Imagine this: You’re sorting through a jar of old coins—maybe from your grandparents’ attic or a forgotten drawer and you spot a simple, copper-colored penny. But this isn’t just any penny. This one could be worth $33.3 million. Sounds unbelievable? In the world of rare coins, the legendary 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny is exactly that: a tiny piece of metal that could make you richer than winning the lottery. Even more astonishing? Experts believe a few of these treasures might still be circulating, lost in everyday change or overlooked in collections
$33.3 Million Lincoln Wheat Penny
The story of $33.3 Million Lincoln Wheat Penny begins during World War II. Copper was vital for ammunition and military equipment, so the U.S. Mint switched to zinc-coated steel for pennies in 1943. These coins looked silvery and were magnetic. But in a minting mishap, a few copper planchets (blank coin discs) from 1942 were accidentally fed into presses with 1943 dies. The result? A handful of 1943 pennies struck in bronze—a “mistake” that created one of the rarest coins in U.S. history
Only 10–20 genuine specimens are confirmed to exist today. Their value isn’t just about age; it’s about perfect scarcity meeting collector frenzy. While most sell for $100,000–$1.7 million at auction, experts theorize that a pristine, never-touched specimen could reach $33.3 million under the right conditions—making it potentially the world’s most valuable coin
1955 lincoln wheat penny double die Valued at $100K, Still in Circulation
Key Features of $33.3 Million Lincoln Wheat Penny
| Characteristic | 1943 Copper Penny (Million-Dollar) | 1943 Steel Penny (Worth 1–10¢) | Standard Copper Penny (1944–1958) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | 95% copper, 5% tin/zinc | Zinc-coated steel | 95% copper, 5% tin/zinc |
| Color | Reddish-brown | Silvery-gray | Reddish-brown |
| Magnet Test | Does NOT stick | Sticks strongly | Does NOT stick |
| Weight | ~3.11 grams | ~2.7 grams | ~3.11 grams |
| Sound when dropped | Soft “thud” | High-pitched “clink” | Soft “thud” |
How to Spot the $33.3 Million Lincoln Wheat Penny
First You Have To Check the Date: Look for a clear “1943” under Lincoln’s profile. If it’s 1943 and copper-colored (not silvery), proceed! Grab a Magnet: If it doesn’t stick, your heart should race. Genuine 1943 coppers are non-magnetic 713. Weigh It: Use a precision scale. A real copper penny weighs 3.11 grams; steel ones weigh ~2.7 grams. Inspect Closely: Look for signs of wear or damage. Value drops if it’s scratched, but even a worn bronze 1943 is worth $100,000+ 15.
$33.3 Million Lincoln Wheat Penny Record Sales
While the $33.3 million figure remains theoretical (for a flawless, undiscovered specimen), verified sales prove these coins command life-changing money:
| Coin | Grade | Auction Price | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943-D Bronze | MS64 Brown | $1.7 million | 2010 |
| 1943-S Bronze | MS63 Brown | $504,000 | 2020 |
| 1943 (Philadelphia) | MS62 Brown | $372,000 | 2021 |
| 1944-S Steel | MS66 | $408,000 | 2021 |
What to Do If You Find One $33.3 Million Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Don’t Clean It! Scrubbing or polishing destroys surface details and slashes value by 80%+.
- Handle by the Edges: Oils from your skin can damage the surface. Use cotton gloves.
- Store Safely: Place it in an acid-free coin holder ($2 online).
- Get It Authenticated: Use PCGS or NGC, top coin-grading services. They’ll seal it in a tamper-proof case with a grade (e.g., MS-65). Cost: ~$50, but essential for selling.
- Sell Through Reputable Auctions: Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers achieve the highest prices for rare coins like this.
Other Lincoln Pennies Worth Millions
- 1909-S VDB: Designer’s initials (V.D.B.); worth $1,000+
- 1914-D: Low mintage; starts at $300
- 1955 Doubled Die: Blurred/doubled date; $1,000–$15,000
- 1944 Steel: Another WWII error; up to $408,000
Valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth a Small Fortune?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many $33.3 million pennies exist?
Zero confirmed yet. That figure is an expert projection for a perfect, undiscovered specimen. Only 10–20 authentic 1943 coppers exist overall, valued from $100,000 to $1.7 million
Finding a $33.3 Million Lincoln Wheat Penny seems like pursuing a ghost, but the true magic is in the possibilities. Every year, precious coins show up in attics, vending machines, and coffee shop change trays. The 1943 copper penny is more than metal; it’s a piece of WWII history, a testament to human folly, and a symbol of riches hidden in plain sight.