A Penny Worth Millions
In the world of coin collecting, a single penny can be worth more than a fancy car or even a house. The 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny, struck in bronze by mistake, is one such treasure. Most pennies from that year were made of steel because copper was needed for World War II. But a few bronze pennies slipped through, and they’re now some of the rarest coins in the world. One sold for $13 million at auction in 2019, making it the most expensive penny ever. Experts think only about 20 of these exist, and collectors are still hunting for them.
Why It’s So Special
During 1943, the U.S. Mint switched to steel for pennies to save copper for the war. A small number of bronze pennies were accidentally made at the Denver, Philadelphia, and San Francisco mints. The 1943-D bronze penny is the rarest, with only one known to exist. Its value comes from this scarcity and its historical quirk. Coin experts grade these pennies based on condition, with high-grade ones fetching the highest prices. Collectors dream of finding one in old jars or forgotten coin rolls.
| Mint Location | Known Bronze 1943 Pennies |
|---|---|
| Denver (D) | 1 |
| Philadelphia | ~12 |
| San Francisco (S) | ~6 |
Stories of Discovery
Over the years, a few lucky people have stumbled across these pennies. In the 1940s, a teenager named Don Lutes Jr. got one in change at his school cafeteria and kept it, not knowing its value. His penny was later confirmed as genuine and sold for $204,000 after his death in 2018. Another was found in a cereal box by a collector in the 1980s. These stories keep hope alive for hobbyists who check every penny they find, thinking it could be the next big discovery.
How to Spot One
Identifying a 1943 bronze penny takes care. First, check the date and material. Steel pennies from that year stick to a magnet, but bronze ones don’t. Look for the “D” or “S” mint mark under the date to know where it was made. Be cautious of fakes, as some people plate steel pennies with copper to trick collectors. Experts suggest having any suspected bronze penny checked by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.
| Feature | Genuine Bronze Penny | Steel Penny |
|---|---|---|
| Magnet Test | Does not stick | Sticks |
| Weight | ~3.11 grams | ~2.7 grams |
| Color | Bronze/copper | Silver/gray |
The Hunt Continues
The thrill of finding a 1943 bronze penny keeps collectors searching. Some check coin rolls from banks, while others scour estate sales or flea markets. Online marketplaces like eBay are popular, but buyers must be careful of scams. Coin shows and auctions are also great places to look, though high-value pennies are rarely found there. The idea that a penny in your pocket could be worth millions makes this hobby exciting for beginners and experts alike.
A Piece of History
Owning a 1943 bronze penny is like holding a piece of American history. It’s a reminder of a time when the country was focused on war and every bit of metal mattered. Whether you’re a serious collector or just someone who likes old coins, the story of this penny is a fun one. It shows how something small can turn out to be a big deal. So, next time you get a penny in change, take a closer look. You never know what you might find.