Have you ever thought that an old coin in your pocket could make you a millionaire? It may sound strange, but a coin from America – the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny – is being sold for millions of dollars today. The surprising thing is that the price of this rare coin has reached $99.99 million in today’s time!
This coin is so special that coin collectors around the world are engaged in finding it. And you will be surprised to know that this coin may still be in circulation somewhere. That is, this priceless treasure may already be with you – and you may not even know its real value!
If you want to know why this coin is so special, how to identify it and what is the right way to find it, then this article is for you. Maybe the next time you open your wallet, your luck is hidden in it!
History of Lincoln Wheat Penny – A simple looking historical coin
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first issued in 1909. It was the first US coin to have a human image on it – and that person was President Abraham Lincoln. Prior to this, there was no human image on US coins.
The then President Theodore Roosevelt took the initiative to make US coins more artistic and interesting, and this responsibility was carried out by designer Victor David Brenner. Brenner took Lincoln’s profile from a bronze plaque and created a design of two ears of wheat on the back of the coin, due to which this coin was called “Wheat Penny”.
This design lasted from 1909 to 1958 – but the year 1943 was the most special
Lincoln Wheat Penny was made in three different mints:
- Philadelphia Mint – without any mark
- Denver Mint – with “D” mark
- San Francisco Mint – with “S” mark
In 1959, the design on the back of this coin was changed to Lincoln Memorial, but the tradition of Lincoln Cent continues even today.
But the year 1943 was special because America was involved in World War II and there was a huge demand for copper. During this time, the government decided to make all the coins from steel, so that copper could be used in the manufacture of weapons and equipment.
1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny – One mistake made it priceless
As the need for copper for the war increased, steel coins started being made. But during this time a mistake happened – some old copper blanks were used by mistake, due to which only around 20 Copper Pennies could be made.
This mistake makes these coins very rare and extremely valuable today. This is a coin whose search is still going on.
Do you have this priceless coin? Identify it like this
If you have a 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny, then check with these easy ways whether it is real and made of copper or not:
- ✅ Look at the year – If 1943 is written on the coin then you are one step closer.
- ✅ Do a magnet test – A steel coin will stick to a magnet, but not a copper one. If your 1943 coin does not stick to a magnet, then it may be special!
- ✅ Look at the color and weight –
- A steel coin is light and shiny silver in color.
- A real copper coin is dark red-brown in color and weighs about 3.11 grams.
- ✅ Get it checked by an expert – If all the tests mentioned above are passed, then get it checked by a certified coin expert.
Beware of fake coins
Due to such a high price, fake 1943 Copper Pennies are also available in the market. Pay attention to identify fake coins:
- ❌ Some people change the “8” of the 1948 coin to “3”.
- ❌ Some people apply copper coating on steel coins so that they look real.
- ✅ Get any coin certified by an expert.
Where can you find these rare coins?
If you are fond of collecting coins or want to start searching for this priceless treasure, then keep an eye on these places:
- ✅ Old coin shops
- ✅ Coins kept in old things in the house or family heirlooms
- ✅ Flea markets and garage sales
- ✅ Auction houses
Sometimes a coin that looks ordinary can change your luck – you just need to look at it carefully.
What to do if you find this coin?
If you find a 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny, then keep some things in mind:
- ✔ Avoid touching it repeatedly, hold it only by the edges.
- ✔ Keep it safe in a plastic cover or a special box made for coins.
- ✔ Get its authenticity and value checked by a certified expert.
Conclusion: A small coin that can change your luck!
The 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny is not an ordinary looking coin, but a hidden treasure. This coin looks common, but its value can be up to $99.99 million! Imagine, an old coin lying in your pocket can change your life completely.
If you liked this article, then do share it with your friends and family. Who knows, the next millionaire may be among your acquaintances!
So the next time you get an old coin – do not ignore it. Look at it carefully and check it – it may be that luck has sent its signal in your hand.
FAQs
Q. What is the 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny?
A. It’s an extremely rare U.S. penny mistakenly made from copper in 1943 during World War II, instead of the standard steel.
Q. Why is the 1943 Copper Penny so valuable?
A. Only a few were accidentally minted, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after coins in the world.
Q. How can I tell if I have a real 1943 Copper Penny?
A. Check the date (1943), perform a magnet test (it shouldn’t stick), and verify the weight (3.11 grams). A coin expert can confirm its authenticity.
Q. Can the 1943 Copper Penny still be found today?
A. Yes, although extremely rare, it’s possible to find one in old collections, coin shops, flea markets, or family heirlooms.
Q. What should I do if I think I found one?
A. Handle it carefully, store it safely, and get it appraised by a certified coin expert to determine its authenticity and value.