Lincoln Wheat Penny : Imagine finding a penny in your pocket change that’s worth more than a luxury car. It might sound far-fetched, but it’s a real possibility. One particular Lincoln Wheat Penny, valued at up to $49,000, could still be circulating — and most people would never know it.
What Makes This Penny Worth $49,000?
The coin in question is a 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny — but not the common steel version minted during World War II. In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc-coated steel to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a few copper planchets (coin blanks) from 1942 were mistakenly left in the machines — and they were struck into 1943 copper Wheat Pennies.
Only an estimated 15 to 20 of these copper 1943 pennies exist, and when one surfaces at auction, it can command prices from $10,000 to over $300,000, depending on condition. One such coin sold for $49,000 in a private sale, drawing headlines across the coin-collecting world.
How to Identify the Rare 1943 Copper Penny
Here’s what to look for:
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Date: 1943
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Color: A reddish or brown copper tone — not gray or silver like the steel versions
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Magnet Test: Genuine 1943 copper pennies are not magnetic. If it sticks to a magnet, it’s steel and likely worth only a few cents.
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Weight: A copper penny weighs about 3.11 grams, while a steel penny weighs 2.7 grams
If you have a 1943 penny that looks copper and doesn’t stick to a magnet, you might be holding a fortune.
Other Rare Wheat Pennies Still in Circulation
The 1943 copper penny isn’t the only valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny. Several others, though not as rare, can also fetch thousands of dollars:
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1909-S VDB — Worth up to $2,500+
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1914-D — Can sell for $300 to over $4,000
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1922 “No D” — Worth $500 to $1,000+
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1955 Doubled Die Obverse — Worth $1,000+ with obvious doubling of date and lettering
Many of these rare coins occasionally slip through coin rolls or estate inheritances — still technically in circulation.
Why It Might Still Be Out There
Coin experts estimate that millions of Wheat Pennies remain in drawers, jars, and piggy banks. Since the 1943 copper penny looks nearly identical to a regular pre-1982 copper penny, most people don’t take a second look — or worse, they spend it without knowing its value.
With so few of these coins officially accounted for, some numismatists believe more examples are still hidden in circulation or private collections, unrecognized for what they truly are.
What To Do If You Think You Have One
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Use a Magnet: A quick and easy first step.
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Check the Weight: Use a digital coin scale.
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Get It Authenticated: If you suspect it’s the real deal, send it to a reputable grading company like PCGS or NGC.
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Don’t Clean It: Cleaning rare coins can reduce their value significantly.
Final Thoughts
A coin worth $49,000 that could still be found in everyday change may seem like a fantasy, but it’s rooted in fact. The 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of America’s most valuable and mysterious coins — and it’s still out there, waiting to be discovered.
So next time you empty your pockets or cash in a coin jar, take a closer look. That “ordinary” penny could be the once-in-a-lifetime find collectors dream of.
FAQs: The Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $49,000 — Still in Circulation?
What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny that’s worth $49,000?
The penny in question is the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny struck in copper, not the common steel version. Due to a minting error, a few copper planchets (coin blanks) were used during production, making this coin one of the rarest and most valuable in U.S. coin history.
Why is the 1943 copper Wheat Penny so rare?
In 1943, pennies were supposed to be made of zinc-coated steel to save copper for World War II efforts. However, a few leftover copper blanks from 1942 were accidentally used, resulting in a small number of 1943 pennies struck in copper. Fewer than 20 are known to exist.
How can I tell if I have the rare 1943 copper penny?
Look for these signs:
- Date: 1943
- Color: Brown or reddish copper, not gray (which is steel)
- Magnet Test: A genuine 1943 copper penny is not magnetic
- Weight: Copper pennies weigh about 3.11 grams, while steel ones are about 2.7 grams
Are these rare 1943 copper pennies still in circulation?
Yes, it’s possible. Although extremely rare, some experts believe that a few may still be hidden in coin jars, collections, or even in circulation, mistaken for ordinary copper pennies.
Disclaimer: All values are approximate and depend on condition, market demand, and authentication. Always consult a certified coin expert for accurate valuation.