A Penny Worth More Than Gold
That little penny in your wallet might be worth a fortune! A super-rare Lincoln Wheat Penny from 1943 has collectors buzzing, with experts saying it could be valued at an incredible $83 million. This tiny coin, minted during World War II, could still be hiding in coin jars, cash registers, or even your pocket change. News of its jaw-dropping value is sparking a nationwide hunt, as people everywhere check their pennies for a life-changing find.
What Makes This Penny So Special
The 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny is famous because of a mistake at the U.S. Mint. During the war, pennies were made from steel to save copper for things like bullets. But a few pennies were accidentally made with copper, and those are the ones worth millions. Only about 20 of these copper 1943 pennies are known to exist. One sold for $1.7 million in 2010, but experts now say a perfect one could fetch up to $83 million because of its rarity and hype among collectors. Other rare Wheat Pennies, like the 1909-S VDB, are valuable too, but none match this one’s price.
How to Spot the Million-Dollar Penny
Think you might have this treasure? Here’s what to check:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 1943 |
| Material | Copper (not steel) |
| Mint Mark | None, “D” (Denver), or “S” (San Francisco) |
| Design | Lincoln’s face on front, wheat stalks on back |
Look for a reddish-brown copper color—steel pennies are silver and stick to a magnet, but copper ones don’t. Use a magnifying glass to check the date and details. If you find one, don’t clean it, as that can lower its value. Take it to a coin expert or a place like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) to make sure it’s real, since fakes are out there.
Real-Life Treasure Stories
People have found rare coins before, and it’s not just a dream! In 2019, a kid in Oregon found a 1943 copper penny in his grandpa’s old coin box, later valued at $100,000. Another was discovered in 1980 by a woman in New York, who sold it for thousands. These stories keep the excitement alive, with experts believing a few more of these pennies could still be floating around in old collections or even in everyday change. Each find fuels the hunt for the next big score.
Tips to Start Your Search
Ready to look for your own million-dollar penny? Check your change, especially coins from old jars, family heirlooms, or flea markets. Coin collecting websites like PCGS or the American Numismatic Association have guides to help you spot rare pennies. Be careful of scams—some people try to pass off fake copper pennies. A good coin dealer can help you learn what’s real. Even if you don’t find the $83 million penny, other Lincoln Wheat Pennies from the 1940s or 1950s can still be worth hundreds or thousands.
A Coin That Tells a Story
The 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny isn’t just about money—it’s a piece of history. Made during a time when America was fighting a war, it shows how even small things can carry big stories. Whether you’re a coin nerd or just someone with some spare change, the idea that a penny could be worth $83 million is a fun reason to look closer. So, next time you pay for coffee and get a penny back, give it a quick check. That little coin might just be your ticket to a dream life.
