For collectors and regular people, there is the interesting prospect of having a rare, precious coin amongst unfastened change. One such prize is a Lincoln penny that became auctioned off for greater than $500,000. Maybe you have one for your pocket at this moment? Let us discover why this penny is really worth a lot cash and how to apprehend it.
The 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny – The $500,000 Rarity
During World War II, the U.S. Mint transitioned from copper pennies to zinc-plated steel to save copper for conflict-related manufacturing. A few 1943 pennies were by chance made with copper planchets in place of metal. These coins have considering become a number of the maximum precious pennies ever discovered.

Why Is the 1943 Copper Penny So Valuable?
- Extremely Rare – There are simplest an envisioned 20 to 40 of these pennies nevertheless in existence today.
- Minting Error – The U.S. Mint mistakenly struck them on leftover copper planchets of the 12 months 1942.
- High Demand – Buyers pay loads of hundreds of greenbacks for a actual 1943 copper penny.
- Record Sale – In 2010, a high-grade 1943 copper penny sold for $1.7 million!
How to Identify a 1943 Copper Penny

If you come across a 1943 Lincoln penny, follow these steps to determine if it’s the rare copper version:
- Check the Color – A genuine 1943 copper penny will have a reddish-brown color, unlike the common silver-colored steel pennies.
- Use a Magnet – The steel version will stick to a magnet, but the rare copper version will not.
- Inspect the Date Carefully – Look for a nicely-defined “1943” with out symptoms of tampering or changes.
- Get It Authenticated – If you suspect you have got one, send it to PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) for verification.
Other Valuable Lincoln Pennies to Look For
Even if you don’t find a 1943 copper penny, several other rare Lincoln pennies could be worth big money:
- 1944 Steel Lincoln Penny – Another wartime error, these pennies can fetch over $100,000.
- 1955 Double Die Penny – Features a noticeable double image and can sell for up to $50,000.
- 1969-S Doubled Die Penny – Highly sought after, with some selling for over $75,000.
- 1972 Doubled Die Penny – Another valuable error, worth thousands in high grades.

Preservation Tips
- Don’t Clean: Cleaning may lower a coin’s value.
- Use Suitable Storage: Keep coins in acid-free holders to avoid damage.
- Handle with Care: Wear gloves to prevent oils from your palms from being transferred.
Although the likelihood of discovering a 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny in circulation is low, it’s no longer out of the question. Periodically checking your pocket change might result in a nice wonder.
If you think you’ve discovered one, have it authenticated and valued by a professional numismatist or coin grading service.
Final Thought
A simple penny will be worth over $500,000, and rare cash continue to be hidden in move. Take a second to check your pocket alternate, old piggy banks, or inherited coin collections—you may just find out one of the rarest and maximum valuable Lincoln pennies ever minted!
FAQ’s
How do I know whether my 1943 penny is bronze or steel?
Use a magnet; steel pennies are magnetic and bronze ones are not.
Are there any other collectible Lincoln pennies to search for?
Yes, coins such as the 1909-S VDB and the 1955 Double Die are also very much in demand.
What do I do with a potentially valuable penny that I have found?
Treat it gently, don’t clean, and get it professionally authenticated.