Did you know there’s a penny worth $45 million that might be hiding in someone’s pocket change? It’s true! The 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the rarest coins in American history, and what makes it exciting is that it could still be out there waiting to be discovered.
What Makes This Penny So Special?
During World War II, the United States needed copper for military equipment. To help the war effort, the government decided to make pennies out of steel instead of copper in 1943. However, a few copper pennies were accidentally made that year – creating one of the biggest mistakes in U.S. Mint history!
These rare copper pennies from 1943 are extremely valuable because:
- They were never supposed to exist
- Fewer than 20 are known to exist in the world
- They represent an important time in American history
- Collectors are willing to pay millions to own one
Key Details: The $45 Million Lincoln Wheat Penny
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 1943 |
| Material | Copper (when it should be steel) |
| Designer | Victor David Brenner |
| What Happened | Do not stick to a magnet |
| How Many Exist | Fewer than 20 known worldwide |
| Weight | About 3.11 grams (heavier than steel pennies) |
| Appearance | Reddish-brown color (not silvery like 1943 steel pennies) |
| Magnet Test | Still possible to find it in circulation, but very unlikely |
| Why So Valuable | Extremely rare wartime error + high collector demand |
| Current Status | Still possible to find in circulation, but very unlikely |
The Story Behind the Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny first appeared in 1909 to celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. It was the first U.S. coin to show a real person rather than just symbols! The coin shows Lincoln’s face on the front and two wheat stalks on the back, which is why it’s called the “Wheat Penny.”
This design was used until 1958 when the wheat stalks were replaced with the Lincoln Memorial. Even regular Lincoln Wheat Pennies have become collectible today, but none come close to the value of the 1943 copper version.
How to Spot the $45 Million Penny
If you think you might have found this rare treasure, here’s how to check:
- Look at the date: It must say 1943.
- Check the color: It should be copper (reddish-brown), not silvery-gray like other 1943 pennies.
- Try the magnet test: Regular 1943 pennies stick to magnets because they’re made of steel. If your 1943 penny does NOT stick to a magnet, it might be copper!
- Weigh it if possible: Copper pennies weigh about 3.11 grams, while steel pennies are lighter at 2.7 grams.
If your penny passes these tests, you should take it to a professional coin expert (called a numismatist) for proper testing. Be careful though – there are fake copper 1943 pennies out there!
Where to Look for Valuable Pennies
While finding a $45 million penny is extremely unlikely, it’s not impossible! Here are some places to search:
- Your pocket change: Always check your pennies before spending them.
- Old piggy banks or coin jars: Many people collect coins for years without checking them.
- Inherited collections: Family members might have collected coins without knowing their value.
- Estate sales and flea markets: Valuable coins are sometimes sold by people who don’t know what they have.
- Coin rolls from banks: Some collectors buy rolls of pennies from banks to search through them.
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
While the 1943 copper penny is the most valuable, there are other Lincoln Wheat Pennies worth looking for:
- 1909-S VDB: These pennies have the designer’s initials (VDB) on them and were only made in small numbers at the San Francisco Mint. They can be worth thousands of dollars.
- 1914-D: Pennies made at the Denver Mint in 1914 are rare and valuable.
- 1922 Plain: Some 1922 pennies were made without the “D” mint mark due to worn equipment, making them valuable mistakes.
- 1955 Double Die: This penny shows a double image because of a minting error, making it worth thousands.
Why Collectors Love These Pennies
What makes people willing to pay millions for a penny? It’s not just about the money – it’s about the story. The 1943 copper penny represents a fascinating mistake made during an important time in history. It connects us to the past and the challenges Americans faced during World War II.
For collectors, owning such a rare coin is like holding a piece of history in your hand. It’s also a bit like winning the lottery – finding something worth millions that others have overlooked!
What To Do If You Find One
If you think you’ve found a valuable penny:
- Handle it carefully (hold it by the edges to avoid damaging it)
- Don’t clean it (cleaning can reduce a coin’s value)
- Store it in a safe place
- Take it to a professional coin dealer for authentication
- Consider having it officially graded and certified
The Thrill of the Hunt
Even if you never find a million-dollar penny, searching for valuable coins can be a fun hobby. Many people enjoy “coin roll hunting” – buying rolls of coins from banks and searching through them for treasures. It’s like a treasure hunt that anyone can participate in!
Next time you receive change, take a moment to look at your pennies. While the chances are slim, you never know – you might just be holding a fortune in the palm of your hand!
