your wallet, a coin roll from the bank, or a family heirloom. Coin dealers say the odds are slim, but not zero, so it’s worth checking your pennies.
What to Do If You Find One
If you think you’ve found a 1943 bronze penny, handle it carefully. Store it in a soft cloth or plastic holder to avoid scratches. Contact a reputable coin dealer or auction house, like Heritage Auctions, for authentication. Experts will verify if it’s real and help you decide whether to sell or keep it. Even pennies in poor condition can be worth hundreds of thousands, so don’t toss it aside.
Start Your Treasure Hunt Today
The 1943 bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny is a reminder that treasures can hide in plain sight. Next time you get change, take a second to check your pennies. You might be holding a piece of history worth $1.7 million. Whether you’re a coin collector or just someone with spare change, this rare penny could change your life. So, grab a magnet, check those dates, and start hunting—you never know what you might find.