The $1 Million Penny Hiding in Plain Sight
Imagine finding a penny worth more than most houses. That’s exactly what happened when a 1943 Lincoln Wheat Cent struck on a bronze planchet sold for one million dollars at auction. While most 1943 pennies are worth just a few cents, this rare error is the holy grail of coin collecting – and you might have one in your pocket right now!
Why This Coin is Worth a Fortune
1. The Wartime Coin That Shouldn’t Exist
- 🛠️ Steel Cents in 1943: Due to WWII copper shortages, the U.S. Mint switched to zinc-coated steel pennies that year.
- 🚨 The Million-Dollar Mistake: A few bronze (copper) planchets from 1942 were accidentally left in the presses, creating ultra-rare 1943 bronze cents.
- 💰 Only 10-15 Known to Exist: This makes them rarer than some gold coins!
2. How to Spot This Treasure in Your Collection
- 🔍 Check the Date: First, confirm it’s a 1943 Lincoln Wheat Cent.
- 🧲 Magnet Test: A real 1943 steel cent will stick to a magnet. If yours doesn’t, you might have struck gold (or bronze)!
- 🎨 Color Check: Bronze versions have a distinct copper-red tone, unlike the silvery steel cents.
3. Record-Breaking Sales
- 🏆 $1 Million Sale: The finest known example (graded MS-62 by PCGS) sold for this staggering price.
- 💵 Other Sales: Even well-worn examples sell for $100,000+ at auction.
What to Do If You Find One
- Don’t Clean It! This destroys value.
- Get It Graded by PCGS or NGC for authentication.
- Contact Reputable Auction Houses like Heritage or Stack’s Bowers.
Other Valuable 1943 Varieties to Watch For
| Variety | Description | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1943 Steel Cent | Common version | $0.10-$1 |
| 1943-D Bronze | Denver mint error | $500,000+ |
| 1943-S Bronze | San Francisco error | $750,000+ |
| 1943 Doubled Die | Mis-struck lettering | $1,000+ |
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