The Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $80 Million, Still in Circulation
Pennies are the most common coins in the U.S., often overlooked and left in jars or forgotten in pockets. But what if one of those pennies was worth millions? Believe it or not, a rare 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny made of copper (instead of steel) could be worth up to $80 million—and it might still be hiding in everyday change!
This article explores the fascinating story behind this ultra-rare penny, why it’s so valuable, and how you might just stumble upon one without even realizing it.
Overview Table
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Name | Lincoln Wheat Penny |
| Year of Issue | 1943 (Copper) |
| Current Estimated Value | Up to $80 Million |
| Material | Copper (Rare Mistake) |
| Still in Circulation? | Possibly |
| Why So Valuable? | Minting Error, Rarity |
The Story Behind the Rare 1943 Copper Penny
Why Was the 1943 Penny Special?
During World War II, the U.S. government needed to conserve copper for military supplies like bullets and shell casings. As a result, the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny was supposed to be made of steel coated with zinc, giving it a silver-like appearance.
However, due to a minting error, a few pennies were accidentally struck using leftover copper planchets (coin blanks) from 1942. These rare copper pennies are among the most sought-after coins in history.
How Many Exist?
Experts believe only 20 or fewer of these copper 1943 pennies were ever made. Over the years, a handful have been found, but many are still unaccounted for—meaning one could still be in circulation!
How to Identify the $80 Million Penny
Key Features of the 1943 Copper Wheat Penny
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Material: Looks like a normal copper penny (not silver).
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Date: Clearly says “1943” (not 1942 or 1944).
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Weight: Weighs about 3.11 grams (steel pennies weigh less).
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Magnet Test: A steel penny sticks to a magnet; a copper one does not.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Some people confuse 1943 steel pennies (worth a few cents) with the rare copper version.
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A 1944 steel penny is also rare but not as valuable as the 1943 copper one.
Real-Life Finds of the 1943 Copper Penny
The Famous Don Lutes Jr. Discovery
In 1947, a teenager named Don Lutes Jr. found a 1943 copper penny in his school cafeteria change. He kept it for decades, and in 2019, it sold at auction for $204,000—proving that these coins are still out there!
Other Known Specimens
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One sold for $1.7 million in 2010.
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Another was auctioned for $840,000 in 2021.
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The highest estimated value for a perfect-condition one? $80 million!
Could You Find One in Your Pocket Change?
Where to Look
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Old coin collections (check your grandparents’ stash!).
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Coin rolls from banks (some rare pennies slip through).
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Flea markets & yard sales (people often sell coins without knowing their worth).
What to Do If You Find One
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Verify its authenticity with a coin expert.
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Get it graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC.
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Consider selling at auction for maximum value.
Why Is This Penny Worth So Much?
Rarity + Demand = Extreme Value
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Only a few exist, making them a collector’s dream.
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Historical significance (WWII-era mistake).
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High demand from wealthy collectors and museums.
Comparison to Other Valuable Coins
| Coin | Value |
|---|---|
| 1943 Copper Wheat Penny | Up to $80M |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | $4.5M |
| 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar | $10M |
FAQs About the $80 Million Lincoln Wheat Penny
1. How many 1943 copper pennies are left?
Experts estimate fewer than 20, with only about 10 confirmed to exist.
2. Has anyone found one recently?
Yes! In 2019, a 1943 copper penny sold for over $200,000.
3. What’s the difference between a steel and copper 1943 penny?
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Steel: Silver-colored, sticks to a magnet.
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Copper: Looks like a normal penny, non-magnetic.
4. Can I still find one in circulation?
It’s extremely rare, but possible—people have found them in old collections and even spare change!
5. What should I do if I think I have one?
Get it checked by a coin expert immediately—it could be worth a fortune!
Conclusion
The 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny made of copper is one of the rarest and most valuable coins in U.S. history. With only a handful known to exist, finding one could make you an instant millionaire.
So next time you get a handful of pennies, take a closer look—you might just be holding $80 million in your palm!