Most people don’t expect to find a small fortune in their loose change, but a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny has shocked collectors by selling for up to $770,000. That’s right—one tiny copper coin could change your life. Whether you’re a serious coin collector or just curious about the pennies in your pocket, here’s everything you need to know about this valuable coin and how to spot others like it.
Knowing
The Lincoln Wheat Penny has been in circulation for over a century, but some rare versions are worth thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars. One of the most famous is the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny, which has become the holy grail for coin hunters across the country.
While millions of pennies were minted, just a handful of 1943 bronze examples exist today due to a striking error at the U.S. Mint. The rarity and backstory make this penny one of the most exciting finds in U.S. numismatic history.
Coin Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Most Valuable Penny | 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny |
| Max Sale Price | $770,000 |
| Other Rare Pennies | 1909-S VDB, 1955 Double Die, 1944 Steel |
| Key Identifiers | Date, weight, magnet test, color |
| Verification Services | PCGS, NGC, local coin dealers |
History
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was introduced in 1909 to celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. Designed by Victor David Brenner, it became the first U.S. coin to feature a real person and stayed in circulation until 1958.
The front of the coin shows a portrait of Lincoln, while the back displays two wheat stalks surrounding the words “One Cent.” Coins were minted in Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S).
Though most Wheat Pennies are common, several rare types are worth a lot due to errors or unusual metal content.
Value
Some Lincoln Wheat Pennies became valuable for five key reasons:
- Rare minting years with low production numbers
- Unusual metal compositions, especially during wartime
- Minting errors like double strikes or off-center stamps
- High demand from collectors
- Excellent condition or uncirculated grade
The 1943 bronze penny checks all these boxes. It’s a mistake that occurred when leftover bronze blanks were accidentally used during the production of steel cents in 1943.
Identification
To find out if you’ve struck gold—or bronze—use these simple tests:
How to Spot a 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny
- Check the Date: Must read 1943.
- Use a Magnet: Steel pennies stick to a magnet. Bronze ones don’t.
- Weigh It: Bronze pennies weigh 3.11 grams; steel ones weigh 2.7 grams.
- Look at the Color: Bronze has a reddish-brown tone, while steel is gray-silver.
If your 1943 penny passes these checks, take it to a professional grading service for verification. PCGS and NGC are the top authorities.
Other Rare Wheat Pennies to Look For
- 1909-S VDB Penny
Worth: $50,000 to $100,000
Look for the S mint mark below the date and tiny “VDB” initials on the reverse bottom. - 1955 Double Die Penny
Worth: $1,500 to $50,000
Letters in “Liberty” and “In God We Trust” will appear doubled. - 1944 Steel Penny
Worth: Over $100,000
Should be made of copper, but if it’s steel and magnetic—it’s a rare error coin.
Where to Search
Rare coins like these can still pop up in unexpected places. Check:
- Old jars of coins
- Your pocket change
- Coin rolls from the bank
- Family heirlooms or collections
- Garage sales and estate auctions
- Online marketplaces like eBay or Heritage Auctions
Some coin collectors even buy rolls of pennies just to search through them for treasures.
Checking a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny takes some luck, but a little knowledge goes a long way. By knowing what to look for and how to verify a coin, you might just uncover a life-changing surprise in your spare change.
FAQs
Why is the 1943 Bronze Penny so valuable?
It’s a rare minting error worth up to $770,000.
How can I test my 1943 penny?
Use a magnet, weigh it, and check its color.
What is the rarest Wheat Penny?
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny tops the list.
Where can I get a coin authenticated?
Try PCGS, NGC, or a certified local coin dealer.
What are other valuable pennies?
1909-S VDB, 1955 Double Die, and 1944 Steel Penny.
