Imagine finding a penny in your pocket that’s worth more than a brand-new Ferrari. Sounds like something out of a movie, right? But believe it or not, it’s real—a rare 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny once sold for an incredible $770,000 at auction, and it might still be out there in someone’s loose change.
Yep, the next time you scoop a handful of coins out of your car’s cup holder or check under the couch cushions, it might be worth giving those pennies a closer look.
What Makes the Lincoln Wheat Penny So Special?
Let’s start with a bit of coin history. The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first minted in 1909 to celebrate the 100th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person—a huge shift from the traditional designs of Lady Liberty and eagles.
The front shows Lincoln’s profile, along with “In God We Trust” and “Liberty.” On the back? Two wheat stalks, which is how it got the nickname “Wheat Penny.” These coins were produced until 1958, and while most of them are only worth face value, some are now incredibly rare and valuable.
So Why Did One Sell for $770,000?
Here’s where it gets really interesting.
In 1943, the U.S. Mint made pennies out of steel instead of copper to save valuable materials for World War II efforts. But—and here’s the twist—a few copper blanks from 1942 were accidentally used to mint 1943 pennies. That little mistake? It turned these bronze-colored coins into one of the most coveted treasures in American coin collecting.
Only a tiny handful of these 1943 bronze Lincoln Wheat Pennies are known to exist. One of them went under the hammer for $770,000, and it’s entirely possible there are more out there, just waiting to be found.
How Can You Tell If You Have the Rare One?
Think you might be holding onto one of these rare gems? Here’s a quick guide to spotting a potential jackpot:
- Check the Date: It must say 1943.
- Do the Magnet Test: If your penny sticks to a magnet, it’s steel and not the rare bronze version. No stick? You might be onto something!
- Look at the Color: Steel pennies look silver. The rare 1943 bronze penny has a warm, copper or reddish-brown tone.
- Weigh It: The bronze version weighs around 3.11 grams, while the steel penny is lighter—about 2.7 grams.
If your penny checks all these boxes, don’t clean it or try to shine it up. That can actually lower its value. Instead, take it to a trusted coin dealer or appraiser to get it professionally authenticated.
Other Rare Lincoln Pennies Worth Big Bucks
Even if you don’t strike gold with a 1943 bronze penny, there are plenty of other valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies worth looking for:
- 1909-S VDB Penny – One of the first ever made, with a super low mintage. Valued up to $100,000.
- 1955 Double Die Penny – Has a noticeable “double vision” look due to a printing error. Can sell for $1,500 to $50,000.
- 1944 Steel Penny – Another rare minting mistake, the opposite of the 1943 bronze penny. Worth over $100,000.
Could the $770K Penny Still Be in Circulation?
Believe it or not—yes. Since these bronze pennies were never meant to be made, they were accidentally released into the public, just like any normal coin. That means one could be hiding in an old piggy bank, a forgotten change jar, or even mixed in with your grocery store change.
There have been stories of rare coins popping up in estate sales, garage sales, and flea markets. So don’t dismiss your spare change too quickly—it might just hold a piece of American history.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Overlook the Humble Penny
Most people don’t think twice about a penny. They leave them in tip jars or toss them aside like they don’t matter. But every once in a while, one of those pennies turns out to be worth a fortune.
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny is proof that treasures don’t always come in big, flashy packages. Sometimes, they’re hiding in plain sight—quiet, unassuming, and waiting to be discovered.
So the next time you get a handful of change, take a closer look. That little copper coin could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars—and might just change your life.
