Ever dreamt of striking it rich with something as small as a penny? Well, hold onto your pocket change because a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny could be worth as much as $565,000! That’s right — one little coin hiding in your collection, your piggy bank, or even in your couch cushions could be worth a fortune.
What Makes the Lincoln Wheat Penny So Special?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, minted from 1909 to 1958, is a classic piece of American currency. These pennies feature Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat stalks on the back. While most are only worth a few cents, certain rare varieties have turned into collector’s gold.
The big-money Lincoln Wheat Penny is the 1943 copper penny. During World War II, pennies were supposed to be made of steel to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a small number were mistakenly struck in copper, making them incredibly rare and valuable.
How to Identify a 1943 Copper Penny
Want to check if your penny is the real deal? Here’s what to look for:
| Feature | Details |
| Year | 1943 |
| Material | Copper (not steel) |
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
| Magnetic? | No (steel pennies stick to magnets, copper ones don’t) |
| Color | Reddish-brown, not silver or gray |
The easiest way to test your penny is with a magnet. If it sticks, it’s steel and not worth much. If it doesn’t, you might be in luck!
How Much Is It Worth?
The value of a 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny depends on its condition. Here’s what you could expect:
| Condition | Estimated Value |
| Worn | $100,000+ |
| Good | $250,000+ |
| Mint Condition | $565,000+ |
Imagine turning a penny into hundreds of thousands of dollars just because you took the time to check!
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
Even if you don’t find a 1943 copper penny, don’t toss your old wheat pennies just yet. Some other rare ones include:
- 1909-S VDB Penny — Worth up to $100,000
- 1914-D Penny — Can sell for over $5,000
- 1922 No D Penny — Valued at around $20,000
- 1955 Doubled Die Penny — Can be worth over $1,500
Where to Look for Rare Pennies
You might be surprised where you can find these valuable coins. Try searching:
- Your pocket change
- Old piggy banks
- Family coin collections
- Antique shops and flea markets
- Coin rolls from the bank
Many people have unknowingly spent valuable pennies without realizing their worth. Who knows? You might already have a fortune sitting in a jar at home!
What to Do If You Find One
If you think you have a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny, here’s what to do next:
- Verify It — Use a magnet and a scale to check if it matches the rare penny features.
- Get It Appraised — Take it to a professional coin dealer or a grading service like PCGS or NGC.
- Protect It — Store it in a coin holder to prevent damage.
- Sell or Hold? — You can auction it, sell it to collectors, or keep it as an investment.
FAQs
How many 1943 copper pennies exist?
Only about 20 to 30 are known to exist, making them incredibly rare.
Can I sell my penny if it’s not in perfect condition?
Yes! Even worn 1943 copper pennies can sell for over $100,000.
What if my 1943 penny is silver-colored?
It’s likely a steel penny, which is much more common and worth only a few cents.
Where can I sell a rare penny?
You can sell it at coin auctions, through coin dealers, or on online marketplaces like eBay.
Is it illegal to own a rare penny?
Nope! If you find a rare penny, it’s yours to keep, sell, or collect!