Every day, we use pennies without thinking twice. They pass through hands, get lost in couch cushions, or end up in jars. But some of these little coins can be worth a fortune — like the rare 1943 bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny, which has sold for as much as $410,000.
Most people don’t know this coin exists. Even fewer realize it might still be out there, waiting to be found. Let’s explore the story behind this amazing penny and how you might spot one.
History of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first made in 1909. It was created to honor Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. The coin shows Lincoln’s face on the front and wheat stalks on the back.
It was made with copper and stayed in use until 1958. These pennies were used during big times in history, like both World Wars and the Great Depression.
How World War II Made This Rare Coin
In 1943, the U.S. needed copper for the war. It was used in things like bullets and wires. So, the Mint made pennies out of steel coated in zinc instead of copper.
But by mistake, a few leftover copper blanks from 1942 were still in the machines. These were used to make some 1943 pennies. These bronze pennies are now some of the rarest coins ever made.
A Penny That Sold for $410,000
In 2010, one of these rare pennies was sold at auction for $410,000. That’s a huge amount for a one-cent coin!
Why so much? Because only about 20 of these pennies are known to exist. They are very rare, and they have a cool story from the war. Collectors love coins with history and mistakes, which makes this one extra special.
How to Tell If You Have a 1943 Bronze Penny
You don’t need fancy tools to start checking. Here’s what to look for:
Check the Year
Look for the year “1943” on the penny. Most 1943 pennies are silver-colored steel. Bronze ones are brownish or reddish.
Use a Magnet
Try the magnet test. Steel pennies stick to a magnet. Bronze pennies don’t stick because they’re made of copper.
Look at the Mint Mark
The mint mark is a small letter under the year. It can be “D” for Denver or “S” for San Francisco. No matter the letter, any 1943 bronze penny is rare and valuable.
Notice the Color
Bronze pennies are reddish-brown. Steel ones look gray or silver. If you see a brown 1943 penny, it might be special.
Other Rare Lincoln Pennies to Look For
The 1943 bronze penny is the most famous. But there are other Lincoln Wheat Pennies worth money too:
| Year | Name | Why It’s Valuable |
| 1909-S VDB | First Lincoln penny, very low mintage | |
| 1914-D | Rare Denver-made coin | |
| 1955 | Double Die — doubled letters and numbers |
Could These Pennies Still Be Out There?
Yes, it’s possible. These coins could be hiding in old piggy banks, jars, or collections. Most people don’t check their change closely. That’s why some lucky people still find these treasures today.
It costs nothing to look, but the reward could be huge.
What to Do If You Find One
Think you’ve found a rare penny? Here’s what to do:
- Don’t clean it! Cleaning can lower the value a lot.
- Keep it safe. Use a soft holder to protect it.
- Get it checked by an expert. Use a trusted grading company like PCGS or NGC.
A Small Coin with a Big Story
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is more than just old money. It shows how history and coins are linked. The 1943 bronze penny is a mistake that became a treasure.
It’s a great example of how even something as small as a penny can tell a big story. And who knows? You might have one sitting in your change jar right now.
FAQs
What year is the rare bronze penny?
1943.
How many are known to exist?
Less than 20.
Do bronze pennies stick to magnets?
No.
What is the penny’s color?
Reddish-brown.
Should I clean a rare penny?
No.