Let’s face it—most of us don’t think twice about pennies. They’re the coins we leave in tip jars, forget in couch cushions, or toss into a jar on the kitchen counter. But what if one of those tiny copper coins could be worth $1.7 million?
Sounds unbelievable, right? Well, believe it. A rare version of the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny, made from bronze instead of steel, has sold for that exact jaw-dropping amount. And here’s the real kicker: experts believe a few of these rare pennies may still be out there, hiding in plain sight.
What’s the Story Behind the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, also called the Wheat Cent, made its debut in 1909, marking the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. It was a major milestone—it was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person, breaking tradition from symbols and allegorical figures used in earlier designs.
Crafted by designer Victor David Brenner, the coin shows Lincoln’s profile on the front and two simple wheat stalks on the back—symbolizing growth, prosperity, and America’s agricultural roots. It remained in circulation until 1958, when it was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial design.
Now, while millions of these pennies were minted over the years, one year in particular—1943—became the stuff of legend.
Why Is the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny Worth $1.7 Million?
Most Wheat Pennies are only worth face value, maybe a few bucks if they’re in excellent condition. But the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny? That’s a whole different story.
Let’s take a step back. During World War II, copper was in high demand for making ammunition and military equipment. So in 1943, the U.S. Mint made a change—all pennies were supposed to be made from zinc-coated steel instead of copper.
But in the midst of this massive production shift, a few bronze (copper) blanks from 1942 were accidentally left in the machines. The result? A handful of 1943 pennies were mistakenly struck in bronze—an error that turned a common coin into one of the rarest and most valuable coins in American history.
Only about 15 to 20 of these bronze 1943 pennies are known to exist. And because of their scarcity and unique wartime backstory, one of them was sold in a private transaction for an astounding $1.7 million.
How to Tell If You Have One of These Rare Pennies
Think you might’ve struck gold—or in this case, rare bronze? Here are a few quick tests you can do:
- Magnet Test: Regular 1943 steel pennies are magnetic. If your 1943 penny doesn’t stick to a magnet, that’s a very good sign.
- Color Check: Steel pennies look silver or gray. The rare bronze versions have a reddish-brown copper color.
- Weight Test: Steel pennies weigh about 2.7 grams. The rare bronze ones are a bit heavier at 3.11 grams.
- Mint Mark: Check for mint marks like “D” (Denver) or “S” (San Francisco). While they all add value, the material and year are what really count here.
If your penny passes all those tests, it might be time to call in a professional.
Other Lincoln Wheat Pennies Worth Big Bucks
The 1943 Bronze Penny isn’t the only Lincoln Wheat Cent worth serious money. There are other hidden gems collectors are eager to find:
- 1909-S VDB Penny – The very first Lincoln penny ever made, featuring the initials of designer Victor D. Brenner. Only a small number were minted, and these can be worth over $100,000.
- 1944 Steel Penny – After the Mint went back to copper in 1944, a few steel blanks were accidentally used. These rare mistakes are worth a fortune.
- 1922 No D Penny – This Denver-minted penny accidentally lost its mint mark. Because of that small error, it’s become one of the most sought-after coins from the 1920s.
Could You Still Find One Today?
Surprisingly, yes.
These rare pennies weren’t scooped up right away—they were mixed in with regular coins and spent just like any other penny. Over the years, some have popped up in coin jars, flea markets, estate sales, and even bank coin rolls. People often have no idea what they’re holding.
That means there’s still a slim but real chance you could find one. All it takes is a sharp eye—and maybe a little bit of luck.
What to Do If You Think You Have a 1943 Bronze Penny
If you stumble across a penny that fits the description, don’t clean it! Cleaning can actually reduce its value.
Instead, here’s what you should do:
- Leave it untouched.
- Get it authenticated by a reputable coin dealer or grading service like PCGS or NGC.
- Explore selling options through coin auctions or trusted collectors.
If it’s the real deal, your penny could be worth hundreds of thousands—or even millions.
Final Thoughts
It’s wild to think that a single penny—something most of us don’t even bother picking up off the ground—could be worth more than a house, a luxury car, or even a retirement fund. But that’s exactly what makes coin collecting so fascinating.
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most thrilling discoveries in numismatic history, and it proves that hidden treasures really can exist in the most ordinary places.
So the next time you’re going through your spare change, take a second to look a little closer.
Because one small penny could be your big break.