Imagine finding a penny in your change that’s worth $21 million. Sounds crazy, right? But it’s true! A rare version of the Lincoln Wheat Penny—one of the most common U.S. coins—could still be floating around today.
What Makes This Penny So Special?
In 1943, most pennies were made of steel because copper was needed for World War II. But a few were accidentally made using bronze (the usual material), left over from the previous year. These mistakes are now worth a fortune.
One of these rare 1943 bronze pennies once sold for a jaw-dropping $21 million at a private auction. And experts think a few might still be out there, hiding in old coin jars, drawers, or even pocket change.
Quick Facts About the $21 Million Penny
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Type | Lincoln Wheat Penny |
| Year | 1943 |
| Material | Bronze (error coin) |
| Normal 1943 Material | Steel-coated zinc |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco) |
| Known Examples | Around 10–15 |
| Top Sale Price | $21 million |
| Current Value Range | $1 million–$21 million (based on condition) |
Design Details
- Front (Obverse): Abraham Lincoln’s profile, designed by Victor D. Brenner
- Back (Reverse): Two wheat stalks around the words “ONE CENT”
- Edge: Smooth, no ridges
Why It’s So Valuable
- A Rare Mistake
In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched to steel for pennies. But some leftover bronze coin blanks from 1942 were used by accident. Only a handful were made, making them incredibly rare. - How to Tell If You Have One
- Magnet Test: Steel sticks to a magnet—bronze doesn’t.
- Color: Steel looks silver; bronze is copper-brown.
- Weight: Bronze weighs 3.11 grams; steel weighs 2.7 grams.
- Record-Breaking Sales
- One 1943-S bronze penny sold for $1 million in 2010.
- A top-quality version later sold for $21 million.
Could You Still Find One?
Yes! While rare, some might still be:
- Mistaken for common steel pennies in coin collections
- Sitting unnoticed in drawers, jars, or piggy banks
- Hidden in bank coin rolls
If you think you’ve found one, don’t clean it—that can lower its value. Instead, take it to a coin expert to get it checked.
Other Rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies to Watch For
| Year | Special Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1909-S | San Francisco mint mark | $1,000+ |
| 1909-S VDB | Includes designer’s initials | $1,500+ |
| 1914-D | Low number minted | $200+ |
| 1922 No D | Missing mint mark | $500+ |
| 1955 Double Die | Misprinted text and date | $1,000+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many 1943 bronze pennies exist?
A: Only 10–15 are known, but there may be more hidden away.
Q: How do I tell if mine is bronze or steel?
A: Use a magnet. Steel sticks; bronze doesn’t. You can also weigh it.
Q: Where should I look?
A: Try old coin jars, inherited collections, or even rolled coins from banks.
Q: What if I find one?
A: Don’t clean it—have it authenticated by a coin grading company like PCGS or NGC.
Final Thoughts
The 1943 bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the rarest coins ever made. If you’re lucky enough to find one, it could change your life. So check your change—you never know what treasure might be hiding in plain sight.