Single 1943 Lincoln Penny: Have you ever wondered if that old penny jingling in your pocket or forgotten in a drawer might be worth a small fortune? Among the most sought-after coins in America is the Lincoln Wheat Penny—a seemingly ordinary piece of currency that could fetch anywhere from $150,000 to over $1 million if it’s the right one.
The Lincoln Wheat Penny: A Piece of American History
First introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, the Lincoln Wheat Penny quickly became a staple of American currency. Designed by Victor D. Brenner, the coin features Lincoln’s profile on the front and two wheat stalks on the back, giving it its distinctive nickname. While millions of these pennies were minted over the years, one rare variant stands out above the rest—the 1943-S Bronze Wheat Penny.
Why Is the 1943-S Bronze Wheat Penny So Valuable?
During World War II, copper was in high demand for ammunition and military equipment. To conserve resources, the U.S. Mint switched from bronze to zinc-coated steel for penny production in 1943. However, a handful of bronze planchets (coin blanks) from the previous year were accidentally left in the presses. When these were struck with the 1943 design, they became some of the rarest and most valuable coins in existence.
Among these errors, the 1943-S Bronze Wheat Penny—minted in San Francisco and marked with a tiny “S”—is the most coveted. With only a few known to exist, collectors are willing to pay extraordinary sums to own one.
The Record-Breaking Sale of a 1943-S Bronze Penny
One of the most famous sales of this rare coin involved Bob R. Simpson, co-owner of the Texas Rangers, who purchased a pristine 1943-S Bronze Wheat Penny for a staggering $1 million. This particular coin, considered one of the finest examples, has been displayed in museums and remains a highlight of numismatic history.
How to Check If Your Penny Is Worth a Fortune
If you come across a 1943 Lincoln Penny, here’s how to determine if it’s the rare bronze version:
- The Magnet Test: Most 1943 pennies are made of steel and will stick to a magnet. If yours doesn’t, it could be the rare bronze variant.
- Look for the “S” Mint Mark: Check the back of the coin for a small “S” below the wheat stalks—this indicates it was minted in San Francisco, where the most valuable bronze errors originated.
- Weigh the Coin: A bronze penny weighs about 3.11 grams, while a steel penny weighs 2.7 grams. A simple kitchen scale can help you verify this.
- Get It Certified by an Expert: If you suspect you’ve found a 1943-S Bronze Penny, consult a professional coin grader like PCGS or NGC to authenticate and appraise it.
Could This Rare Coin Still Be in Circulation?
While the odds are slim, some 1943-S Bronze Pennies have been discovered in everyday pocket change, old coin collections, and even flea markets. The possibility of stumbling upon one is rare, but it’s not impossible—making it worth a quick check of your spare coins.
Final Thoughts: Could You Be Sitting on a Fortune?
The 1943-S Bronze Wheat Penny is one of the most legendary coins in U.S. history, with some selling for life-changing sums. If you’ve ever saved old coins or inherited a collection, take a moment to look through them. You never know—you might just uncover a hidden treasure worth more than you ever imagined.
