The ordinary Lincoln cent often ends up rattling at the bottom of purses, forgotten in car consoles, or stashed in dusty coin jars. Yet one extraordinary version of this coin shocked collectors when it hammered for an astonishing $700,000. Even more incredible, a handful of these rarities may still be hiding in plain sight, waiting to be discovered by someone who bothers to look closely.
Many people assume stories like this are urban legends, but the facts come straight from auction houses and grading services. A wartime mishap at the U.S. Mint transformed a single one‑cent piece into one of the hobby’s greatest treasures. Below is everything you need to know about the elusive 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny struck on bronze—and how you could recognize one if it turns up in your change.
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny: A Wartime Error Worth a Fortune
When World War II intensified, copper became critical for ammunition production, especially for shell casings. To conserve that metal, the U.S. Mint switched to zinc‑coated steel planchets for the cent in 1943. Somehow, a few leftover bronze blanks from 1942 slipped back onto the presses, yielding a coin that technically should not exist.
These accidental strikings created the legendary 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny. Most examples came out of Philadelphia, but confirmed pieces from the San Francisco (“S”) and Denver (“D”) mints add extra intrigue. Because so few were produced—fewer than 20 are documented across all three mints—the coin’s status among collectors rivals that of famous gold pieces and early American silver dollars.
Why the $700,000 Lincoln Penny Is So Valuable
Several intertwined factors push this small copper‑colored error into six‑figure territory:
Rarity: Only a couple dozen specimens have surfaced, and experts believe only a few more might remain unreported.
Historical context: The piece directly reflects drastic WWII‑era resource allocation, giving it significance beyond numismatics.
Error status: It isn’t simply scarce—it is a dramatic mistake, struck on the wrong metal.
Demand: Collectors worldwide chase a finite supply; the competition at auction escalates prices quickly.
When a pristine example earns a top grade from an authority such as PCGS or NGC, bidding wars erupt. One certified coin shattered expectations by selling for $700,000, an amount that stunned even veteran dealers.
How to Tell If You Have One in Your Pocket
Although odds are slim, undiscovered 1943 Bronze Wheat Pennies have shown up in coffee tins, estate boxes, and pocket change. Use this checklist before you rush to a grading service:
- Date: The obverse must read 1943.
- Magnet test: Steel cents cling to magnets; bronze cents do not.
- Color: Steel issues look silvery‑gray, while bronze errors show a warm reddish‑brown patina.
- Weight: A standard bronze cent weighs about 3.11 grams, whereas a steel cent weighs roughly 2.7 grams.
- Mint mark: Look beneath the date for a tiny “D” or “S,” indicating Denver or San Francisco origin; no mark means Philadelphia.
If a 1943 cent meets all these criteria, resist the urge to clean or alter it. Professional authentication is the next essential step.
Watch Out for Fakes and Altered Coins
The fame of the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny makes it a favorite target for counterfeiters. Common forgeries include copper‑plating genuine 1943 steel cents or shaving digits on a 1948 bronze cent to resemble a 1943 date. Skilled graders rely on metal analysis, microscopic examination, and die‑marker comparison to expose such frauds. Always insist on certification from a trusted service—value hinges entirely on unquestioned authenticity.
FAQs
Q1: What makes the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny so valuable?
Its extreme scarcity, wartime backstory, and striking error combine to create intense collector demand and record prices.
Q2: Are all 1943 pennies valuable?
No. The vast majority are zinc‑coated steel pieces worth only a few cents to a couple of dollars in circulated grade. Only the bronze‑struck errors bring large sums.
Q3: Can I really find one in circulation today?
While discovery is rare, history proves it possible. One was pulled from change by a teen in the late 1940s, and others have surfaced in the decades since.
Q4: What should I do if I think I have one?
Handle it carefully, avoid cleaning, and submit it to a reputable grading company such as PCGS or NGC for authentication and encapsulation.
Conclusion: That Penny in Your Pocket Could Be Worth $700,000
The record‑shattering auction of a 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny demonstrates that even the tiniest coin can hold life‑changing value.
Though chances are slim, the prospect of uncovering one inspires collectors and casual change‑checkers alike. So next time you spot a 1943 cent, pause before tossing it aside. Run the magnet test, note its color, and weigh it if possible. You might discover that the humble coin in your hand ranks among the most valuable pieces of U.S. numismatic history.
