A penny doesn’t seem like it could be worth much, but in the world of coin collecting, certain coins can fetch astronomical prices. The Lincoln Wheat Penny, one of the most iconic coins in American history, has produced some of the most expensive sales in numismatic history. One such coin, a rare 1943 copper penny, is believed to be worth $18.9 million. Yes, you read that correctly—a single penny could be worth millions.
Here’s everything you need to know about this rare find and how you can check if you have it in your collection or pocket change.
The $18.9 Million Lincoln Wheat Penny
The specific 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny that sold for $18.9 million is one of the most famous and valuable error coins in U.S. history. The coin was sold at auction in 2010 for an astounding price, setting a world record for the most expensive penny ever sold.
Why Is It Worth So Much?
In 1943, the U.S. Mint was producing steel pennies in response to World War II’s copper shortage. However, a small number of copper planchets (blanks) from the previous year (1942) were accidentally fed into the minting machines, resulting in a small batch of 1943 copper pennies. These are extremely rare—only about 20 of them are known to exist today. The coin that sold for $18.9 million is considered to be one of the finest known examples, in nearly perfect condition.
How to Spot the Valuable 1943 Copper Penny
If you’re digging through your pocket change or checking your coin collection, here’s how to tell if you’ve found a 1943 copper penny:
1. Date:
- The coin must be dated 1943.
2. Color:
- Unlike the steel penny (which is silver-gray), the 1943 copper penny will have a copper-red color.
3. Magnet Test:
- A steel penny will be magnetic, but the 1943 copper penny will not stick to a magnet. So, grab a magnet and see if the penny is magnetic—if it’s not, that’s a good sign.
4. Weight:
- A steel penny weighs 2.7 grams, while a copper penny weighs 3.11 grams. Use a digital scale to weigh the coin to ensure it’s not a steel penny.
5. Mint Mark:
- The 1943 copper penny may have a mint mark—“D” (Denver) or “S” (San Francisco)—but a Philadelphia-minted penny will not have a mint mark.
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies to Look For
While the 1943 copper penny is the most famous and valuable, other Lincoln Wheat Pennies are also highly collectible and can be worth thousands of dollars. Here are some of the key varieties:
| Year | Mint Mark | Estimated Value | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | San Francisco | $700–$4,000+ | Low mintage, designer initials (VDB) |
| 1914-D | Denver | $200–$3,000+ | Rare, highly sought-after year |
| 1922 No D | Denver | $500–$10,000+ | Missing mint mark error |
| 1955 Doubled Die | Philadelphia | $1,000–$15,000+ | Double die error on the obverse |
| 1944 Steel | Any Mint | $10,000–$100,000+ | Steel planchet error from 1944 |
If you come across any of these coins in circulation, they might be worth more than face value.
Where to Find a Rare Penny
While most people would overlook a penny, collectors and investors know that these seemingly insignificant coins can hold great value. Here’s where you might find a rare penny like the 1943 copper:
- Coin rolls from banks (especially older rolls)
- Pocket change from stores or transactions
- Estate sales, flea markets, or garage sales
- Old coin jars or piggy banks passed down through generations
Sometimes, these coins are still in circulation, and you might be the one to find them. But if you find a 1943 copper penny, don’t spend it!
What to Do If You Think You Have a Rare Penny
If you think you’ve found a 1943 copper penny or any other valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny, here’s what you should do:
- Do the magnet test to check if it’s a steel penny or copper.
- Weigh the penny to confirm its composition.
- Examine the coin for any noticeable errors, such as doubled dies or missing mint marks.
- Consult a professional—take it to a coin dealer or submit it to a grading service like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation).
- Avoid cleaning the coin—cleaning can significantly reduce its value.
Once authenticated, you can decide whether to sell it or hold onto it for future investment.
Conclusion: Check Your Coins – It Could Be Worth Millions!
The 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the rarest and most valuable error coins in the world, and it’s still possible to find one in your pocket change. While it’s highly unlikely that you’ll find one in everyday circulation, it’s certainly worth checking any older pennies you come across. If you’re lucky enough to find a rare variety, you could be holding onto a coin worth millions.
Next time you get change, take a moment to inspect your pennies. You never know—you might just have a future windfall in your hand!