A lot of people take coins around with them without thinking about them. What if, though, one of those pennies that didn’t look worth much was worth millions? It sounds like something from a movie, doesn’t it? Some people think that a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny worth an amazing $18.9 million has a real-life story behind it. Who knows, maybe it’s still floating around out there!
Collectors, artists, and regular people are all very excited about this find. Read on to find out what makes this penny so unique and how you might find one yourself.
What Exactly Is a Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, which came out in 1909, was the first U.S. coin to show a real person—President Abraham Lincoln. It’s called a “Wheat Penny” because it has two wheat stalks on the back.
They were made in huge numbers until 1958, when they stopped being made. But a few very rare ones, usually because of mistakes made during the minting process or odd materials used, are very valuable to collectors.
The 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny Worth $18.9 Million
There is one Lincoln Wheat Penny that coin fans consider to be the holy grail: a 1943 penny made of bronze instead of the usual steel used that year.
That’s important because of these reasons: That’s why, during WWII, the U.S. Mint moved from using copper for pennies to using steel. But a few metal coin blanks got stuck in the machine and were stamped with the year 1943 by accident. It is very hard to find these metal 1943 pennies.
This one-of-a-kind coin was auctioned off and sold for a record-setting $18.9 million. It is one of the most expensive coins ever found.
Could One Still Be in Your Pocket?
There is a real chance that one of these rare coins is still out there. It could be in an old change jar, forgotten in a box, or even given out as normal change. These rare finds might not be seen by most people because they don’t know what to look for.
That’s why everyone is paying more attention to their extra change: a penny that looks like nothing could be worth a lot of money at any time.
How to Spot a Rare 1943 Bronze Penny
If you want to learn more about your coins or pocket change, here are some things you should look for:
Make sure it says 1943 in the year box.
Coins from 1943 are mostly made of silver-gray steel. It could be something special if yours looks like copper.
Put the magnet to the test: bronze is not magnetic, but steel is. If your 1943 penny doesn’t stick to a magnet, it might be made of metal and be worth a lot of money.
Don’t spend it right away if you think you’ve found one! Get an expert coin evaluator or numismatist to look at it.
Other Valuable Wheat Pennies
One wheat penny can be worth a lot of money, even if it’s not the $18.9 million one. Collectors may pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars for coins that were made in rare years or with mistakes in the minting process.
Keep your eyes open, because you could find wealth.
Imagine coming across a dirty old penny and learning that it’s worth almost $19 million. There you have it: the amazing story of the 1943 metal Lincoln Wheat Penny. This coin could still be hiding in someone’s spare change.
When you pick up a penny off the ground or empty your bags at the end of the day, pay more attention. That tiny coin might be a treasure that you only find once in your life.
FAQs
Why is the 1943 Lincoln Penny so valuable?
It’s made from bronze, not the steel used during WWII. Only a few were accidentally produced, making them extremely rare.
How do I know if I have the rare one?
Look for a 1943 date and test it with a magnet. If it doesn’t stick and has a coppery color, it might be a bronze penny.
Are these coins really still out there?
Yes! Some are believed to be lost, forgotten, or hiding in change jars and drawers.
How much can a Wheat Penny be worth?
While most are worth just a few cents, rare ones—like the 1943 bronze penny—can sell for millions.