It’s amazing to think that a simple coin in your pocket could change your life. We’re talking about the 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny, which is worth millions today. This penny is so rare that coin collectors worldwide are always on the lookout for it. What’s even more surprising is that this coin could still be in circulation, meaning you might have it without realizing its true value!
In this article, we will know why this coin is so special, how it can be identified, and where you can find it. It is possible that the next coin you get your hands on turns out to be a treasure worth millions of dollars!
History of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Cent was first issued in 1909. It was the first coin in America to have a picture of a person printed on it – that person was the President of America, Abraham Lincoln. No US coin had ever had a person’s portrait on it before.
The coin was designed by Victor David Brenner, who took Lincoln’s portrait from a bronze plaque and added two ears of wheat to the back of the coin. This is why it was called the ‘Wheat Penny’.
Manufacturing and design changes
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was produced from 1909 to 1958, making it one of the longest-running designs in US history. It was produced by three different mints:
- Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark)
- Denver Mint (“D” mint mark)
- San Francisco Mint (“S” mint mark)
In 1959, this design was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial. But the Lincoln Cent continues to be in circulation.
Changes in metal composition
The metal composition of this coin kept changing over time:
- 1909-1942: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
- 1943: Zinc coating on steel (because there was a shortage of copper during the war)
- 1944-1958: 95% copper, 5% zinc (tin removed)
In 1943, when there was a huge shortage of copper, some coins were mistakenly made on old copper blanks. This mistake makes these coins worth millions of dollars today.
1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny: An inadvertently created priceless heritage
How did this mistake happen?
In 1943, the demand for copper was very high in the US because it was being used in weapons, wires and other equipment during the war. In such a situation, the government decided that all coins would be made from steel so that copper could be saved.
But by mistake some old copper blanks were saved and coins were made on them too. It is estimated that only 20 such coins were made.
This mistake makes it so rare and valuable today. Its price can reach about $4.2 million.
How to identify if you have this rare coin?
If you have a 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny, there are a few simple ways you can check if it is real:
1. Check the date
- The coin should have “1943” written on it. If there is any other date, it is not the same rare coin.
2. Do a magnet test
- A steel coin will stick to a magnet, while a copper one will not. If your 1943 coin does not stick to a magnet, it may be a real copper coin.
3. Check the color and weight
- The steel coin is light and silver in color.
- The copper coin is dark brownish-red and weighs 3.11 grams.
4. Get it evaluated by a professional
- If your coin passes all these tests, get it evaluated by a certified numismatist.
Beware of fake coins
Due to its high price, many fake coins have been made:
- Some people change the 1948 coin to “1943.”
- Some people apply copper coating on steel coins to make them look real.
So always get your coin examined by a certified institution.
Where to find these rare coins?
If you are fond of collecting old coins, then you can find these rare coins in these places:
- ✅ Antique Coin Shops
- ✅ In old family heirlooms
- ✅ Flea Markets and Garage Sales
- ✅ Auction Houses
If you find an old coin, check it carefully – you may be holding a treasure worth millions of dollars!
If you find this coin, what do you do?
If you are lucky enough to find a genuine 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny, keep in mind:
- ✔ Do not touch it often, only hold it by the edges
- ✔ Store it properly – in a plastic cover or special coin box
- ✔ Get it evaluated by an expert so that you can know its real value and authenticity
Conclusion: A small coin that can change your fate!
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is not just a historic coin, it is also a reminder of the era when America was going through World War II. The 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny is the result of a rare mistake, but today that mistake is what makes it one of the most valuable coins in the world. If you have a collection of old coins, or you never paid attention to the old coins lying in your grandparents’ cupboard, then now is the time to take a look.
Who knows, the coin you have considered so far, may make you a millionaire!
FAQs
Q. What makes the 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny so valuable?
A. It’s extremely rare—only around 20 were mistakenly made using copper during wartime when steel was supposed to be used.
Q. How can I tell if my 1943 penny is copper?
A. Try the magnet test: copper won’t stick to a magnet, but steel will. Also, copper pennies are reddish-brown and weigh about 3.11 grams.
Q. Where can I find this rare penny?
A. Check old coin collections, antique shops, flea markets, garage sales, or family heirlooms.
Q. Can 1943 copper pennies be fake?
A. Yes, some fakes are altered steel or 1948 pennies. Always get your coin checked by a professional.
Q. What is the value of a real 1943 Copper Penny?
A. A genuine one can sell for up to $4.2 million at auction, depending on condition and authenticity.
