A Penny That Could Make You a Millionaire
Imagine becoming a millionaire by simply finding a penny in your pocket. Sounds like a dream, right? But for a lucky few, it’s very real. A rare version of the Lincoln Wheat Penny — specifically the 1943 copper penny — has been valued at an astonishing $7.9 million. And here’s the kicker: some of these are still out there, possibly hiding in old jars, drawers, or even your loose change.
The Story Behind the Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was introduced in 1909 to celebrate the 100th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln. It was a historical moment — the first time a real person appeared on a U.S. coin.
- Front (Obverse): Lincoln’s portrait
- Back (Reverse): Two wheat stalks framing “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”
The wheat penny remained in circulation until 1958 and quickly became a collector favorite.
The WWII Mistake That Made History
In 1943, copper was urgently needed for the war effort, so the U.S. Mint switched to steel for penny production. Millions of zinc-coated steel pennies were made that year.
But here’s the twist: a few copper blanks (left over from 1942) were mistakenly used in the presses. These accident coins became the now-legendary 1943 copper pennies — one of the rarest and most valuable coin errors in American history.
What Makes It Worth $7.9 Million?
It’s all about rarity and story. Only a few dozen genuine 1943 copper pennies exist, and most were minted in Philadelphia. A handful also came from Denver and San Francisco mints.
Their extreme scarcity and unique backstory have turned these coins into million-dollar treasures.
Value Over the Years:
- 2010: One sold for $1.7 million
- 2018: Another fetched $3.8 million
- Today: The best-known example is worth $7.9 million
Could You Actually Find One?
Surprisingly, yes. Some were discovered by everyday people checking spare change or going through inherited coin jars. In 2019, one was found in Massachusetts by a family sorting through an old collection.
So while rare, they’re not impossible to find.
How to Identify a 1943 Copper Penny
Want to check your own collection? Here’s what to look for:
- Color: Real ones are copper-toned, not silver like steel.
- Weight: Copper pennies weigh about 3.11 grams. Steel ones are only 2.7 grams.
- Magnet Test: Copper isn’t magnetic. If it sticks, it’s steel.
- Watch for Fakes: Some are just coated steel. Others are modified 1948 pennies made to look like 1943. Always get it professionally verified if you think you’ve found one.
Other Valuable Lincoln Pennies to Look Out For
Even if you don’t find the $7.9M jackpot, these are still worth some serious cash:
- 1909-S VDB: Rare due to its short run and designer initials. Worth $1,000–$2,500+
- 1914-D and 1931-S: Valuable thanks to low mint numbers
- High-grade common wheat pennies can also fetch a premium
Why These Coins Are So Loved
The 1943 copper penny isn’t just about money. It’s a story of history, luck, and mystery. A small mistake during wartime created a collector’s dream — a coin that captures a moment in time and now lives on in pop culture, videos, and even classrooms.
It’s also helped revive interest in coin collecting, especially among younger generations, all inspired by the idea that something so small could be worth a fortune.
Final Thoughts
The Lincoln Wheat Penny valued at $7.9 million proves that sometimes, life’s greatest surprises come from the smallest places — like a forgotten coin in your change jar.
So, next time you get a handful of coins back at the store, don’t just toss them aside. That little penny could be a piece of American history — and maybe your ticket to a million-dollar payday.