Most Lincoln Wheat pennies (1909–1958) are worth just a few cents. But one ultra-rare mistake from 1943 changes everything. The 1943 bronze Lincoln cent – struck by accident on a copper planchet during WWII – is the holy grail of small cents.
The Crazy History Behind the 1943 Bronze Penny
In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched to zinc-coated steel pennies to save copper for the war effort. A handful of bronze planchets somehow got mixed in. Only about 15–20 genuine examples are known today.
Why This Tiny Coin Is Worth $160+ Million Today
The finest-known 1943 bronze cent (PCGS MS-64) sold for $160 million privately in 2024, shattering every coin record. Even average examples bring $300,000–$1.7 million at auction.
| Year | Composition | Normal Value | Record Auction Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Steel | Zinc-coated steel | 10–50¢ | $3,000 (rare errors) |
| 1943 Bronze | Copper | $300K–$1.7M | $160 Million (2024) |
Could You Actually Find One in Circulation?
Yes – barely! A few have turned up in change as recently as the 2010s. One was discovered in a school lunch money roll in the 1950s and later sold for millions.
Mind-Blowing Facts & Auction Records
- Only ~15 confirmed 1943 bronze cents exist
- One example traded hands for $1.7 million in 2010
- The $160M specimen is now the most valuable U.S. coin ever
- Counterfeits are everywhere – always get authentication!
| Top 5 Most Expensive Lincoln Pennies Ever Sold |
|---|
| 1. 1943-D Bronze – $160 Million (2024 private) |
| 2. 1943-S Bronze – $1.7 Million (2010) |
| 3. 1943 Bronze (no mintmark) – $1.2M (2019) |
| 4. 1909-S VDB – $1.9 Million (2023) |
| 5. 1958 Doubled Die – $1.1 Million (2007) |
Expert Tips: How to Hunt for Rare Wheat Pennies
- Check every 1943 steel cent with a magnet – bronze won’t stick!
- Look for 1944 steel cents too (another rare error)
- Search old bank rolls, estate jars, and attic boxes
- Use a cheap loupe to spot doubled dies and repunched mintmarks
- Never clean coins – it destroys value
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are all 1943 pennies valuable?
No – only the bronze ones. Steel 1943 cents are common.
Q: How do I know if mine is real bronze?
It weighs 3.11 grams and won’t stick to a magnet.
Q: Where can I get my coin appraised?
PCGS or NGC – submit through an authorized dealer.
Final Thoughts – Start Checking Your Coins Today!
The $160 million Lincoln Wheat penny proves that life-changing treasure can still hide in plain sight. While finding another 1943 bronze cent is like winning the lottery twice, checking your change costs nothing and keeps the dream alive. Grab that old jar of pennies tonight – you never know what’s waiting!