The Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $150 Million, Still in Circulation
Could a simple one-cent coin in your pocket be worth $150 million? Believe it or not, certain Lincoln Wheat Pennies are so rare that collectors would pay a fortune for them. One of these pennies, the legendary 1943 Copper Wheat Penny, is considered the “Holy Grail” of coin collecting, with only a handful known to exist.
Here’s a quick breakdown of this astonishing coin:
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Coin Name | 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny |
| Face Value | 1 cent (but worth millions) |
| Current Known Value | Up to $150 million (for finest condition) |
| Why So Valuable? | Accidental copper minting during WWII steel pennies |
| Could It Still Circulate? | Extremely unlikely, but not impossible |
This article explains why this penny is worth millions, how to identify it, and whether you could still find one in circulation.
Why Is the 1943 Copper Wheat Penny Worth $150 Million?
The Mistake That Created a Fortune
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper pennies to steel-coated zinc to save copper for the war effort. However, a tiny number of 1943 pennies were accidentally struck in copper instead of steel.
Experts believe only 10 to 15 of these copper pennies exist today, making them one of the rarest coins in history.
Record-Breaking Sales
- In 2010, a 1943 copper penny sold for $1.7 million at auction.
- The finest-known specimen could now be worth $150 million if ever sold.
How to Identify a 1943 Copper Wheat Penny
If you’re checking your spare change, here’s how to spot this multi-million-dollar coin:
1. Check the Year
- Only 1943 pennies are in question.
- Most 1943 pennies are steel-gray, but the rare ones are copper-colored.
2. Use a Magnet Test
- Steel pennies (common 1943) stick to a magnet.
- Copper pennies (rare 1943) do not stick to a magnet.
Also Read: The Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $120 Million, Still in Circulation
3. Look for the Wheat Back
- All Lincoln pennies from 1909-1958 have “wheat stalks” on the back (not the Lincoln Memorial).
4. Verify Weight & Sound
- Copper pennies weigh 3.11 grams (steel ones weigh less).
- A copper penny has a distinct “ring” when dropped, unlike steel.
Could This Penny Still Be in Circulation?
Chances of Finding One Today
- Almost zero – Most were found decades ago.
- But not impossible – A few were discovered in coin rolls or old collections.
Where to Look?
- Old piggy banks & inherited coin collections
- Coin dealers & estate sales (some people don’t realize what they have)
- Bank coin rolls (extremely rare, but worth checking)
Other Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies Worth Money
While the 1943 copper penny is the most famous, other Wheat Pennies are also valuable:
| Year & Variety | Potential Value |
|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB (tiny initials) | $1,000+ |
| 1914-D (low mintage) | 200−5,000 |
| 1922 No D (missing mint mark) | 500−15,000 |
| 1955 Doubled Die (misprint) | 1,000−25,000 |
What to Do If You Find a Rare Wheat Penny
- Don’t Clean It! (Cleaning lowers value)
- Get It Certified (Send to PCGS or NGC for grading)
- Contact a Coin Dealer (Avoid scams—get multiple appraisals)
- Consider Auction (Rare coins sell best at Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many 1943 copper pennies exist?
Only 10-15 are confirmed to exist.
2. Are all 1943 pennies valuable?
No—only the copper ones. Most 1943 pennies are steel and worth only a few cents.
3. Has anyone found a 1943 copper penny recently?
Yes! In 2019, a man in Massachusetts found one in his father’s old coin collection.
4. Can I sell a rare penny myself?
Yes, but grading & authentication increase its value. Always consult an expert first.
5. What’s the best way to store rare coins?
Use acid-free holders and avoid touching the surface with bare hands.
Final Thoughts
The 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most valuable coins in the world, with a potential worth of $150 million. While finding one in circulation is highly unlikely, checking your old coins could lead to an unexpected fortune.
If you think you’ve found one, handle it carefully and get it verified by a professional. Who knows? The next million-dollar penny could be hiding in your pocket change!
For more coin-collecting tips, visit the U.S. Mint’s official website or follow trusted numismatic experts.