Ever found an old penny in your pocket and wondered if it’s worth more than a cent? Believe it or not, some pennies could be worth millions! One such treasure is the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny, a rare coin that’s making waves in the coin collecting world. While no penny has sold for $220 million yet, this coin’s value could skyrocket. Let’s explore what makes this penny so special, how to spot it, and where you might find one.
What Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first made in 1909 to celebrate President Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person instead of a symbol. The front shows Lincoln’s face, and the back has two wheat stalks, representing America’s growth and wealth.
These pennies were produced until 1958, when the design changed to show the Lincoln Memorial. Most Wheat Pennies are worth just a few cents today, but a few rare ones are incredibly valuable.
Why Is a Penny Worth So Much?
So, what makes a penny worth millions? It’s all about a mistake during World War II.
The 1943 Copper Penny: A Rare Mistake
In 1943, World War II meant copper was needed for military supplies like bullets. So, the U.S. Mint switched to making pennies from steel coated with zinc. But a few copper blanks from 1942 accidentally got used, creating a tiny number of 1943 copper pennies.
These coins are super rare:
- Only a few are known to exist.
- One sold for $1.7 million in 2010.
- Another went for nearly $1 million in a private sale.
- Some collectors think a perfect, uncirculated 1943 copper penny could be worth up to $220 million!
While $220 million is more of a dream than reality right now, these coins are still worth a fortune.
How to Spot a Rare 1943 Penny
Got some old pennies? Here’s how to check if you’ve got a treasure:
1. Check the Date
Look for a 1943 penny. That’s the first clue.
2. Try the Magnet Test
Most 1943 pennies are steel and will stick to a magnet. A copper penny won’t stick.
3. Weigh the Penny
Steel pennies weigh about 2.7 grams, while copper pennies weigh around 3.11 grams. Use a digital scale to check.
4. Look for the Mint Mark
1943 pennies were made in three places: Philadelphia (no mark), Denver (“D”), or San Francisco (“S”). Any of these could be a rare copper penny.
Where Can You Find a Rare Penny?
You don’t need to be a treasure hunter to find a valuable penny. They’ve been found in everyday places like:
- Loose change in your pocket
- Old jars or piggy banks
- Family coin collections
- Penny rolls from the bank (some collectors hunt through these)
If you have a stash of old pennies, it’s time to start looking!
What to Do If You Think You Found a Rare Penny
Think you’ve got a 1943 copper penny? Don’t sell it online right away. Follow these steps:
1. Visit a Coin Expert
Take your penny to a trusted coin dealer for a professional opinion.
2. Get It Graded
Send the penny to a grading service like PCGS or NGC to verify it’s real and assess its condition.
3. Sell at Auction
If it’s genuine, auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers can help you get the best price—maybe even a record-breaking one!
Is There Really a $220 Million Penny?
No 1943 copper penny has sold for $220 million—yet. But with the right condition and a wealthy collector, it’s not impossible. These rare pennies are real and worth far more than a cent.
Conclusion
Next time you find a penny, don’t toss it aside. That small coin could be a piece of history worth millions! Check your change, dig through old jars, and keep an eye out for a 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny. With a little luck, you might just find a treasure that changes your life.