Most of us barely notice the coins rattling around in our pockets. But what if one of those pennies could actually be worth a fortune? Believe it or not, some rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies have sold for as much as $870,000—and even up to $1.7 million. Yes, for a one-cent coin.
Even more surprising? A few of these ultra-rare coins might still be in circulation today. Let’s look at why these pennies are worth so much, and how you might find one in your everyday change.
History
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, also called the Wheat Cent, was first minted in 1909 to commemorate the 100th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln. It made history as the first U.S. coin to feature a real person.
Designed by Victor David Brenner, the penny shows Lincoln’s portrait on the front. The reverse features two stalks of wheat symbolizing prosperity. These coins were minted until 1958, when the design changed to feature the Lincoln Memorial.
Value
While most Lincoln Wheat Pennies are worth just a few cents, some are extremely rare—and extremely valuable. One of the most famous is the 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny.
In 1943, during World War II, the U.S. Mint made pennies from steel coated with zinc to conserve copper for military use. But by accident, a few bronze blanks were used to create coins that year. The result? An error coin that collectors would go wild for.
Here’s what makes the 1943 Bronze Penny so special:
- Only a handful were made by mistake
- Most 1943 pennies are steel (silver in color), not bronze (brown/copper)
- A 1943 bronze penny sold for $1.7 million in 2010
- Another was purchased for $870,000 in 2019
Some wild rumors online suggest that $5 million or even $300 million versions exist, but no solid proof backs that up. Professional coin graders have confirmed that only a few genuine bronze 1943 pennies exist.
Still in Circulation?
Yes, it’s possible—though extremely rare. Over the decades, some valuable coins have stayed in circulation simply because people didn’t realize what they had. So yes, you could technically find a treasure in a coin jar, a thrift store register, or even in your own change.
Other Rare U.S. Coins to Know
The 1943 Bronze Penny isn’t the only valuable U.S. coin out there. Here are a few others that have reached eye-watering values:
| Coin | Sold Price | Why It’s Valuable |
|---|---|---|
| 1933 Double Eagle | $18.8 million | Only 12 exist; design and historical rarity |
| 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar | $10 million | First U.S. silver dollar ever minted |
| 1972 Doubled Die Penny | Up to $1,000 | Minting error causes doubled images |
| 2005-D “Speared Bison” Nickel | Up to $1,500 | Rare die gouge through the buffalo design |
| 1982 No Mint Mark Dime | Up to $10,000 | Mint error – missing mint mark |
Even modern coins with minting mistakes can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars.
What to Look For
Think you might have a valuable coin? Here’s how to check if your 1943 penny could be worth a small fortune:
| Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Year | It must say “1943” |
| Color | Should be copper-brown, not silver |
| Magnet Test | Should not stick to a magnet |
| Condition | Good condition increases value |
Steel pennies will stick to a magnet. The rare 1943 bronze ones won’t.
What to Do If You Find One
- Don’t clean the coin — that could ruin its value.
- Take it to a certified coin dealer or numismatist for professional evaluation.
- If it’s genuine, consider having it authenticated and graded by a trusted service.
- Look into selling options through auctions or collectors.
Final Thought
Most of us walk past pennies without giving them a second glance. But a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny — especially from 1943 — could be worth more than a luxury home. Even if you don’t find a million-dollar coin, many old U.S. coins have surprising value.
Start checking your pocket change, your old coin jars, and even the back of your couch. You never know — your next coin could be a life-changing finding.
FAQs
How much is a 1943 bronze penny worth?
It can be worth up to $1.7 million depending on condition.
How do I know if my 1943 penny is rare?
It should be copper-colored and not stick to a magnet.
Should I clean a rare penny?
No. Cleaning can damage the coin and lower its value.
Are rare coins still in circulation?
Yes, though rare, some valuable coins may still be in circulation.
Where can I get my coin appraised?
Visit a certified coin dealer or professional numismatist.
