A Dusty Drawer, A Million-Dollar Find
A Tennessee teenager cleaning out a shed stumbled across a 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny that’s now valued at $1.8 million. Tucked away in a rusty drawer among screws and nails, this penny turned out to be a rare WWII-era error coin. The teen’s discovery, sold at auction last week, has collectors buzzing and people everywhere checking old drawers for hidden treasures. This story shows how a single penny can change someone’s life.
A Wartime Coin with a Big Secret
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, minted since 1909, features Abraham Lincoln on the front and wheat stalks on the back. In 1943, during World War II, the U.S. Mint made pennies from steel to save copper for the war. But a few were accidentally struck in bronze, creating one of the rarest coins in history. This 1943 bronze penny, found by the teen, is one of only about 15 known to exist, making it a collector’s holy grail.
Why It’s Worth So Much
This penny’s value comes from its extreme rarity and historical mistake. The U.S. Mint didn’t mean to use bronze in 1943, so these error coins are like finding a needle in a haystack. The teen’s penny was graded Mint State 61 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), meaning it’s in great shape despite years in a shed. Its rich bronze color and clear details drove its auction price to $1.8 million, just shy of the $2.1 million record for a similar coin.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Type | 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny |
| Material | Bronze (instead of steel) |
| Auction Value | $1.8 Million |
| Grading | PCGS Mint State 61 |
| Known Examples | Approximately 15 |
How to Spot a Rare Penny
Want to hunt for a valuable penny? Here’s what to check:
- Date: Look for 1943; most are steel, but bronze is the prize.
- Magnet Test: Bronze pennies don’t stick to magnets; steel ones do.
- Weight: Bronze pennies weigh about 3.11 grams; steel ones are 2.7 grams.
- Condition: Clear details on Lincoln’s face or the wheat stalks mean more value.
If you find a 1943 penny that looks bronze, don’t clean it—it could ruin its worth. Take it to a coin dealer or grading service like PCGS or NGC to confirm. These coins are super rare but could still be out there.
A Collecting Frenzy Begins
The $1.8 million sale has sparked a coin-hunting craze. Social media is full of people sharing photos of old pennies, and coin shops are getting swamped with visitors. One collector in Ohio found a 1943 bronze penny in a family safe last year, selling it for $1.2 million. Stories like these keep the excitement alive, with everyone dreaming of their own big find. The teen plans to use the money for college, calling the discovery “a total fluke.”
Check Your Drawers and Jars
This story proves treasures can hide in the most unexpected places. A 1943 bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny could be sitting in your shed, attic, or change jar, waiting to make you rich. Experts suggest checking old coin collections, especially from the 1940s, or loose change from cash purchases. Even if you don’t find a $1.8 million penny, other rare coins could still bring a nice payout. So, grab a magnet and start searching—you might just uncover a fortune in your own backyard.
