Let’s be honest—when was the last time you gave a second thought to a penny? You probably toss them in a jar, drop one in a tip cup, or ignore it when it falls between the couch cushions. But here’s something that might change your mind: one of those tiny copper coins could be worth $1.7 million.
No, seriously. A rare 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny—made from bronze instead of the wartime steel—actually sold for that eye-popping price. And guess what? Experts believe a few more could still be out there, hiding in plain sight. So, what’s the story behind this million-dollar mistake?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny: A Slice of American History
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, also known as the Wheat Cent, first hit pockets in 1909, just in time to celebrate the 100th birthday of Abraham Lincoln. It was a big deal—it marked the first time a real person (not a symbolic figure) appeared on U.S. currency. Pretty fitting for the man who led the country through the Civil War.
Designed by Victor David Brenner, the front features Lincoln’s profile, while the back shows two simple wheat stalks—a nod to America’s roots in farming and growth. This design stuck around until 1958, making it a familiar sight in American life for decades.
But the year 1943? That’s when things got interesting.
Why the 1943 Bronze Penny Is Worth $1.7 Million
Let’s rewind to World War II. The U.S. needed copper for the war effort—think ammunition and wiring—so in 1943, the Mint switched things up and started making pennies from zinc-coated steel.
Here’s where the magic (and the mistake) happened: a few leftover bronze blanks from 1942 accidentally got mixed in during the minting process. These rogue coins were struck and released before anyone caught the error. The result? A handful of 1943 pennies made from bronze, rather than the standard steel.
Only 15 to 20 of these rare bronze pennies are known to exist, and they’ve become the holy grail for collectors. One of them even sold in a private deal for $1.7 million. That’s enough to buy a house in L.A., a couple of Teslas, and still have money to spare.
Think You Might Have One? Here’s How to Tell
Now that we’ve got your attention, let’s talk about how to spot one of these unicorn pennies.
- Magnet Test: Steel pennies are magnetic. If your 1943 penny doesn’t stick to a magnet? That’s a good sign.
- Color Check: Steel pennies look grayish-silver. The rare bronze ones have that warm, reddish-brown copper tone.
- Weight Test: Steel pennies weigh about 2.7 grams, while the bronze ones are closer to 3.11 grams.
- Mint Mark: Look below the date for a “D” (Denver) or “S” (San Francisco). They add value, but the year and material matter most.
If your penny checks these boxes, don’t rush to clean it or show it off just yet. Cleaning a coin can seriously hurt its value—leave the dirt on, and let the pros handle it.
Other Wheat Pennies That Could Be Worth a Fortune
The 1943 Bronze Penny might be the star of the show, but it’s not the only Lincoln Wheat Cent collectors are chasing. Check out these other hidden gems:
- 1909-S VDB: The very first Lincoln cent, complete with the designer’s initials. Only a limited batch was made in San Francisco, and they can fetch over $100,000.
- 1944 Steel Penny: After switching back to copper in 1944, a few steel blanks accidentally got used. These rare steel stragglers are incredibly valuable.
- 1922 No D Penny: Coins from Denver in 1922 were supposed to carry a “D” mint mark—but a few didn’t. That tiny omission makes these coins highly collectible.
Could You Still Find One Today?
Here’s the wild part—yes, you could. These pennies weren’t locked away in vaults. They were mixed in with everyday change and spent like any other coin. Some have turned up in old coin jars, estate sales, even in bank rolls. The people who found them had no clue what they were holding.
That means there’s still a sliver of hope you might spot one in your spare change. All it takes is a sharp eye, a little curiosity, and maybe some good old-fashioned luck.
What to Do If You Think You’ve Found a 1943 Bronze Penny
So, let’s say you stumble upon a 1943 penny that seems… different.
Here’s what to do:
- Don’t clean it. Let it stay in its original condition.
- Get it checked. Reach out to a professional coin dealer or trusted grading service like PCGS or NGC.
- Consider selling through an auction house or a serious collector if it’s the real deal.
Remember, even a slightly rare version could still be worth thousands—so don’t overlook it.
Final Thoughts: A Penny That Could Change Your Life
It’s kind of crazy, isn’t it? Something as ordinary as a penny—something most people don’t even bend down to pick up—could be worth more than a college education, a dream vacation, or even a solid retirement plan.
That’s the thrill of coin collecting. It’s part history, part treasure hunt, and all-American curiosity rolled into one.
So the next time you’re sifting through spare change, don’t just pass over that old penny. Take a closer look. Because one tiny coin could be your ticket to a million-dollar surprise.
