It might sound unbelievable, but one rare penny from 1943 is worth up to $5.6 million. Yes, a coin that usually gets tossed in a jar or dropped on the ground could make someone a millionaire. This special coin is the 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny, and it’s one of the most valuable coins in U.S. history. What makes it even more exciting is that some of these rare pennies may still be out there in everyday circulation.
In this article, we’ll break down the story behind this unique coin, why it’s so valuable, how to spot one, and what to do if you think you’ve found one.
Why the 1943 Copper Penny Exists
During World War II, copper was badly needed to make bullets, wiring, and military equipment. So in 1943, the U.S. Mint stopped using copper for pennies and started making them out of zinc-coated steel. These are called “steelies,” and they look silver instead of brown.
But a few copper blanks (called “planchets”) were left in the machines by mistake. These were stamped with the 1943 design, creating a handful of copper pennies that weren’t supposed to exist. That’s how the famous 1943 copper penny came to be — totally by accident.
What Makes It Worth $5.6 Million?
Only 20 to 30 real 1943 copper pennies have been found. Their value comes from a few key things:
- Extreme rarity – There are so few known examples.
- A minting mistake – These coins were never meant to exist.
- Wartime connection – They’re tied to a unique time in U.S. history.
- Collector demand – Wealthy collectors are willing to pay top dollar for them.
This combination makes it one of the most sought-after coins in the world. In the right condition, it could sell for millions.
Real Stories of Lucky Finds
People have discovered these valuable pennies in the most unexpected places. For example:
- In 1947, a student named Don Lutes Jr. found one in his lunch change at school. He kept it for over 70 years, and it eventually sold for $204,000 in 2019.
- A teenager in the 1950s also found one in his pocket change, and that coin later sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
These stories show that anyone could be lucky enough to find one.
How to Spot a Real 1943 Copper Penny
Think you’ve found a 1943 copper penny? Here’s how to tell:
- Check the date – It must clearly say 1943.
- Look at the color – Copper pennies are brown or reddish, while steel ones are silver.
- Try the magnet test – Steel pennies stick to a magnet. Real copper ones won’t.
- Weigh the coin – Copper pennies weigh about 3.11 grams, steel ones weigh around 2.7 grams.
- Watch for fakes – Some people fake these by copper-plating steel pennies or changing the date. If in doubt, get it checked.
Where These Pennies Might Be Hiding
Many people don’t look at their pennies closely, which means a valuable coin could be sitting unnoticed in a:
- Jar of spare change
- Family coin collection
- Old piggy bank
- Roll of pennies from the bank
If you have inherited coins or have jars of change lying around, it’s worth taking a closer look.
What to Do If You Think You’ve Found One
If you think you’ve found a real 1943 copper Lincoln penny, don’t clean it! Cleaning can lower its value. Instead:
- Store it safely – Use a soft coin holder.
- Get it verified – Send it to a trusted grading service like PCGS or NGC.
- Ask for advice – Talk to a coin expert, attorney, or financial advisor.
- Decide whether to sell – If it’s genuine, it could be worth a fortune. Auction houses can help you sell it for top dollar.
Other Valuable Pennies to Look For
Besides the 1943 copper penny, here are other valuable Lincoln cents:
- 1909-S VDB – First-year issue with the designer’s initials.
- 1914-D – Rare due to low mint numbers.
- 1922 “No D” – Missing mint mark makes it valuable.
- 1931-S – Also rare and worth hundreds or more.
Even more common wheat pennies (from 1909 to 1958) can be worth something, especially if they’re in great condition.
Why Rare Coins Are So Popular
Coin collecting isn’t just about money. It’s about history. Every coin tells a story—from how it was made to what was happening in the country at the time. The 1943 copper penny is a great example. It connects us to World War II, American industry, and a mistake that turned into a treasure.
For collectors, the excitement of finding a rare coin — whether worth $10 or $5 million — is what keeps them hunting.
Final Thoughts
The 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny shows us that small things can hold big value. Even a penny can be worth millions. While your odds of finding one are slim, it’s not impossible. So next time you get change or look through old coins, pay attention. That little coin might be a life-changing discovery.