The Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $1.3 Million: Could you unknowingly be carrying a coin worth $1.3 million in your pocket? It might sound impossible, but numismatic experts say it’s not out of the question—especially if you have a handful of old pennies lying around. One specific coin, a rare Lincoln Wheat penny, has stunned collectors with its massive value and mysterious backstory. And here’s the wild part: it may still be circulating.
The Million-Dollar Penny: What Is It?
The coin in question is a 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny—but not the common steel version minted during World War II. This ultra-rare version was accidentally struck in bronze, the same material used in 1942. Only an estimated 10 to 20 of these bronze 1943 pennies were ever made, due to leftover copper planchets mistakenly being used in the minting process.
One of these rare coins sold for $1.3 million at auction, making it one of the most valuable pennies ever discovered.
How Did This Happen?
In 1943, copper was urgently needed for the war effort, so the U.S. Mint switched to producing pennies from zinc-coated steel. But somehow, a few copper blanks from 1942 were left in the presses and were used by mistake, creating these bronze 1943 error coins. Because of their rarity and the historical context, they’re among the most coveted coins in American history.
Still in Circulation? Possibly.
Surprisingly, a few of these coins have been discovered in everyday change, tucked in drawers, or passed down in old coin jars. Experts believe that more may still be undiscovered and in circulation, especially in forgotten coin collections or piggy banks.
How to Spot the $1.3 Million Penny
Here’s what to look for:
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Date: 1943
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Color: Should be a reddish-brown copper, not silver-colored like a steel penny
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Magnet Test: Real bronze pennies are not magnetic; steel ones are
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Weight: Bronze pennies weigh about 3.11 grams, compared to 2.7 grams for steel
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Get It Verified: If you suspect you have one, have it authenticated by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC
Other Rare Lincoln Pennies to Watch For
While the 1943 bronze penny steals the spotlight, there are other Lincoln Wheat pennies worth thousands, including:
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1944 Steel Penny – Another rare wartime error
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1909-S VDB – The first Lincoln cent, highly collectible
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1955 Double Die – Famous for its doubled lettering
Final Thoughts
The story of the $1.3 million Lincoln Wheat Penny is a reminder that history—and fortune—can hide in the most ordinary places. So before you toss that old penny into a vending machine, take a second look. You might be holding a piece of history worth more than a luxury home.
Who knows? The next million-dollar penny could be in your change jar right now.
FAQs The Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $1.3 Million: Still in Circulation?
What makes the 1943 Lincoln Wheat penny worth $1.3 million?
It was mistakenly struck in bronze instead of steel during wartime. Only a few exist, making it extremely rare and valuable.
How can I tell if I have the rare bronze 1943 penny?
Check if it’s a 1943 penny that looks copper (reddish-brown), not silver. Use a magnet—if it sticks, it’s steel. If not, you might have something special.
Is it possible one is still in circulation?
Yes. A few have been found in pocket change or old coin jars. Experts believe some may still be undiscovered.
What should I do if I think I found one?
Don’t clean or damage it. Store it safely and take it to a professional coin appraiser or grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication.