Most people don’t think twice about their spare change—but what if one of those pennies was worth nearly $1 million? One rare Lincoln Wheat Penny has recently fetched $950,000 at auction, and experts say there may still be a few hidden in old change jars, forgotten coin collections, or even in circulation today.
Why This 1943 Penny Is So Special
During World War II, copper became a critical material needed for making ammunition and military equipment. As a result, the U.S. Mint produced most 1943 pennies using steel coated with zinc instead of copper. But due to a minting error, a few copper blanks from 1942 were mistakenly used to make some of the 1943 pennies.
These rare 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Pennies are among the most valuable error coins ever discovered. Fewer than 15 authentic examples are known to exist, and their extreme rarity—combined with their historic significance—makes them incredibly valuable to collectors.
How to Identify a 1943 Copper Wheat Penny
Think you might have one of these rare coins? Here’s what to check:
- The Date: It must be stamped 1943.
- Color: A valuable version will have a reddish-brown or copper tone, not the silvery-gray color typical of steel pennies.
- Magnet Test: Steel pennies will stick to a magnet, while copper ones will not.
- Weight: Copper pennies weigh about 3.11 grams, heavier than steel pennies which weigh around 2.7 grams.
Keep in mind: Many fakes exist. Some altered steel pennies are copper-coated, or a different year’s date is changed to resemble 1943. That’s why expert authentication is essential.
Where You Might Find One
It’s rare—but not impossible—to find valuable pennies in everyday places. Some examples include:
- Inherited coin collections stored away for decades
- Old jars or containers full of change from parents or grandparents
- Estate sales, yard sales, or flea markets where old coins are sold without expert review
- Bank rolls of pennies searched by collectors hoping for a surprise
What to Do If You Think You’ve Found One
If you suspect you have a 1943 copper penny:
- Don’t clean it! Cleaning can damage the coin and significantly reduce its value.
- Contact a professional coin expert or local coin dealer for a first look.
- Submit it to a grading service like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) for verification and certification.
- Consider auctioning through a reputable numismatic auction house for the best return.
Final Thoughts
It’s amazing to think that an ordinary penny could be worth as much as $950,000. These rare coins often go unnoticed for years, sitting quietly in collections or jars. So next time you’re sorting through your change, take a closer look—you might just discover a once-in-a-lifetime treasure hiding in plain sight.
FAQs
Q: Are all 1943 pennies valuable?
A: No. Most are made of steel and worth just a few cents. Only the copper version is rare and valuable.
Q: Can I find one in circulation today?
A: It’s highly unlikely, but still possible. Rare coins have turned up in everyday change before.
Q: How much is a 1943 copper penny worth?
A: Depending on its condition and where it’s sold, it could be worth hundreds of thousands—even close to $1 million.
Q: Can I sell it myself?
A: For the best price, it’s smart to go through a professional grading and auction process to ensure authenticity and attract serious buyers.