What if a simple penny in your change jar was actually worth $700,000? It might sound far-fetched, but one rare version of the Lincoln Wheat Penny has stunned coin collectors with its extraordinary value — and incredibly, experts believe this historic coin could still be in circulation today.
Let’s explore what makes this penny so special, how to identify it, and why it’s turning heads in the world of rare U.S. coins.
What Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, first minted in 1909, was produced until 1958. Known for the wheat stalks on the reverse side and President Abraham Lincoln on the front, it’s one of the most iconic coins in U.S. history. While most Wheat Pennies are worth just a few cents, certain rare versions — due to minting errors or limited production — are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The $700,000 Lincoln Penny: What Makes It So Rare?
The penny in question is an extremely rare 1943-S bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny — struck at the San Francisco Mint. In 1943, due to wartime metal conservation, the U.S. Mint produced pennies using zinc-coated steel instead of copper. However, a few bronze blanks (used in earlier years) were mistakenly fed into the press.
Only a handful of these 1943-S bronze cents are known to exist, making them one of the most valuable coins in U.S. history. One of these coins fetched $700,000 at auction, and some numismatists believe there may still be undiscovered examples out in the wild.
How to Identify the $700K Penny
If you’re curious whether you might have one of these life-changing coins, here are the signs to look for:
1. Year and Mint Mark
It must say 1943 and have a small “S” mint mark just below the year, indicating it was minted in San Francisco.
2. Color
Unlike the typical silver-gray 1943 steel penny, a rare bronze version will be brown or copper-colored.
3. Magnet Test
Steel pennies stick to a magnet. Bronze pennies do not. If your 1943-S penny doesn’t stick, it’s worth investigating further.
4. Weight
A bronze penny weighs about 3.11 grams, while a steel penny weighs around 2.7 grams. Use a precise digital scale to check.
If your coin checks all these boxes, it’s time to contact a certified coin grading company like PCGS or NGC for professional authentication.
Could It Still Be in Circulation?
Yes — it’s very possible. These rare pennies have sometimes been found in old coin collections, bank rolls, or even loose change. With millions of coins still circulating from that era, it’s not impossible that a 1943-S bronze Wheat Penny is hiding in someone’s coin jar or pocket.
Why It Matters
Beyond the dollar value, coins like the 1943-S bronze penny tell a story. They offer a glimpse into history, showing how a small mistake at the U.S. Mint turned into a collector’s treasure decades later. It’s a perfect example of how rare coins can hold immense historical and monetary value.
The legendary 1943-S bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny remains one of the rarest and most sought-after coins in the world. Valued at $700,000, this tiny piece of metal holds the potential to change someone’s life — and it may still be waiting to be found. Whether you’re a serious coin collector or just someone who empties their pockets at the end of the day, take a closer look. Your penny might just be worth a fortune.
FAQ’s
What makes the 1943-S Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $700K?
The 1943-S bronze penny is extremely rare because most pennies that year were made from steel. A few were mistakenly struck using leftover bronze blanks, making them incredibly valuable.
How do I know if I have a 1943-S bronze penny?
Check the color (copper/brown), look for the ‘S’ mint mark under the date, test it with a magnet (it shouldn’t stick), and weigh it (bronze coins weigh 3.11 grams).
Can a rare 1943-S Wheat Penny still be found in circulation?
Yes, it’s possible. Some rare coins remain unnoticed in jars, old collections, or bank rolls. Experts believe a few of these rare pennies may still be out there.
Where can I verify if my penny is valuable?
Send it to a professional coin grading service like PCGS or NGC. They can authenticate, grade, and estimate the market value of your coin.
Why did the U.S. Mint use steel for pennies in 1943?
During World War II, copper was needed for the war effort, so the Mint used zinc-coated steel to produce pennies. This is why bronze versions from that year are so rare.
I have a 19 45 penny and I got a 1943 penny the 1943 penny is silver I got a 1935 wheat Penny 1952 wheat Penny I got a 19 51 wheat penny I got a 1934 wheat penny I’m not silver but Brown I like to know how can I sell my pennies and myself pennies they’re all wheat pennies???
Hello Maricela,
You can sell your coin here:
https://coin-dealer-directory.money.org/