Have you ever thought a penny could be worth over a million bucks? Sounds crazy, right? But it’s absolutely true. The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Cent is one of the rarest coins in American history, and collectors have paid up to $1.7 million to get their hands on one. If you’ve got a change jar collecting dust, it might be time to dig in—you could be holding a small fortune without even knowing it.
History
The reason this coin is so valuable dates back to World War II. In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched penny production from bronze to zinc-coated steel to save copper for the war effort. These steel cents look silvery and even stick to magnets. But a few bronze blanks from the previous year accidentally slipped through and were stamped with the 1943 design. These weren’t supposed to happen, making them minting errors—and minting errors often mean major money.
Rarity
Less than 20 authentic 1943 bronze pennies are believed to exist, spread across all three mint locations:
| Mint | Mint Mark | Known Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | (none) | A few |
| Denver | D | Only 1 |
| San Francisco | S | Several |
The Denver mint version is considered the rarest, with just one verified coin out there. That’s why it sold for a whopping $1.7 million.
Spotting
Wondering how to tell if your penny is the real deal? Here’s a step-by-step checklist:
1. Check the Date
It must say “1943.” Many fakes are made from 1948 pennies with the “8” filed into a “3.” Grab a magnifying glass and look closely for tampering.
2. Look at the Color
Steel pennies are silvery-gray and shiny. Bronze pennies are reddish-brown. That color difference is a big initial clue.
3. Use a Magnet
Steel is magnetic. Bronze isn’t. If your 1943 penny sticks to a magnet, it’s a common steel cent. If not, you might have something special.
4. Weigh the Coin
Use a digital scale:
| Coin Type | Weight |
|---|---|
| Steel Penny | ~2.7 grams |
| Bronze Penny | ~3.11 grams |
This tiny difference is a game-changer in confirming the coin’s material.
5. Check for a Mint Mark
- No mint mark = Philadelphia
- “D” = Denver (super rare)
- “S” = San Francisco
All are valuable, but the Denver one is the unicorn.
6. Watch for Fakes
Fakes often have uneven rims, odd font spacing, or tampered dates. Don’t rely on color alone—many scammers copper-plate steel coins to fool buyers.
Sales
Here’s what the real deal has fetched at auction:
| Coin Type | Sale Price |
|---|---|
| 1943-D Bronze Cent | $1.7 million (2010) |
| 1943-S Bronze Cent | $1 million (2012) |
| 1943 Bronze (no MM) | $300K–$500K |
These coins aren’t just old—they’re prized trophies among coin collectors.
Authenticate
If you think you’ve found one, don’t go it alone. Here are two trustworthy services:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service): www.pcgs.com
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation): www.ngccoin.com
They’ll grade and certify your coin, giving you solid proof if it’s the real deal—and that proof can drive up its sale value.
Others
Even if you strike out on the 1943 bronze cent, don’t give up hope. Here are a few other valuable Lincoln Wheat cents to watch for:
| Coin | Value Range |
|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | $1,000+ |
| 1955 Double Die | $1,000–$15,000+ |
| 1922 No D | Up to $10,000 |
These coins are still floating around, and you could find one in a box of old coins or inherited collection.
The bottom line? Always check your change. That penny you thought was pocket change might be your ticket to an early retirement. With a little knowledge and curiosity, you might uncover a million-dollar mystery hiding in plain sight.
FAQs
How do I know if I have the 1943 bronze penny?
Check the date, color, weight, and do the magnet test to confirm.
Is a 1943 steel penny worth anything?
Yes, but only a few cents unless it’s in mint condition.
Can a 1948 penny be altered to look like 1943?
Yes, some fakes are made by shaving the 8 to look like a 3.
What’s the rarest Lincoln penny?
The 1943-D bronze Lincoln cent is considered the rarest.
Should I get my coin graded?
Yes, grading proves authenticity and boosts its resale value.
