Most people don’t even look at the pennies they get back in change. We just toss them into a drawer or jar. But did you know that one of those little coins might be worth a lot of money?
There’s a special kind of penny called the Lincoln Wheat Penny. Some rare ones, like the 1943 Bronze Penny, have sold for as much as $530,000. What’s crazy is that a few of these coins might still be floating around in pockets and wallets today.
Special Coin for a Special Man
The Lincoln Wheat Penny came out in 1909. It was made to honor Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. This was the first time a real person’s face was put on a U.S. coin for everyday use. A man named Victor D. Brenner designed it. On the front, you see Lincoln’s face. On the back, there are two wheat stalks. This design was used until 1958, when it changed to the Lincoln Memorial.
Big Mistake Made This Penny Rare
The most valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny is the 1943 Bronze Penny. One of these was sold for $530,000!
Why is it so special? It was made by mistake during World War II. Back then, the U.S. needed copper to make weapons and equipment. So in 1943, they made pennies out of steel instead.
But a few leftover bronze coin blanks from 1942 got stuck in the machines. When they were used with the 1943 coin design, they made a super rare error coin.
This Penny So Valuable
There are a few reasons why this penny is worth so much. First, it’s super rare. Experts think only 15 to 20 of these coins exist. Second, it was made during World War II, which makes it more interesting to collectors.
And third, it’s got a great story – a tiny mistake during a big war made something worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
How To Spot a Rare Penny
Want to know if your penny is one of the valuable ones? Here’s how to check. The rare 1943 penny is made of bronze, not steel. That means it looks brown, not silver. You can try a magnet test. Steel pennies stick to a magnet. Bronze ones do not. Bronze coins also weigh a little more than steel ones.
Other valuable pennies include
- 1909-S VDB
- 1914-D
- 1955 Doubled Die
These can also sell for thousands of dollars.
One In Your Pocket
What makes all this so fun is that these coins were used like any other penny. They’re not locked away in museums. People have found rare pennies in pocket change, old jars, and even in coin rolls from the bank. It’s like a small treasure hunt. You never know when you might find something amazing.
How To Keep It Safe
If you ever find a valuable penny, you should take good care of it. These coins are more than just money – they’re part of history. You can get them checked and graded by professionals. That helps keep them safe and shows how much they might be worth. As time goes by, these coins may become even more valuable. So it’s a smart idea to store them well.
FAQs
What is the rarest Lincoln penny?
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny.
How can I tell if my penny is bronze?
It won’t stick to a magnet.
How many 1943 bronze pennies exist?
Only around 15 to 20.
Are wheat pennies worth money?
Some rare ones are.
Can I still find one in change?
Yes, it’s possible.
