Most of us don’t even think twice before tossing a penny into a jar, a drawer, or even a tip box. But what if one of those pennies sitting quietly in your home or wallet is worth up to $40,000?
Yes, it’s true.
A rare version of the Lincoln cent is still believed to be in circulation across the United States, and people are unknowingly using or discarding it without realizing its actual value. So, before you ignore that copper coin again, it’s time to take a closer look.
What’s So Special About This Penny?
The penny in question is a 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny—but not the regular steel version that was made during World War II. That year, due to the need for copper in war materials, most pennies were made from steel coated with zinc. But a few copper blanks (planchets) accidentally made their way into the minting machines.
As a result, only a small number of genuine 1943 copper Lincoln cents were produced—making them incredibly rare and valuable today.
How Much Is It Worth?
If you happen to find one of these rare 1943 copper pennies, it could fetch you a small fortune. Depending on the condition and mint mark, these coins can sell for anywhere between $10,000 and $250,000.
Most recently, one of these cents was sold for over $40,000, and collectors are constantly on the lookout for more.
How Can You Tell If You Have One?
Here’s what to check:
- Check the Year: Look for 1943.
- Check the Color: Most 1943 pennies are silver-colored because they’re made of steel. If yours looks copper or brownish-red, you might have the rare one.
- Magnet Test: Steel pennies stick to magnets, but copper ones don’t. If your 1943 penny doesn’t stick, you could be holding something special.
- Weight: A copper 1943 penny weighs about 3.11 grams, while the steel ones weigh only 2.7 grams.
- Mint Mark: The rare copper 1943 penny may have no mint mark or could feature a ‘D’ (for Denver) or ‘S’ (for San Francisco).
Still unsure? Take it to a professional coin dealer for verification.
Why Is This Penny Still Circulating?
Since the rare copper 1943 Lincoln pennies were the result of a minting mistake, only a few were ever released. Many people who got their hands on these pennies didn’t even realize their worth and used them like regular change.
Over the decades, these coins have quietly moved from one person to another—ending up in collections, coin jars, or lost completely. But some are still out there, and that’s why experts say you could still find one in your pocket or piggy bank.
Other Rare Pennies You Should Know About
The 1943 copper penny isn’t the only rare coin you should keep an eye out for. Here are a few more Lincoln cents that can bring in thousands:
- 1955 Doubled Die Penny: Worth $1,000–$15,000.
- 1969-S Doubled Die Penny: One of the rarest, can be worth over $35,000.
- 1983 Doubled Die Reverse Penny: Often sells for around $500 to $1,000.
- 1992 Close AM Penny: Can fetch $2,000–$25,000 depending on condition.
Always check both sides of your coins and look up any strange features or markings.
What Should You Do If You Find One?
- Do Not Clean the Coin – This can damage its value.
- Handle It Carefully – Use gloves if possible or hold it by the edges.
- Get It Verified – Visit a professional coin dealer or send it to a trusted coin grading service like PCGS or NGC.
- Consider Auction – Rare coins often sell for more at auctions than direct sales.
Final Thoughts
We often think we need to strike gold to get rich—but sometimes, it’s just a matter of spotting the right penny. That forgotten change in your wallet or purse might be worth thousands if you’re lucky. So next time you come across a 1943 Lincoln cent—or any old coin—don’t ignore it. That one cent might just be your ticket to a huge payday.
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