How A 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny Could Be Worth $140K And Make You Rich

That’s exactly what happened to a few lucky people who found a 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat penny. This coin is extremely rare and one of the most valuable coins in American history.

In this guide, you’ll learn what makes this coin special, how to identify it, and what it’s worth. Maybe you’ll find one too!

Overview – Key Facts About the $140K Penny

Topic	Details
Coin Name	1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny
Error Type	Made in copper instead of steel
Known Specimens	Around 20
Estimated Value	$60,000 to $1.7 million
How to Identify	Weighs 3.11g, non-magnetic, copper color

The Wartime Minting Error That Created a Legend

In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel for pennies to save copper for World War II. But by mistake, a few pennies were still made with leftover copper from 1942.

This accident created a tiny number of copper 1943 pennies—making them extremely rare and valuable.

Why the 1943 Copper Penny Is So Valuable

These coins are worth so much because:

• They’re Extremely Rare: Only about 20 are confirmed to exist.
• They Have Historical Value: They represent a key moment during WWII.
• Collectors Want Them: High demand from collectors has driven up prices.

One of these pennies sold for $1.7 million in 2010. Others have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

How to Identify a 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny

To check if your penny is one of these rare finds, follow these steps:

1. Check the Date
   • The year must be “1943.”
   • Look for mint marks: no letter (Philadelphia), “D” (Denver), or “S” (San Francisco).
2. Try the Magnet Test
   • Real copper pennies won’t stick to a magnet.
   • If your coin sticks, it’s steel, not copper.
3. Weigh It
   • Use a precise scale.
   • Copper pennies weigh about 3.11 grams.
   • Steel pennies are lighter, around 2.7 grams.
4. Watch for Fakes
   • Some fake coins are made by altering a 1948 penny to look like 1943.
   • Always get it checked by experts like PCGS or NGC.

Estimated Value by Condition

Coin Condition	Estimated Value
Good (Circulated)	$60,000 – $85,000
Fine	$100,000 – $140,000
Mint State (Uncirculated)	$200,000+
Proof or Ultra Rare	$1 million+

Famous Discoveries of the 1943 Copper Penny

• 1947: A schoolboy in California found one in his lunch money.
• 1958: A woman found one in her late husband’s coin collection.
• 2019: An old penny sold for $204,000 at auction.

These stories show that valuable coins can still be found in everyday places.

How to Sell a 1943 Copper Penny

If you think you’ve found one, here’s what to do:

• Get It Authenticated: Use trusted services like PCGS or NGC.
• Talk to Experts: Contact professional coin dealers or major auction houses like Heritage Auctions.
• Avoid Pawn Shops: They usually offer much less than the coin is worth.
• Sell Online Carefully: If using sites like eBay, have your coin officially verified.

The 1943 copper penny is more than just a collector’s item—it could be hiding in your coin jar or pocket. With a little knowledge, a magnet, and a scale, you could find something truly life-changing.

FAQs