We’ve all tossed pennies into jars, left them in old drawers, or handed them over without a second thought. But what if one of those tiny copper coins was actually worth $630,000?
Yes, you read that right! A rare 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny could still be out there in circulation today. Imagine coming across one in your spare change—it would be like hitting a mini jackpot!
The Lincoln Wheat Penny: A Piece of History
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first introduced in 1909 as a tribute to President Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. It was also the first U.S. coin to feature a real person, replacing the traditional Lady Liberty designs.
What Does the Lincoln Wheat Penny Look Like?
- Obverse (Front): Features Lincoln’s profile, along with “In God We Trust”, “Liberty”, and the year of minting.
- Reverse (Back): Displays two wheat stalks, which is why it’s called the “Wheat Penny”.
This design was in circulation until 1958, when it was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial Penny. While most Wheat Pennies are worth just one cent, a few rare versions have become some of the most valuable coins in history.
Why Is the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $630,000?
Not all Wheat Pennies are valuable, but one in particular—the 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny—is extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors.
What Makes This Penny So Special?
1. A Rare Minting Mistake
- In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel for pennies to save copper for World War II supplies.
- However, a few pennies were accidentally struck on leftover bronze (copper) planchets from 1942.
- This printing error turned them into some of the most valuable coins in U.S. history.
2. Only a Few Exist
- Experts believe that fewer than 40 of these 1943 Bronze Wheat Pennies exist today.
- Because they are so rare, collectors are willing to pay top dollar for them.
3. Record-Breaking Auction Prices
- In 2010, a collector paid $1.7 million for one of these pennies in near-mint condition.
- Another sold for $630,000, setting a new benchmark for rare pennies.
If you happen to find one of these rare coins, you could be holding a life-changing treasure in your hands.
How to Check If You Have a Rare 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny
Want to see if you’re carrying a $630,000 penny? Here’s what to do:
1. Look at the Color
- Most 1943 pennies were made of steel, so they appear silver or gray.
- A rare 1943 bronze penny has a reddish-brown (copper) tint.
2. Do the Magnet Test
- Steel pennies are magnetic, so they will stick to a magnet.
- A rare bronze penny will NOT stick—if yours doesn’t, you might have found a hidden treasure!
3. Check the Mint Mark
These rare 1943 bronze pennies were produced at three mints:
- Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- Denver (“D” mint mark)
- San Francisco (“S” mint mark)
4. Weigh the Penny
- A steel 1943 penny weighs 2.7 grams.
- A bronze 1943 penny weighs 3.11 grams.
- If your 1943 penny is copper-colored and weighs 3.11 grams, you might have just hit the coin collector’s lottery.
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
While the 1943 Bronze Penny is the most famous, other Lincoln Wheat Pennies are also worth thousands, including:
- 1909-S VDB Wheat Penny – Can sell for $50,000 to $100,000.
- 1914-D Wheat Penny – Worth $10,000 or more due to low mintage.
- 1922 No D Wheat Penny – Can be worth $15,000+ due to a missing mint mark.
- 1955 Double Die Wheat Penny – Sold for $50,000+ because of a printing error that caused double lettering.
Can You Still Find a Rare Lincoln Wheat Penny in Circulation?
Surprisingly, yes! Some rare pennies have been found in everyday places, such as:
- Old piggy banks
- Coin rolls from banks
- Pocket change from stores
- Garage sales, flea markets, and estate sales
Many people spend these pennies without realizing their worth, so always check your coins before handing them over!
What to Do If You Find a Rare Penny?
If you think you’ve found a 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny, follow these steps:
1. Do NOT Clean It!
- Cleaning the coin can damage it and significantly lower its value.
- Even if it looks dirty, leave it as it is.
2. Get It Authenticated
Take it to a professional coin grading service, such as:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
These experts can confirm if the coin is real and determine its condition.
3. Sell It the Right Way
Rare coins often sell for the highest prices at major auctions. Consider selling through:
- Heritage Auctions
- Stack’s Bowers
- Certified rare coin dealers
Avoid selling to unknown buyers online—always work with trusted experts.
Final Thoughts
The Lincoln Wheat Penny valued at $630,000 is one of the rarest and most valuable coins in U.S. history.
While finding one is extremely rare, it is possible. So next time you come across an old penny, take a closer look—you might just be holding a small fortune in your hand!
