Imagine finding a penny in your pocket worth $45 million. Sounds impossible? Think again. A rare 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny, believed to be struck in bronze by mistake during WWII, may still be circulating today—hiding in plain sight.
Why Is This Penny Worth Millions?
In 1943, most pennies were made from steel to conserve copper for the war. However, a few bronze planchets from 1942 were accidentally used, creating one of the most valuable coin errors in U.S. history.
Key Reasons for Its Value:
- Wrong metal: Bronze instead of steel
- Historical significance: Minted during WWII
- Rarity: Fewer than 20 known
- High grade: Mint-condition versions fetch massive premiums
- Collector demand: Driven by scarcity and investment appeal
How to Identify the $45 Million Penny
Check your change using this quick guide:
- Date: 1943
- Color: Reddish-brown = bronze; silver = steel
- Magnet Test: Steel sticks, bronze doesn’t
- Weight: Bronze = 3.11g; Steel = 2.7g
- Mint Marks: “D” (Denver) or “S” (San Francisco) are rarer
Tip: Don’t clean the coin—it can hurt its value.
Real Finds That Made People Rich
- A 14-year-old in Ohio found a 1943 bronze penny in lunch money—sold for $40,000
- A garage sale find turned into $72,000 for a 1909-S VDB penny
- A woman unknowingly used a rare 1944 steel penny to buy coffee—now worth $100K
Where to Get It Authenticated
Use only trusted grading services:
| Grading Service | Website |
|---|---|
| PCGS | www.pcgs.com |
| NGC | www.ngccoin.com |
| ANACS | www.anacs.com |
They’ll confirm authenticity and assign a value grade.
Rare Lincoln Pennies Also Worth Noting
| Coin | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | $800 – $12,000+ |
| 1914-D | $300 – $5,000+ |
| 1955 Doubled Die | $1,000 – $25,000+ |
| 1944 Steel Penny | $40,000 – $500,000+ |
FAQs – $45 Million Lincoln Wheat Penny
Q1: What makes the 1943 bronze penny so rare?
It was mistakenly made using copper during a time when pennies were supposed to be steel.
Q2: How many exist?
Fewer than 20 confirmed. More may still be hidden.
Q3: Could I really find one in circulation?
Yes. Stories of discoveries in jars, drawers, and pocket change are real.
Q4: Where should I sell it?
Through certified dealers or auction houses like Heritage Auctions—after grading by PCGS or NGC.
Q5: Should I clean the coin before selling?
No. Cleaning ruins the coin’s surface and drops its value significantly.