It’s hard to believe a single penny could be worth nearly $900,000, but that’s exactly the case with one ultra-rare Lincoln Wheat Penny from 1943. Even more shocking — coin experts believe that at least one or two of these rare pennies could still be floating around in circulation today. Found in old coin jars, rolls from the bank, or even tucked inside forgotten collections, this historic penny is a hidden gem worth looking out for.
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So, what makes this small copper coin worth close to a million dollars? And how can you spot one? Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was minted from 1909 to 1958, named for the two wheat stalks on the reverse side. With Abraham Lincoln featured on the obverse, it became the first U.S. coin to feature a real person. While many of these pennies are common, a few rare mint errors — like the one from 1943 — are worth serious money.
Why Is the 1943 Bronze Penny So Valuable?
In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched from using bronze (copper) to zinc-coated steel for pennies to conserve copper for World War II. But by accident, a few bronze blanks were left in the machines and struck into 1943 pennies.
These 1943 bronze pennies are extremely rare — only around a dozen are confirmed to exist, with even fewer from specific mints like Denver (D) or San Francisco (S). One of these rare finds reportedly fetched $900,000 at auction, making it one of the most valuable coins in U.S. history.
How to Identify the $900K Wheat Penny
If you’re checking your coins or going through a collection, here’s how to check if you have this ultra-rare penny:
1. Year & Mint Mark
Look for the date 1943. A penny with no mint mark was made in Philadelphia, while “D” means Denver, and “S” stands for San Francisco. All versions are rare if made of bronze.
2. Color
A copper or brown-colored 1943 penny could be bronze — which is rare. Most 1943 pennies are steel and silver-gray.
3. Magnet Test
Steel pennies stick to a magnet. Bronze does not. If it doesn’t stick, that’s a great sign.
4. Weight
A steel penny weighs about 2.7 grams, while a bronze one weighs around 3.11 grams. You’ll need a precise scale to measure this.
5. Condition
Coins in better condition (little wear, no scratches) are even more valuable.
If you think you have a 1943 bronze penny, contact a reputable coin grading service like PCGS or NGC to get it authenticated and valued.
Still in Circulation? Believe It
Yes, even with its value, experts believe some of these rare 1943 bronze Wheat Pennies are still out there, possibly passed through hands unknowingly for decades. Whether tucked inside a coin jar or hidden in an old coin roll from the bank, the next person to discover one could walk away with close to $900,000.
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The 1943 bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the rarest coins ever produced by the U.S. Mint. Worth up to $900K, it’s not just a coin — it’s a piece of American history. And the fact that one might still be hiding in plain sight makes it all the more thrilling for coin hunters and everyday people alike. So the next time you see a 1943 penny, don’t ignore it — it might just be your lucky day.
FAQ’s
Why is the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $900K?
Because in 1943, pennies were supposed to be made from steel due to wartime copper shortages. A few were mistakenly struck on leftover bronze blanks, making them extremely rare and valuable.
How do I identify a 1943 bronze penny?
Look for a 1943 penny that is brown or copper-colored, does not stick to a magnet, and weighs around 3.11 grams. It may also have a mint mark: no mark (Philadelphia), “D” (Denver), or “S” (San Francisco).
Could the $900K penny still be in circulation?
Yes, experts believe a few of these rare 1943 bronze pennies may still be hidden in circulation, old collections, or coin jars. That’s why it’s worth checking your change carefully.
What should I do if I think I found a rare penny?
If you believe you’ve found a rare 1943 bronze penny, have it professionally evaluated by a grading service like PCGS or NGC to confirm its authenticity and value.
Are all 1943 pennies valuable?
No, most 1943 pennies are made of steel and are only worth a few cents. Only the bronze versions — which are extremely rare — carry high value.
I have old wheat penny’s from 1937 to 1970
I have wheat pennies from 1929 to 1974. What are they worth .
I have a 1937 wheat penny. THE G IS MISSING IN THE WORD GOD
Im not a professional by any means but If you have wheat pennies that are dated after 1958 it seems to me they would be worth a fortune! It clearly say wheat pennies where minted from 1909- 1958 in the first part of this article!
I also do
I have coin can you but
I have the 1956 wheat penny I want to know how much I can get for it please let me know ASAP
I got the 1920 penny..
I like to sell some of them
Hello Reno Jackson,
Do you want to sell your all coins?
I have several steel 1943 pennies that don’t stick to a magnet. What does that mean
Do you pics of you coins?
What color are they and how much does they weigh if they are copper and weigh 3.11 grams then u may have the money penny
I have to
I have much of coins I want to check it’s not old but if you like to take a look I can’t send pictures for you that’s my phone number 973-510-8558 I will leave my name and email
I have 15 wheat penies from 1918 through 1958 if you’re interested get in touch with me.
I have around 1300 wheat pennys I want to sell u interested
I have A 1943 penny
I have wepenys from 1913 to.Nineteen fifty eight
I have 2 wheat pennies dated 1944s
And other 1919wheat penny no mint making
Hello my name is sniper AKA Scott Chase I have multiple bicentennial a nice coin collection and good condition looking to sell need a buyer
I have some Pennies and Dimes that look like they were made wrong. Let me know if you want me to send you what I think is wrong and their pictures. I don’t have a website yet.
What would a 1917 be worth penny?!
What would a 1917 penny be worth ?! Just curious?!
I have a 1937 wheat penny
I have several wheat pennies starting with 1858 Indian head wheat penny also an uncirculated 1955 mint condition…. and much more curious about t h e Indian head pennies tho 1858,1905,6,7,8 also have yellow haired silver dollar my grandfather had for 70 yrs. Don’t know who to talk to.
Hello Shawn Hicks,
You can check your coins value here: https://www.coinvaluechecker.com/penny-value/
You can find your coins seller from here: https://coin-dealer-directory.money.org/
Thank you
And what about a 1936 gold bullion Buffalo nickel
Hello Shawn Hicks,
It value is 1000 usd
I have a lot of 1914 TO 1982 PENNEYS WORTH WELL ALOT BUT I DONT KNOW HOW TO SELL THEM OR TO WHOME I WOULD SELL THEM HELP ME!!! 706-201-5463 CALL OR TEXT ME WITH INFO
Hello Rex,
You can check your coins value here: https://www.coinvaluechecker.com/penny-value/
You can find your coins seller from here: https://coin-dealer-directory.money.org/
Thanks
I also do
HELLO GOOD DAY THERE MAY YOU PLEASE ME SELL COINS 1969 LIBERTT QUARTER DOLLAR 1930 ONE DOLLAR 2000 ONE DOLLAR & OTHERS THANKS
I have a 1945 wheat penny minted d n two 1953 wheat pennies non magnetic
It means that it’s not magnetic it could be bronze …not magnetic is good
I have more than 5 how can I sell it?
Hello Nelson,
You can sell your coins here: https://www.greatcollections.com/
Hi ..I have this coins and few rare coins.. and I want to sell! Can you help?
Yes Susheela,
We will help you to sell your coins
I have 2 1943 wheat pennies an a 1943 silver wheat penny
I have other silver quarters nickels dimes and a buffalo head nickel respond back
I also have silver quarters nickels and dimes and a buffalo head nickel
What if I have a steel Lincoln wheat penny and 7 regular wheat penny’s all in decent condition
1906 penny I got
I have a 1906 penny
Who do i contact if i have this penny?
Here you can contact: https://coin-dealer-directory.money.org/