A single penny could make you rich! A rare Lincoln Wheat penny, valued at up to $815,000, is still out there, hiding in pocket change, coin jars, or even vending machines. With its classic wheat stalk design, this coin is a collector’s treasure due to a rare minting error. People have found these pennies in everyday places, and you might have one too. Here’s what makes this penny so special and how to spot it.
A Wartime Error Worth a Fortune
In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched to steel pennies to save copper for World War II. By mistake, a few pennies were struck on copper planchets at the Denver Mint. These 1943-D copper pennies are incredibly rare, with only one confirmed to exist, though others might still be in circulation. One reportedly sold for $840,000 at a recent auction, though some sources suggest $815,000 as its value. Collectors are eager to find more, making these coins a hot topic.
How to Spot the $815,000 Penny
Finding this penny takes a sharp eye. It looks like a regular Lincoln Wheat penny, with Abraham Lincoln on the front and wheat stalks on the back, but it’s made of copper, not steel. A magnet is your best friend—copper won’t stick, while steel will. Here’s a quick guide to help you check:
| Feature | 1943-D Copper Penny | Regular 1943 Penny |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Copper (shiny brown) | Steel (silver-gray) |
| Magnet Test | Doesn’t stick | Sticks to magnet |
| Mint Mark | “D” under the date | “D” or none |
| Weight | 3.11 grams | 2.7 grams |
- Check the date: It must say “1943.”
- Look for the mint mark: A “D” under the date is crucial.
- Test with a magnet: If it doesn’t stick, it’s copper.
- Weigh it: A copper penny is heavier at 3.11 grams.
Where These Pennies Might Be Hiding
These rare pennies could be anywhere! Some have been found in change at stores, gas stations, or old piggy banks. A 1943 copper penny was discovered in a family collection in 2019 and sold for over $200,000. Check rolls of pennies from the bank, loose change from a coffee shop, or your grandpa’s coin tin. Your next handful of change might hold a treasure
What to Do If You Find One
If you think you’ve got a 1943-D copper penny, don’t clean it or spend it! Cleaning can ruin its value by scratching the surface or removing its natural shine. Take it to a trusted coin dealer or appraiser to confirm it’s real. Store it in a soft plastic holder to keep it safe. If it’s genuine, you could be looking at a huge payday, possibly up to $815,000 or more.
Start Looking Today
The 1943-D copper Lincoln Wheat penny is a hidden gem waiting to be found. Your chances of finding one are slim, but the reward could be life-changing. Next time you get a penny in change, take a closer look. That little copper coin might just be your ticket to a fortune!