The Lincoln: Most of us don’t think twice about the pennies in our pockets — but what if one of them could be worth $49,000? That’s exactly the case with certain rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies, small copper coins that were once common currency but now command serious attention from collectors. One in particular — a rare 1943 bronze Wheat penny — has sold for tens of thousands of dollars at auction, and there’s reason to believe that a few may still be circulating undetected.
What Is a Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was minted from 1909 to 1958. It features Abraham Lincoln on the obverse (front) and two wheat stalks flanking the words “ONE CENT” on the reverse.
These pennies are already sought after by collectors for their age and design, but some specific years and minting errors make them especially valuable.
The $49,000 Penny: Why It’s So Valuable
The star of this story is the 1943 bronze (copper) Wheat penny. In 1943, during World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc-coated steel to save copper for the war effort. But a small number of bronze planchets (the metal blanks used for coins) were mistakenly left in the presses and used — resulting in a very rare copper version of the 1943 penny.
Only a few dozen are known to exist, and because the mistake was unintentional, each one is a numismatic treasure.
One such coin fetched nearly $49,000 at auction — and others have sold for even more, depending on condition and authenticity.
How to Spot a Rare 1943 Bronze Penny
If you think you’ve found a 1943 Wheat penny, here’s how to check if it could be the rare bronze version:
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Magnet test: Steel pennies will stick to a magnet; bronze/copper ones will not.
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Color: Steel cents are silvery, while bronze ones are brown or reddish.
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Weight: Steel pennies weigh about 2.7g; bronze versions weigh about 3.1g.
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Date and mint mark: Look for 1943 or 1943-D/S. Authentic versions are extremely rare and should be verified by experts.
Still in Circulation?
While most rare coins are long gone from everyday use, there are still occasional discoveries. Some people unknowingly spend or exchange these valuable coins, especially from old jars or estates. That’s why collectors still check penny rolls from banks, coin jars, and even spare change.
Final Thoughts
If you come across a 1943 Lincoln Wheat penny that looks like it’s made of copper or bronze — don’t ignore it. It could be one of the rarest and most valuable pennies in American history, potentially worth up to $49,000 or more.
The next time you get change, take a second look at those pennies. One of them might just change your life.
FAQs: The Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $49,000 — Still in Circulation?
1. Which Lincoln Wheat penny is worth $49,000?
The 1943 bronze (copper) Wheat penny is the one valued at up to $49,000 or more. It was mistakenly struck in bronze when pennies that year were supposed to be made of steel.
2. How can I tell if I have a rare 1943 bronze penny?
Do a magnet test — if it doesn’t stick, it may be bronze. Also check the color (reddish-brown, not silver) and the weight (around 3.1 grams).
3. Are these rare pennies still in circulation?
Possibly. A few could still be hiding in old change jars, bank rolls, or collections, unnoticed by people unaware of their value.
4. What should I do if I think I found one?
Don’t clean it. Store it safely and have it authenticated by a professional coin grading service like PCGS or NGC.