Imagine taking a penny out of your pocket and realizing that it could change your whole life. Doesn’t it sound crazy? Yes, that is possible with the famous Lincoln Wheat Penny. A very rare example of this coin is worth an amazing $12.5 million. It’s still out there, maybe mixed in with loose coins, waiting for someone to find it. Could you be that lucky person?
Value
From 1909 to 1958, the Lincoln Wheat Penny was made. It is already a classic among coin fans. But not each of these pennies is the same. The 1943 copper form is the most valuable, even though most of them are only worth a few cents.
This coin is very uncommon, and its sky-high value comes from an interesting historical fact and a mistake made when it was minted.
The Mystery
What’s the story behind this penny?
During World War II, in 1943, the U.S. Mint stopped making copper pennies. To save copper for war materials, steel coated with zinc was used to make pennies instead. But some copper blanks, or planchets, were left in the minting machines by accident, and a few real 1943 copper pennies were made.
Since there aren’t many of them known to exist, one has been given an amazing $12.5 million worth.
Circulation
What’s crazy is that some of these coins could still be out there, mixed in with cash.
Lucky people have found these uncommon pennies in coin jars, piggy banks, junk markets, and even as lunch money over the years. That’s so interesting about this story. It’s possible that a lot of money is hidden in your spare change.
Features
Do you think your penny is worth a lot of money? How to tell if a metal penny from 1943 is real:
Year: It has to be from 1943.
Material: It should be made of copper instead of steel.
Weight: A copper penny weighs 3.11 grams, while a steel penny weighs only 2.7 grams.
Magnet Test: Copper Doesn’t Pass the Magnet Test. This means that the penny is made of steel and is not worth much.
These hints will help you tell the difference between a normal penny and a one-of-a-kind find.
Knowing
Some people still say they found these expensive pennies, even though it’s hard to believe.
In 2019, a teen found a copper penny from 1943 in his lunch money. It was worth more than $1.7 million after it was verified. People and fans alike are always hoping for another story like that to come out.
Steps
Do you think you’ve found one? Don’t just put it back in the jar of change. Do these things:
- Run the Magnet Test.
- The secret number is 3.11 grams, so weigh the penny.
- Ask a numismatist (a coin expert) what they think about it.
- Get an estimate of its value. This could turn a lucky find into a huge profit.
Worth
That being said, why does this penny cost so much? It’s simple: it’s a rare item with a lot of history that collectors want. It’s like a minting unicorn because it was never meant to be. Since there aren’t many left, demand keeps going up, and so does the price.
Hunt
You have a small chance of finding treasure every time you get change. The thought of a $12.5 million penny still being used is exciting. Don’t pass up a 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny the next time you see one—it could be the most valuable thing you’ve ever touched.
