The Lincoln: It might be time to check your pocket change, because one of the most iconic U.S. coins — the Lincoln Wheat Penny — could be worth as much as $144,000, and yes, it might still be in circulation.
While most of us think of pennies as nearly worthless, coin collectors know better. Some rare editions of the humble Lincoln Wheat Penny, especially those minted in the early 20th century, have fetched eye-popping sums at auctions. One such coin — a rare 1943 bronze Wheat Penny — has been valued at up to $144,000, and a few are rumored to still be out there, hiding in everyday jars, drawers, or even change machines.
Why Is the 1943 Wheat Penny So Valuable?
During World War II, copper was in high demand for the war effort, so in 1943, the U.S. Mint switched to using zinc-coated steel to produce pennies. However, due to a minting error, a small number of 1943 pennies were accidentally struck in bronze (copper) — the previous year’s material.
Only a handful of these copper 1943 Wheat Pennies exist, making them among the rarest and most valuable coins in U.S. history.
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Key Features of the $144K Penny:
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Year: 1943
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Material: Bronze/copper (instead of steel)
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Design: Lincoln on the front, wheat stalks on the back
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Color: Reddish-brown, not silver-gray like most 1943 pennies
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Weight: Heavier than the steel version (approx. 3.11 grams vs. 2.7 grams)
How to Spot One:
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Look for the year “1943” on any Lincoln Wheat Penny.
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If it’s not silver-colored and appears copper or reddish, it could be the real deal.
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Weigh the coin if possible — a bronze penny weighs around 3.11 grams.
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Use a magnet — steel cents are magnetic, bronze ones are not.
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Get it authenticated by a professional coin grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Are They Still in Circulation?
While rare, a few could still be out there. It’s not impossible — some have turned up in old piggy banks, coin collections, or even from coin rolls at banks.
So technically, yes: they could still be in circulation, though the odds are extremely slim.
Final Thought
A single penny could be worth more than a new car or even a college education — if it’s the right one. So before you toss that next coin into a tip jar or ignore the change in your pocket, give it a second look. That unassuming Wheat Penny might just be your ticket to $144,000. Check your change — it could literally pay off.
FAQ: The Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $144K — Still in Circulation?
What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
It’s a U.S. one-cent coin minted from 1909 to 1958, featuring Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat stalks on the back.
Why is the 1943 Wheat Penny worth $144,000?
In 1943, pennies were supposed to be made of steel, not copper. But a few were mistakenly struck in bronze (copper) — making them extremely rare and valuable to collectors.
What does the rare 1943 copper penny look like?
- Year: 1943
- Color: Copper or reddish-brown (not silver/gray)
- Magnet test: Not magnetic
- Weight: Around 3.11 grams (heavier than the steel version)