The Lincoln Wheat Penny Valued at $980K : Still in Circulation
Imagine digging through your spare coins and finding a simple penny worth $980,000. It sounds like a dream, but it could happen. One rare version of the Lincoln Wheat Penny holds this incredible value, and experts believe some might still be hiding in everyday circulation.
This article explains why this penny is so valuable, how to spot it, and whether you could actually find one in your wallet or piggy bank.
Overview of the $980K Lincoln Wheat Penny
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Coin Type | Lincoln Wheat Penny (One Cent) |
| Year | 1943 (Copper Version) |
| Mint Mark | None (Philadelphia Mint) |
| Estimated Value | Up to $980,000 |
| Why So Valuable? | Rare copper error (only 10-15 known to exist) |
| Could It Still Circulate? | Possible, but extremely unlikely |
Why Is This Penny Worth Nearly $1 Million?
Most 1943 Lincoln Wheat Pennies were made of steel because copper was needed for World War II supplies. But a few copper pennies were accidentally made that year, making them some of the rarest and most valuable coins in U.S. history.
Only 10 to 15 of these copper 1943 pennies are confirmed to exist. One sold for 204,000∗∗in2019,andanotherintopconditioncouldreach∗∗980,000 or more at auction.
How to Identify the Rare 1943 Copper Penny
Before you start checking every penny in your house, here’s how to spot the real deal:
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Check the Year – Only 1943 pennies are valuable if made of copper.
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Use a Magnet – Steel pennies stick to magnets; copper pennies do not.
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Look at the Color – A real 1943 copper penny will be reddish-brown, not silver.
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Check the Mint Mark – The most valuable ones have no mint mark (made in Philadelphia).
Warning: Many fakes exist. If you think you’ve found one, get it checked by a professional coin grader.
Could This Penny Still Be in Circulation?
The short answer: Yes, but it’s very unlikely. Here’s why:
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Most were found decades ago and are now in private collections or museums.
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Coin collectors and dealers search through thousands of pennies, making it hard for one to go unnoticed.
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If someone spent it by accident, a bank or store would likely catch it before it reached you.
Still, if you ever find a 1943 copper penny, handle it carefully—it could be worth a fortune!
What Should You Do If You Find One?
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Don’t Clean It – Cleaning can damage the coin and lower its value.
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Store It Safely – Keep it in a protective coin holder to avoid scratches.
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Get It Certified – Contact the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC).
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Sell Through a Reputable Auction House – Companies like Heritage Auctions specialize in rare coins.
Other Valuable Pennies to Look For
While the 1943 copper penny is the most famous, other rare pennies include:
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1955 Doubled Die Penny – Worth up to $25,000
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1969-S Doubled Die Penny – Can sell for $50,000+
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1974 Aluminum Penny – Only a few exist; value over $250,000
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many 1943 copper pennies are there?
Experts believe only 10 to 15 exist, but not all have been found yet.
2. Why is the 1943 copper penny so rare?
The U.S. Mint accidentally used leftover copper blanks meant for 1942 pennies.
3. Are all 1943 pennies valuable?
No—only the copper ones. Steel 1943 pennies are common and worth a few cents.
4. Has anyone found a 1943 copper penny recently?
The last confirmed find was in 2017, when a man discovered one in his father’s coin collection.
5. Could a 1943 copper penny really sell for $980,000?
Yes—if it’s in excellent condition, it could sell for close to $1 million at auction.
Final Thoughts
The 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most legendary coins ever made. While the chances of finding one in your change are slim, it’s not impossible.
If you’re a coin collector (or just curious), keep an eye out—you might be holding $980,000 in your hand without even knowing it. Happy hunting!