Imagine stumbling upon a penny in your inherited coin jar that could be worth up to $3 million. While that might sound like a fantasy, it’s actually possible—especially if you’re holding one of the rarest U.S. coins ever minted: the 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just inherited a stash of old coins from a family member, knowing what to look for could turn your spare change into serious cash. Let’s break down what makes these pennies valuable and how you can find out if you own one of these rare pieces of American history.
Why the 1943 Copper Penny Is Worth Millions
In 1943, the U.S. Mint stopped making copper pennies and switched to zinc-coated steel to save copper for World War II. However, a few copper blanks (called planchets) from 1942 were mistakenly left in the coin presses. The result? A small number of 1943 Lincoln Wheat Pennies struck in copper instead of steel.
Only 20 to 30 authentic 1943 copper pennies are known to exist today, and they’re incredibly valuable because of their rarity and historical significance.
How Much Are 1943 Copper Pennies Worth?
The value of a 1943 copper penny depends on its condition and mint mark (small letters under the date showing where it was made). Some have fetched unbelievable prices at auction:
| Grade / Condition | Mint Mark | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Very Fine (VF) | No Mint | $200,000 – $350,000 |
| Extremely Fine (EF) | No Mint | $400,000 – $600,000 |
| Mint State (MS-63 or higher) | “D” or “S” | $1.5 million – $3 million |
How to Tell if You Have a 1943 Copper Penny
Think you might have one? Here are ways to check:
- Color: Copper pennies are reddish-brown, while steel ones are silvery-gray.
- Magnet Test: Steel pennies will stick to a magnet. Copper ones won’t.
- Weight Test: A copper penny weighs about 3.11 grams. Steel pennies weigh 2.7 grams.
- Look for Mint Marks:
- No letter = Philadelphia Mint
- “D” = Denver Mint
- “S” = San Francisco Mint
- Get It Authenticated: If it passes these tests, take it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC for certification.
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies to Watch For
Even if you don’t have the legendary 1943 copper penny, there are plenty of other rare Wheat Pennies worth hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars:
| Year | Key Feature | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1955 | Doubled Die Obverse | $1,000 – $10,000+ |
| 1944 | Steel (instead of copper) | $75,000 – $200,000 |
| 1922 | No “D” Mint Mark | $500 – $10,000 |
| 1909-S VDB | First year, low mintage | $600 – $2,000+ |
| 1917 | Date errors or varieties | $5 – $100+ |
What to Do If You Have a Jar of Old Pennies
It sounds like Mr. Skirvin and M.I. Huizar are sitting on a treasure trove—four large jars of old Lincoln Wheat Pennies passed down from a great-grandmother. These jars could contain multiple valuable pieces. Here’s what you should do:
- Sort by Year and Mint Mark – Separate the pennies by date and look for key years like 1909, 1914, 1922, 1943, 1944, 1955, and 1958.
- Check for Errors and Variants – Look for doubled dates, misprints, or unusual features like elongated numbers (like your 1917 error coin).
- Use a Magnifying Glass or Loupe – To catch small details and determine if a coin might be special.
- Weigh and Magnet-Test 1943 Pennies – Just in case you have one of the rare copper versions.
- Get a Professional Opinion – Take your coins to a local coin dealer or get them appraised online through companies like Heritage Auctions, PCGS, or NGC.
Can You Sell Rare Pennies?
Absolutely. Rare pennies can be sold through:
- Auction Houses: Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers
- Coin Grading Companies: PCGS, NGC
- Online Marketplaces: eBay (if you know what you’re doing)
- Local Coin Dealers: For quick sales and appraisals
Before selling, always get your rare coins graded and authenticated—this increases both buyer confidence and the value you’ll get.
The possibility of finding a multimillion-dollar coin in an old jar is real. While most Wheat Pennies are worth just a few cents, rare variations like the 1943 copper penny or a 1955 doubled die can be worth life-changing amounts. If you’ve inherited old coins or have a coin collection tucked away, it might be time to dust them off and start sorting.
FAQs
How many 1943 copper pennies exist?
Only about 20 to 30 are known today, making them incredibly rare.
What’s the easiest way to spot a fake 1943 copper penny?
If it sticks to a magnet or weighs less than 3 grams, it’s not real copper.
What’s my 1955 double die penny worth?
Depending on its condition, it could range from $1,000 to over $10,000.
Is a 1917 Wheat Penny with a stretched number valuable?
Yes—date errors and striking anomalies can add collectible value. Have it appraised by a professional.
How should I store old pennies?
Keep them in coin flips or albums, away from moisture and extreme temperatures.
