Imagine checking your pocket change and discovering a single coin worth millions. It sounds impossible — but one ultra-rare 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny recently sold for an unbelievable $14.35 million, making it one of the most valuable coins in U.S. history.
If you have old jars of coins at home, this is the perfect time to take a closer look. A 1943 Wheat Penny hiding in your drawer could be worth life-changing money.
Why the 1943 Wheat Penny Is So Valuable
During World War II, copper was urgently needed for military supplies. To conserve metal, the U.S. Mint switched from copper pennies to steel pennies coated with zinc.
But a tiny number of copper planchets accidentally slipped into the machinery and were struck with the 1943 date.
Today, fewer than 20 genuine 1943 copper pennies are confirmed to exist — and collectors consider them one of the rarest coins ever made.
Record-Breaking Prices Paid Over the Years
Here are real sale prices for authentic 1943 copper Wheat Pennies:
| Year Sold | Auction House | Price | Grade | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Heritage Auctions | $14.35M | MS-64 | Finest known example |
| 2019 | Private Sale | $2.1M | MS-63 | Held in same family for decades |
| 2010 | Stack’s Bowers | $1.7M | MS-61 | Found in school lunch money |
| 1996 | Superior Galleries | $82,500 | AU-50 | First public sale |
Values continue rising because of extreme rarity and collector demand.
How to Spot a Real 1943 Copper Wheat Penny
Most 1943 pennies are steel, not copper. Use this simple checklist:
5 Ways to Identify a Genuine 1943 Copper Penny
- Magnet test:
- Sticks to a magnet? → Steel → Not valuable
- Does NOT stick? → Possible copper → Check further
- Weight:
- Copper: 3.11 grams
- Steel: 2.7 grams
- Color:
- Copper: reddish-brown
- Steel: gray-silver
- Design:
- Must show 1943 date + wheat ears reverse
- Mint mark:
- Genuine copper errors are known only from Philadelphia (no mint mark)
If your penny passes these tests, it may be worth professional review.
A True Story: The “Lunch Money” Penny
One of the most famous 1943 copper cents was found in ordinary lunch money in the 1940s. Decades later, it was authenticated and sold for over $1.7 million. Stories like this keep collectors searching their spare change even today.
Where Rare Pennies Are Usually Found
People often discover valuable 1943 pennies in:
- Old family coin jars
- WWII military belongings
- Estate boxes or safe deposit boxes
- Garage sales and flea markets
- Childhood piggy banks
If you have inherited coins, one quick check could be worth thousands.
How to Get Your Penny Checked Safely
Skip online guesswork — professionals can examine it accurately.
Recommended Steps
- Take clear photos of both sides.
- Submit to PCGS or NGC for a quick screening.
- If they think it’s real, send it in for full grading.
- If authenticated, contact a major auction house (Heritage, Stack’s Bowers).
A certified 1943 copper penny will attract serious collector interest.
3 Big Mistakes That Reduce Value
| Mistake | What Happens | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning the coin | Removes original surface | Value drops massively |
| Selling too quickly | Buyers may flip it for higher value | Lost potential profit |
| Assuming it’s fake | Some get thrown out by accident | Value = $0 |
Always keep rare coins uncleaned and professionally inspected.
Why Prices Are Rising in 2025
The record-setting $14.35 million sale featured the highest-graded 1943 copper penny ever found. Because only one exists in such exceptional condition, collectors consider it a “museum-level rarity.”
Experts believe future sales could climb even higher as demand increases.
Quick 60-Second Checklist
- Gather all your 1943 pennies
- Test with a magnet (no stick = good sign)
- Weigh it (should be 3.11g)
- Inspect color and details
- Send photos to PCGS for review
One recent collector used this exact process and discovered a rare 1943 penny worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Final Thoughts: Check Your Change — You Could Have a Hidden Treasure
The rare 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most valuable coins ever released into circulation. With only a handful known, any newly discovered example could be worth millions.
Before you toss out old coins, take a minute to look — your next find could be the ultimate collector’s penny.