1943 Lincoln Penny : Have you ever gone through old coins, assuming they might not be worth much? You might want to think again. Some seemingly ordinary coins could actually be hidden treasures. Among these, the Lincoln Wheat Penny has recently gained attention for its extraordinary value, with certain rare versions selling for as much as $1.7 million at auctions. If you’ve ever stored away old coins, now could be the perfect time to take a closer look—you might just be holding a fortune.
The Legacy of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first minted in 1909 to mark the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Designed by Victor D. Brenner, the coin features Lincoln’s profile on the front and two wheat stalks on the back, which is how it got its name. These pennies were in circulation until 1958, when the design was updated. While millions were produced, some editions—especially those from 1943—stand out due to a rare minting error that makes them incredibly valuable today.
The 1943-S Lincoln Wheat Penny: A Million-Dollar Mistake
During World War II, copper was in high demand for military supplies, so the U.S. Mint switched from bronze (95% copper) to steel-coated zinc for penny production in 1943. However, a few bronze planchets (coin blanks) from the previous year were accidentally left in the presses. When these bronze planchets were struck with the 1943 design, they became some of the rarest and most sought-after coins in history. Only a handful are known to exist, making them worth millions today.
A Record-Breaking Sale
One notable sale involved Bob R. Simpson, co-owner of the Texas Rangers, who purchased a 1943-S bronze Lincoln Penny for $1 million. Experts now estimate that a well-preserved specimen could sell for $1.7 million or more, depending on its condition and authenticity.
How to Identify a Rare 1943-S Bronze Penny
If you come across a 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny, here’s how to check if it’s the rare bronze version:
- Magnet Test: The standard steel 1943 pennies are magnetic, while the rare bronze ones are not.
- Mint Mark: The most valuable version was minted in San Francisco, marked by a tiny “S” below the date.
- Weight Check: A bronze penny weighs around 3.11 grams, whereas a steel penny weighs about 2.7 grams.
- Expert Authentication: If you suspect you have a genuine 1943 bronze penny, consult a professional coin grading service like PCGS or NGC for certification.
Where Can You Sell a Rare Lincoln Penny?
If you’re lucky enough to own one of these rare coins, consider selling it through reputable channels such as:
- Heritage Auctions
- eBay (for verified rare coins)
- Specialized coin dealers
- Numismatic conventions
Always ensure the coin is professionally certified before selling to maximize its value.
Final Thought: Could You Be Sitting on a Fortune?
Many people overlook old coins, assuming they’re not worth much. However, as the 1943-S Lincoln Wheat Penny shows, even a simple penny could be worth millions. Take some time to sift through your coin jars, piggy banks, or inherited collections—you never know what hidden treasures you might find.
