Imagine pulling a single penny from your couch and instantly becoming a multi-millionaire. That’s the dream behind the legendary 1943 bronze Lincoln wheat penny — the king of small-change treasures.
The Crazy WWII Mistake That Created It
In 1943, copper was desperately needed for the war effort. The U.S. Mint switched to zinc-coated steel for pennies that year. But a handful of bronze planchets (blank coins) from 1942 accidentally got mixed in and were struck with 1943 dies. Only about 15–20 are known today.
How Many Are Still Missing?
Experts believe 3 to 5 authentic 1943 bronze cents are still undiscovered — possibly in old jars, estate sales, or even circulation!
Top 10 Most Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies Ever Sold
| Rank | Year/Mint | Grade | Sale Price | Date Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1943-D Bronze | MS-64 | $1,700,000 | 2010 |
| 2 | 1943-S Bronze | MS-63 | $1,050,000 | 2021 |
| 3 | 1943 Bronze (Philly) | AU-53 | $372,000 | 2022 |
| 4 | 1909-S VDB | MS-67+ | $363,000 | 2019 |
| 5 | 1914-D | MS-66+ | $339,000 | 2023 |
| 6 | 1931-S | MS-66 | $240,000 | 2022 |
| 7 | 1922 No-D | MS-64 | $192,000 | 2021 |
| 8 | 1955 Doubled Die | MS-65+ | $184,000 | 2023 |
| 9 | 1909-S | MS-67 | $180,000 | 2020 |
| 10 | 1944 Steel | MS-63 | $158,000 | 2022 |
Exact Dates and Mint Marks to Hunt For
Focus on these holy-grail dates:
- 1943 bronze (no mint mark = Philadelphia)
- 1943-D bronze (tiny D under date)
- 1943-S bronze (tiny S under date)
- 1944 steel (opposite wartime error)
- 1955 doubled die obverse
Expert Tips: How to Spot a Real Bronze 1943 Penny
- Weigh it: Bronze = 3.11 grams, steel = 2.7 grams
- Magnet test: Real bronze WILL NOT stick
- Look for copper color peeking through wear
- Check the date — steel 1943s are gray/silver
Quick Authentication Comparison Table
| Feature | 1943 Steel (common) | 1943 Bronze (mega-rare) |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Silver-gray | Copper brown |
| Weight | 2.7 grams | 3.11 grams |
| Magnet attraction? | Yes | No |
| Known examples | Billions | ~15–20 |
| Current value | Face value | $300,000 – $20M+ |
Where to Sell If You Actually Find One
Reputable auction houses: Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, or GreatCollections. Never clean the coin — original surfaces are critical for top dollar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are all 1943 pennies valuable?
A: No — only the bronze ones. Steel 1943s are worth 10–50¢.
Q: Has anyone found one in circulation recently?
A: Yes! A 1943 bronze was discovered in a school lunch money jar in the 2000s.
Q: What’s the record price?
A: A rumored private sale exceeded $20 million (unconfirmed), but public records top out around $1.7 million.
Final Thoughts
Next time you get a handful of old wheat pennies, don’t just toss them in a jar — grab a scale, a magnet, and your phone’s flashlight. That dusty 1943 cent could literally change your life forever. Happy hunting, and may your next roll of pennies contain the find of the century!
Now go check those coffee cans, attic boxes, and grandma’s change purse — your $20 million Lincoln wheat penny might be waiting.