Don’t Ignore That Penny! Rare 1943 Lincoln Wheat Coin May Be Worth $224,000

While many Americans treat loose change as an afterthought, certain coins in circulation today could be worth a small fortune. One standout example is the Lincoln Wheat Penny, a humble copper coin that could fetch up to $224,000—or even more—depending on the year, mint mark, and error variations.

Among the most iconic and collectible U.S. coins, the Lincoln Wheat Penny was minted from 1909 to 1958, making it a common discovery in antique drawers, old piggy banks, and even everyday pocket change. But a few rare variations make all the difference in turning an ordinary penny into a jackpot find.

The Rare 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny: A $224K Marvel

The most famous and valuable example is the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny, a coin born out of a wartime error. During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to steel planchets coated in zinc to preserve copper for ammunition and military wiring. However, a few bronze planchets from 1942 were accidentally used in the early 1943 batch, creating a highly sought-after error coin.

Only 30 to 40 examples of the 1943 bronze penny are believed to exist, and the value is astounding. In 2022, one such coin sold for $336,000 at Heritage Auctions. More recent valuations have priced similar coins at $224,000, depending on the condition and grading.

To identify a 1943 bronze penny, look for these clues:

• Color: Bronze has a brown or reddish tone, unlike the grayish steel versions.
• Magnet Test: Steel cents stick to magnets; bronze ones do not.
• Weight: A bronze penny weighs 3.11 grams, while steel weighs 2.7 grams.

Other Lincoln Wheat Pennies Worth Thousands

Besides the 1943 bronze error, several other Wheat Pennies are worth checking your change for:

1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent

• Only 484,000 were minted.
• Features the initials “V.D.B.” of designer Victor David Brenner.
• Collectors have paid over $300,000 for pristine versions.

2. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse

• The result of a die misalignment during minting.
• Strong doubling on the date and the word “LIBERTY.”
• Fetches up to $50,000 at auctions for high-grade versions.

How to Check If You Have a Rare Penny

1. Examine the Date and Mint Mark: The mint mark (S, D, or no mark) is located just below the year on the obverse side.
2. Look for Errors: Doubling, off-center strikes, and misprints can significantly raise value.
3. Use a Magnet: Especially helpful when checking 1943 pennies.
4. Get it Graded: Use trusted coin grading services like PCGS or NGC to confirm authenticity and condition.

Are These Pennies Really Still in Circulation?

Yes, it’s entirely possible. While the rarest types are scarce, many Wheat Pennies remain in circulation, especially those from common years like 1944 or 1956. People often overlook them, tossing them into jars without a second glance.

Given the chance of finding one worth five or six figures, it may be time to give your spare change a closer look.

Where to Sell or Verify Your Coins

If you think you’ve found a valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny:

• Visit a local coin dealer.
• Attend a coin show hosted by the American Numismatic Association.
• Submit your coin for grading to PCGS or NGC.
• Sell through auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers.

Final Thoughts

The Lincoln Wheat Penny proves that extraordinary treasures can come in small, copper-coated packages. Whether it’s a rare 1943 bronze error or a 1909-S VDB, these coins are a reminder that history—and possibly a fortune—might be hiding in your coin jar.

Before you cash in your change or dismiss that old penny, give it a second look. You might just be holding $224,000 in your hand.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.