Have you ever looked at a simple penny and thought, “Could this be worth something?” Well, you might be surprised to learn that one version of the Lincoln Wheat Penny has been valued at an unbelievable $1.8 million—and according to experts, it might still be in circulation.
This blog will tell you what makes this rare coin so special, how to identify it, and why it could still be hiding in someone’s pocket, coin jar, or purse.
What Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, also called the Wheat Cent, was minted in the United States from 1909 to 1958. It features the face of Abraham Lincoln on one side and two wheat stalks on the other. These coins are already loved by collectors, but one version in particular—the 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny—is what’s causing all the excitement.
Why Is the 1943 Lincoln Penny Worth $1.8 Million?
In 1943, due to World War II, the U.S. Mint started making pennies using zinc-coated steel instead of copper. However, a small number of pennies were accidentally struck using bronze (a copper alloy) instead.
One of these rare 1943 bronze pennies, especially one with the “D” mint mark for Denver, has been sold for a record $1.8 million. Only a handful are known to exist, which is why they are worth a fortune to collectors.
Could This Rare Penny Still Be in Circulation?
Yes, it’s possible. Many of these coins went unnoticed for decades. Some might still be lying in old drawers, piggy banks, or coin collections—or even being passed around in everyday transactions. Since these coins look almost like normal pennies to the untrained eye, they could still be in circulation, waiting to be discovered.
How to Identify the $1.8 Million Penny
Here’s how you can check if your penny might be the rare 1943 bronze one:
- Year: Look for the year 1943 on the coin.
- Color: If it looks brown or copper-coloured instead of silver, that’s a sign.
- Mint Mark: A small “D” under the year means it was minted in Denver.
- Magnet Test: Steel pennies stick to a magnet. Bronze ones won’t.
- Weight: Bronze pennies weigh around 3.11 grams. Steel ones are lighter.
If your penny matches all these signs, you could be holding a fortune.
The idea that a small, everyday penny could be worth $1.8 million is truly mind-blowing. It’s a reminder that hidden treasures can be found in the most unexpected places. If you’ve got an old jar of coins lying around, this is your sign to take a closer look—you just might find a piece of history that could change your life.
FAQ’s
What makes the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $1.8 million?
In 1943, pennies were supposed to be made of steel due to the war. A few were mistakenly made in bronze. These rare errors are now worth up to $1.8 million.
How can I tell if I have the rare 1943 bronze penny?
Look for a 1943 penny that is brown or copper-colored, does not stick to a magnet, has a ‘D’ mint mark, and weighs around 3.11 grams.
Can the rare 1943 bronze penny still be in circulation?
Yes, experts believe a few of these coins may still be in circulation or hidden in coin jars, wallets, or collections. They often go unnoticed.
What should I do if I find a suspicious 1943 penny?
Do not spend it. Have it evaluated by a professional coin grading service or a trusted coin dealer to determine if it’s genuine and valuable.
Are there other valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies?
Yes. Other valuable ones include the 1909-S VDB penny and the 1955 Doubled Die penny, both highly sought after by collectors.
