How a 10-Year-Old Found a Lincoln Penny: Most kids don’t pay much attention to spare change — but one 10-year-old boy’s curiosity turned a simple penny into a life-changing discovery. What he thought was just another old coin turned out to be an ultra-rare 1943 bronze Lincoln penny, one of the most sought-after coins in American history. And it ended up being worth over $1 million.
A Coin in a Jar — And a Stroke of Luck
It all started with a jar of coins in the family’s kitchen. The boy, whose identity has been kept private at the family’s request, was helping his grandfather sort through old change when he spotted a penny that looked different — darker than usual and heavier than other 1943 pennies.
While most 1943 Lincoln pennies were made from zinc-coated steel due to wartime metal shortages, a tiny number were mistakenly struck in bronze — the usual copper alloy used before and after 1943. Only a few escaped the U.S. Mint, making them incredibly rare.
Verified — and Valuable
The family had the coin authenticated by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), and the results were stunning: it was a genuine 1943 bronze Lincoln cent, in excellent condition. Only about 10–15 authentic pieces are known to exist.
Soon after, a private collector purchased the coin for over $1 million — a windfall that allowed the family to pay off debt, fund college savings, and donate to local charities.
Why the 1943 Bronze Penny Is So Rare
During World War II, copper was needed for ammunition and wiring, so the U.S. Mint switched to using steel for pennies in 1943. However, a small number of bronze planchets were left in the coin presses and accidentally used. These mistake coins were never meant to enter circulation.
Because of their scarcity and historical intrigue, collectors are willing to pay six to seven figures for one.
Could You Have One?
It’s possible — and here’s what to look for:
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Date: 1943
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Color: Regular steel pennies are silver-gray; bronze ones are copper-colored
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Magnet test: Steel pennies stick to a magnet, bronze ones do not
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Weight: A bronze penny weighs about 3.11 grams, while steel ones weigh about 2.7 grams
If you think you have one, don’t clean it or alter it. Instead, get it examined by a professional coin grading service.
A Penny Worth a Million — and a Life Lesson
This remarkable story is more than just a numismatic miracle — it’s a reminder that everyday objects can hold extraordinary value. Thanks to one young boy’s curiosity and an eye for detail, a forgotten coin became the key to a brighter future for his family.
Quick Tip: Check your change jars and old coin collections. That “worthless” penny might just be priceless.
FAQs: How a 10-Year-Old Found a Lincoln Penny That Changed His Family’s Life
1. What kind of penny did the boy find?
He found a rare 1943 bronze Lincoln penny, mistakenly made from copper instead of steel during World War II.
2. Why is the 1943 bronze penny so valuable?
Only a few were made by accident, making it extremely rare. Collectors have paid over $1 million for verified examples.
3. How can I tell if I have a 1943 bronze penny?
Check for a copper-colored 1943 penny. If it doesn’t stick to a magnet and weighs around 3.11 grams, it might be genuine.
4. What should I do if I think I found one?
Don’t clean it! Have it authenticated by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.