First minted in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s birth, the Lincoln Wheat Penny replaced the Indian Head cent that had been in circulation since 1859. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person—President Lincoln—on the obverse, a design created by renowned sculptor Victor David Brenner.
The reverse of the Lincoln Wheat Penny featured two wheat stalks framing the words “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” hence the nickname “Wheat Penny.” This design remained in use until 1958, when it was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial design.
Over the years, the Lincoln Wheat Penny has become a staple of American coin collecting. But among the billions produced, one variety stands out above all the rest—the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny.
The $21 Million Lincoln Wheat Penny: The Coin That Shouldn’t Exist
In 1943, the United States Mint made a crucial change to the penny’s composition due to World War II. Copper was needed for the war effort, so pennies that year were struck from zinc-coated steel, giving them a silvery appearance. These steel cents are fairly common and worth only a few cents to a few dollars in circulated condition.
However, due to a production error, a small number of bronze planchets (the blank discs used to make coins) were mistakenly left in the coin presses and used to strike 1943 pennies. These coins, made from the pre-1943 bronze alloy (mostly copper with a bit of tin and zinc), are incredibly rare—only 10 to 15 confirmed specimens are known to exist today.
One of these elusive coins sold for a staggering $21 million at a private auction, making it one of the most expensive coins ever sold.
Key Specifications: The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Type | Lincoln Wheat Penny (One Cent) |
| Year | 1943 |
| Composition | Bronze (Copper, Tin, Zinc) |
| Normal Material | Zinc-Coated Steel |
| Mint Locations | Philadelphia (no mark), Denver (D), San Francisco (S) |
| Estimated Survivors | 10–15 confirmed |
| Sale Record | $21 Million (Private Auction) |
| Current Value Range | $1 Million – $21 Million+ (Condition-dependent) |
How to Identify a 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny
Finding a 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny would be like winning the lottery, but unlike winning numbers, there are tangible ways to identify one if you come across it. Here’s how you can tell if the penny in your hand could be worth a fortune:
1. The Magnet Test
Steel is magnetic, but bronze is not. If your 1943 penny sticks to a magnet, it’s just a common steel cent. But if it doesn’t—it’s worth a closer look.
2. The Color
Steel cents have a gray or silver appearance due to their zinc coating. A bronze penny will have the familiar reddish-brown tone of traditional copper coins.
3. Weight
The weight of the coin is a major giveaway. Steel cents weigh about 2.7 grams, while a bronze penny weighs around 3.11 grams. A small scale can be a collector’s best friend here.
4. Mint Mark
1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Pennies have been discovered from all three mints: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. So regardless of mint mark (or absence thereof), the coin could still be a jackpot.
5. Professional Authentication
Even if your penny passes all these checks, don’t rush to sell it on eBay. Have it evaluated by a professional grading service such as PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation). Authenticity is everything in the world of high-value coins.
Why the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny Is So Rare
The value of the Lincoln Wheat Penny isn’t just due to its age—it’s about the minting error, the historical context, and the scarcity. Only a handful were ever made, likely due to bronze blanks left in the hoppers from 1942. Since the U.S. Mint was producing millions of steel cents per day in 1943, these few bronze stragglers slipped through unnoticed.
This small batch of error coins, made in a year when they weren’t supposed to exist in bronze form, gives them extreme value among collectors. And because the U.S. Mint never officially acknowledged the mistake at the time, there was no recall effort—meaning a few may have entered normal circulation.
Where You Might Still Find One
While the odds are long, it is not impossible to find a 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny still in circulation. Here’s where they might be hiding:
- Inherited Coin Collections: Families often inherit coin jars or albums and may unknowingly possess rare coins.
- Old Piggy Banks: Many people tossed pennies into jars and forgot about them.
- Bank Coin Rolls: While rare, collectors have occasionally found unusual coins while searching through bank rolls.
- Estate Sales or Garage Sales: Boxes of coins sold for pocket change could hold incredible surprises.
Other Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies to Look For
The 1943 Bronze penny isn’t the only Lincoln Wheat Penny worth collecting. Here are other notable varieties with impressive values:
| Year | Variety | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1909-S | San Francisco Mint | $1,000+ |
| 1909-S VDB | With designer’s initials | $1,500+ |
| 1914-D | Low mintage | $200+ |
| 1922 No D | Missing mint mark | $500+ |
| 1955 Double Die | Misprinted lettering/date | $1,000+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How many 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Pennies exist?
Only around 10 to 15 are known, but more could still be out there, waiting to be discovered.
Q2: Are all 1943 pennies valuable?
No. Most 1943 pennies are steel, which are quite common and typically worth a few cents to a couple of dollars.
Q3: How can I check if my 1943 penny is bronze?
Use a magnet test and a scale to check its magnetic properties and weight. A non-magnetic 3.11-gram penny could be bronze.
Q4: Should I clean an old penny I suspect is valuable?
Absolutely not. Cleaning a coin can dramatically reduce its value. Always leave coins in their original condition.
Q5: What should I do if I find a 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny?
Have it authenticated by a reputable grading service like PCGS or NGC. A professional evaluation can confirm its authenticity and help you sell it for top dollar.
Final Thoughts: A Penny That Could Change Your Life
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, especially the 1943 Bronze version, is more than just pocket change—it’s a rare and valuable piece of American history. With one coin fetching $21 million, it’s a powerful reminder that even the smallest things in life can hold unimaginable worth. While the odds of discovering one are slim, they’re not zero—and that’s all the motivation many collectors and treasure hunters need.
So the next time you’re sorting through your spare change, take a moment to check those pennies. Look for that distinctive reddish hue, test for magnetism, and weigh it if you have the tools. You might just hold a fortune in the palm of your hand. And remember, the Lincoln Wheat Penny isn’t just a coin—it could be the key to a once-in-a-lifetime discovery.
Would you like a printable checklist for identifying valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies?
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