Did you know that a single penny could be worth more than a luxury car? It’s true. One rare version of the Lincoln Wheat Penny recently fetched an incredible 395,438 dollars at auction.
What’s wild is that this rare coin might still be hiding in someone’s spare change. So if you’ve got a handful of old coins lying around, now might be the perfect time to check them out.
Let’s look into what makes this coin so valuable and how you can tell if you have one.
History
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was introduced in 1909. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person—President Abraham Lincoln. On the back, you’ll see two stalks of wheat, which is why it’s known as the Wheat Penny. These coins were minted from 1909 until 1958, when the design was replaced with the Lincoln Memorial.
People collect Wheat Pennies not just for their history but also for the surprises they hold. And one surprise, in particular, made headlines: the 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny.
Value
Most Lincoln Wheat Pennies are worth just a few cents or maybe a dollar. But one rare 1943 version was sold for 395,438 dollars. Why? It all comes down to a minting mistake during World War II.
In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched from using copper to steel for pennies. Copper was needed for military equipment. So, all 1943 pennies were supposed to be made of steel and coated in zinc, giving them a silver color.
But a few bronze blanks—left over from 1942—accidentally made it into the machines. These pennies look brown or copper-colored, and they’re made from the same material as older pennies. Only around 10 to 20 of these bronze 1943 Wheat Pennies are known to exist today.
Identification
Think you might have one? Here’s what to check:
- date: look for the year 1943
- color: most 1943 pennies are steel and silver-colored. If yours is brown or copper, that’s a good sign
- magnet test: use a refrigerator magnet. Steel pennies will stick. Bronze ones won’t
- condition: coins in excellent shape—shiny, clear details, no damage—are worth more
If you believe you’ve found a rare penny, don’t clean it. That can reduce its value. Instead, have it inspected by a coin expert or submit it to a grading service.
Circulation
You might be wondering how a coin worth nearly 400,000 dollars could still be out there. Well, it happens. Rare coins can end up in circulation by mistake or be forgotten in jars and drawers.
Someone might inherit a coin collection and not realize what they have. It only takes one overlooked penny to turn into a life-changing discovery.
That’s why coin collectors often go through spare change—just in case.
Collecting
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most loved coins among collectors. Between 1909 and 1958, many varieties were made, including special mint marks, limited runs, and printing errors. Some have double dates, missing details, or were struck off-center—all of which can increase their value.
It’s a fun and affordable hobby to start. And if you get lucky, it could be a profitable one too.
Finding a penny that’s worth 395,438 dollars may sound like a fairytale, but it’s not. Thanks to a minting mistake during a critical moment in history, the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny has become one of the most valuable coins in the United States.
And the best part? One could still be out there, just waiting to be found in someone’s pocket, coin jar, or wallet.
So the next time you get change from the store, take a quick look. That little penny might just be your golden ticket.
FAQs
What is a 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny?
A rare penny mistakenly made from bronze instead of steel during WWII.
How much is a 1943 Bronze Penny worth?
One sold for 395,438 dollars due to its rarity and historical error.
How can I test if my 1943 penny is bronze?
Use a magnet—steel pennies stick, bronze ones don’t.
Should I clean an old coin before selling it?
No, cleaning can lower its value. Let experts evaluate it as-is.
Are Wheat Pennies still in circulation?
Yes, some still turn up in jars, wallets, or as loose change.
