You might want to check your change jar—because there’s a rare penny out there that’s worth a jaw-dropping $2.1 million. That’s not a typo. This isn’t just any coin—it’s one of the rarest and most valuable coins in American history: the 1943-D Lincoln Wheat Penny made of bronze.
So how does a one-cent coin become worth millions? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of this little copper coin, how it came to be so valuable, and how you might spot one.
What Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, also called the Wheat Cent, was minted in the United States from 1909 to 1958. It features Abraham Lincoln on the front (obverse) and two wheat stalks on the back (reverse). This penny made history as the first U.S. coin to feature a real person.
While most Lincoln Wheat Pennies are only worth a few cents, a select few with rare features or minting errors are worth hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of dollars.
Why the 1943 Bronze Penny Is So Rare
In 1943, America was deep in World War II. Copper was critical for wartime equipment like bullets and wires, so the U.S. Mint switched from bronze (which is mostly copper) to zinc-coated steel to make pennies.
But by accident, some bronze planchets (blanks) were still in the machines when the mint switched materials. As a result, a few 1943 pennies were made from bronze instead of steel. These errors were never meant to exist—and that’s why they’re worth a fortune today.
The 1943-D Bronze Wheat Penny, made at the Denver Mint, is especially legendary. Only one is known to exist, and experts estimate it could fetch up to $2.1 million if sold at auction.
Also Read – The Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $2.4 Million, Still in Circulation
A Teenager’s Lucky Find: Real-Life Story
In 1947, a Massachusetts teenager named Don Lutes Jr. got a strange-looking penny in his school lunch change. He held on to it for decades, not knowing it was special. Turns out, it was one of the rare 1943 bronze pennies. After his death in 2018, it was sold for $204,000 and the proceeds donated to his local library.
How to Check If You Have a Rare 1943 Penny
Think you’ve struck gold (well, bronze)? Here’s how to tell if your 1943 penny might be one of the rare ones:
🔍 1. Check the Date
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Look for a 1943 date on the penny.
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Then look under the date for a mint mark:
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No letter = Philadelphia
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“D” = Denver (rarest)
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“S” = San Francisco
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🧲 2. Try the Magnet Test
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Steel pennies stick to magnets.
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Bronze pennies do not.
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If your 1943 penny doesn’t stick, you might have something special.
⚖️ 3. Weigh It
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A bronze penny weighs about 3.11 grams.
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Steel pennies are lighter—around 2.7 grams.
🎨 4. Look at the Color
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Bronze has a reddish-brown tone.
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Steel is more gray or silver.
💥 5. Spot the Error
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The key error is the wrong material.
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Some 1943 pennies also have misprints or double dies—those can be valuable, too.
Don’t Clean Your Coin!
If you think you have a rare coin, don’t clean it. That can scratch it and lower the value dramatically. Instead:
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Put it in a soft pouch or coin holder.
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Take it to a coin grading company like PCGS or NGC.
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Get it authenticated and appraised.
Estimated Value of the Most Valuable Lincoln Pennies
| Year | Mint Mark | Type | Value Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 | D | Bronze | Up to $ $2.1 million | Only 1 known |
| 1943 | S | Bronze | $500K–$2 million | About 6 known |
| 1943 | — | Bronze | $100K–$1.7 million | 10–15 known |
| 1944 | S | Steel | $75K–$500K | Rare steel mint error |
| 1909 | S VDB | Low mintage | $700–$50K | First Lincoln penny |
| 1955 | — | Doubled die | $1K–$25K | Double print, easy to spot |
Where You Might Still Find Rare Pennies
Think all the rare ones are locked away in museums? Think again.
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Old piggy banks or jars in grandparents’ houses
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Estate sales, flea markets, or garage sales
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Bank rolls that collectors sort through
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Coin collections passed down through generations
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Even your pocket change (though rare, it has happened)
Coin expert Raju Singh says many valuable coins are discovered purely by accident. So keep your eyes open!
Also Read – The Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $7.2 Million, Still in Circulation
What Makes Wheat Pennies So Popular to Collect?
Coin collecting isn’t just about money—it’s about history, curiosity, and the thrill of discovery. Wheat pennies are a favorite among new collectors because:
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They’re affordable to start with.
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They offer a window into early 20th-century American history.
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Some collections are worth thousands of dollars over time.
Plus, you can join coin clubs, attend coin shows, and meet fellow hobbyists online.
What to Do If You Think You’ve Found a Rare Penny
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Don’t clean it.
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Handle it gently and store it in a safe place.
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Get it appraised by a certified coin expert.
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Avoid selling it online until you know its true value.
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Consider auctioning it with help from a place like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers.
Bonus Tip: Other Rare Coins to Watch For
Besides the 1943 bronze penny, be on the lookout for:
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1944 steel penny
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1955 double die penny
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1909-S VDB penny
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1982 small date copper penny (rare composition variety)
FAQs
Q: Can I find a $2.1 million penny in circulation?
A: It’s extremely rare, but yes—it’s happened before!
Also Read – The Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $2 Billion, Still in Circulation
Q: What does “D” mean on a penny?
A: It means the coin was minted in Denver. The “D” bronze penny from 1943 is the most valuable known.
Q: How do I know if my 1943 penny is bronze?
A: Try a magnet test and weigh the coin. If it’s not magnetic and weighs about 3.11 grams, you might have a bronze penny.
Q: Is it okay to clean old coins before selling?
A: No. Cleaning reduces the value and can permanently damage the coin’s surface.
Q: What’s the easiest way to start coin collecting?
A: Start with Wheat Pennies. You can often find them in rolls from the bank, old jars, or online.
Final Thought
The idea of turning a penny into a millionaire’s prize might sound like a dream—but in the world of rare coins, it’s a very real possibility. So next time you check your change, take a closer look. That copper-colored coin might be more than just pocket money—it could be history in your hand.