This ancient coin minted in 1909 is known as the Lincoln Wheat Penny. It was named after the 16th President of America from whose portrait one side of the coin carries the other side with two wheat stalks and so was called “Wheat Penny. All these designs hold on till 1958, after which came the Lincoln Memorial designs.
And just like many other coins with huge mintages, these coins had special editions or mintmark errors that could possibly fetch multi-million dollars today.
Reasons for the expense of a coin
At this moment, the 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny is seeing most people’s attention. Pennies were made out of steel that year because of the copper shortage for making ammunition in the United States during World War II. But because of some mistakes in the minting process, with some copper blank pieces fooling the machines, a few pennies were actually minted in copper.
Now these billets of copper pennies are worth their weight in gold: millions. Some experts in valuation think that some of these pennies may still be sitting somewhere: in pockets, piggy banks, or old boxes.
Recent Expensive Coins Sold
Some coins sold in 2024 will shock anyone to know:
- 1652 NE Threepence-2,520,000 dollars
- 1870-CC Liberty Head Double Eagle-1,440,000 dollars
- 1850 Baldwin & Co. 10 Gold-1,260,000 dollars
- 1855 50 Kellogg & Co. Gold-1,260,000 dollars
- 1825 Capped Head Gold Half Eagle-1,080,000 dollars
To signal that coins are starting to be viewed more as artifacts as opposed to commodities.
1943 Copper Penny: The Treasure Today
Hardly anyone minted copper coins in very fewer amounts in 1943. Given the peculiar situation during minting that year, perhaps some such coins still rest here today; that error has elevated this penny to million-dollar status. Present value estimates place a nice specimen of the 1943 copper Lincoln penny at upwards of $1 million.
How, then, do I prove I actually have something that’s worth something?
- Year stamp: The year stamp should read 1943.
- Color: If the coin appears silverish, it should be steel; if it appears coppery or reddish, it might be the rare one.
- Magnet Test: Steel is attracted to magnets; copper is not.
If the coin passes all these tests, take it and get it professionally certified by a coin-grading expert. And don’t forget: Don’t attempt to clean that coin; don’t attempt to scratch that coin.
What news on that coin?
That coin has one mighty unusual tale to tell. It was minted as a mistake, and to this day stands as one of the super expensive gems in history.
No sooner had the announcement of coin valuation of 1.11 million dollars broken than the entire news went viral in social media and news channels, and, of course, with old-school collectors. Now even some who never really cared much for coin collecting painstakingly examine every penny in their pocket.
Anyone Can be Lucky
It will indeed create a “modern day treasure hunt” where people are now mostly on the lookout for loose coins in the shop, coins kept away somewhere in old-fashioned piggy banks, or coins that lie forgotten in grandma’s cupboard.
This somehow shows that the small things which usually tend to be ignored can actually create a difference for our lives.
Conclusion
Yes, it may sound like a crass joke, but one fine day, somewhere in the future, this may well come true: a penny-a most common coin, as in being a 1-cent kind of coin-turning into crores. That is because Lincoln Wheat Pennies, in particular the 1943 copper ones, may still be lurking around somewhere! This just is a matter of looking.
So while you pass by your old piggy bank, think twice before tossing that change into the corner! Check every nook and cranny around your home-a closer look might just turn you into a millionaire!
FAQs
Q1. What exactly is the 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny and why is it so valuable?
A. It’s a rare one-cent coin accidentally made from copper instead of steel during World War II. Only a few were produced, making it extremely scarce. Collectors value it highly because of its rarity, history, and accidental minting.
Q2. How can I tell if I have the rare 1943 copper penny?
A. Check the date—it must say 1943—and look at the color; copper coins look brownish, while common ones are silver. Try a magnet; if the coin sticks, it’s steel. If not, you might be holding something special.
Q3. Is the $1.1 million value real, or just hype?
A. Yes, it’s real. A 1943 copper penny in great condition has sold for over a million dollars in verified auctions. The price is driven by rarity and serious demand among collectors.
Q4. Where are people finding these rare coins today?
A. Surprisingly, they’ve been discovered in pocket change, old piggy banks, and inherited coin jars. Most people don’t know what to look for, so many of these coins are still hiding in plain sight.
Q5. What should I do if I think I’ve found one?
A. Don’t clean or damage the coin. Instead, take it to a certified coin grading expert for proper evaluation. They can verify its authenticity and help you understand its true value.
