Lincoln Wheat Penny : Have you ever sifted through old coins, thinking they might be worthless? Think again—some seemingly ordinary coins could be hidden treasures. One such coin, the Lincoln Wheat Penny, has recently made headlines for its astonishing value, with certain rare versions fetching up to $1.7 million at auctions. If you’ve ever stored away old coins, now might be the perfect time to check—you could be sitting on a fortune.
The Legacy of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
First minted in 1909, the Lincoln Wheat Penny was introduced to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Designed by Victor D. Brenner, the coin features Lincoln’s profile on the obverse (front) and two wheat stalks on the reverse (back), giving it its iconic name. These pennies remained in circulation until 1958, when the design was updated.
While millions were produced, some editions—particularly those from 1943—stand out due to a rare minting error that makes them incredibly valuable today.
The 1943-S Lincoln Wheat Penny: A Million-Dollar Mistake
During World War II, copper was in high demand for ammunition and military supplies. To conserve resources, the U.S. Mint switched from bronze (95% copper) to steel-coated zinc for penny production in 1943. However, a few bronze planchets (coin blanks) from the previous year were accidentally left in the presses.
When these bronze planchets were struck with the 1943 design, they became one of the rarest and most sought-after coins in history. Only a handful are known to exist, making them worth millions in today’s market.
A Record-Breaking Sale
In a famous sale, Bob R. Simpson, co-owner of the Texas Rangers, purchased a 1943-S bronze Lincoln Penny for $1 million. Today, experts estimate that a well-preserved specimen could sell for $1.7 million or more.
How to Identify a Rare 1943-S Bronze Penny
If you have a 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny, follow these steps to check if it’s the rare bronze version:
1. Magnet Test
- The steel 1943 pennies are magnetic (they stick to a magnet).
- The rare bronze 1943 pennies are non-magnetic.
2. Look for the “S” Mint Mark
- The most valuable version was minted in San Francisco, marked by a tiny “S” below the date.
3. Check the Weight
- A bronze penny weighs ~3.11 grams, while a steel penny weighs ~2.7 grams.
4. Seek Expert Authentication
- If you suspect you have a genuine 1943 bronze penny, consult a coin grading service (PCGS or NGC) for certification.
Where Can You Sell a Rare Lincoln Penny?
If you discover you own this rare coin, consider selling through:
- Heritage Auctions
- eBay (for verified rare coins)
- Specialized coin dealers
- Numismatic conventions
Always get it certified before selling to ensure maximum value.
Final Thought: Could You Be Sitting on a Fortune?
Many people overlook old coins, assuming they hold little value. But as the 1943-S Lincoln Wheat Penny proves, a simple penny could be worth millions. So, dig through your coin jars, piggy banks, or inherited collections—you might just find a life-changing treasure.