A rare Lincoln Wheat Penny could be worth $320,000, and it might still be hiding in your change! This special coin, minted between 1909 and 1958, has a fascinating story that makes it a treasure for collectors.
What Makes It So Valuable?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first made in 1909 to celebrate President Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. It shows Lincoln’s face on the front and two wheat stalks on the back, which is why it’s called a “Wheat Penny.” Most of these pennies are worth just one cent, but a rare version from 1943 is the real prize.
During World War II, pennies were made of steel to save copper for the war. By mistake, a few 1943 pennies were made with bronze (copper). These are super rare only about 15 to 20 exist! One of these 1943 Bronze Wheat Pennies can be worth up to $320,000, depending on its condition.
How to Spot the Rare Penny
Here’s how to check if you have this valuable coin
- Year: Look for “1943” on the front.
- Color: It should be reddish-brown (bronze), not silver like most 1943 pennies.
- Magnet Test: A steel penny sticks to a magnet; a bronze one doesn’t.
- Weight: Bronze pennies weigh about 3.11 grams; steel ones are lighter at 2.7 grams.
- Mint Mark: Check for a “D” (Denver) or “S” (San Francisco) under the year. These can be worth more.
Where Could It Be?
Believe it or not, these rare pennies might still be in circulation! You could find one in:
- Pocket change from stores
- Old piggy banks or coin jars
- Family coin collections
- Flea markets or garage sales
What to Do If You Find One
If you think you have a 1943 Bronze Wheat Penny
- Don’t clean it! Cleaning can lower its value.
- Store it safely in a plastic holder.
- Take it to a coin expert or grading service like PCGS or NGC to verify it.
- If it’s real, you could sell it at an auction or to a collector for a lot of money.
A Tiny Treasure
This $320,000 penny shows that even small things can be worth a fortune. Next time you get a penny, take a quick look you might be holding a piece of history that could change your life