This Lincoln Penny Could Be Worth $168,000

Have you ever imagined that an old coin rattling around in your pocket or buried in a piggy bank could be worth a small fortune? One such coin making headlines across the United States is the Lincoln Penny—especially the iconic Lincoln Wheat Penny. While most of these coins might only be worth their face value, some rare variants could be worth anywhere from $150,000 to over $1 million—if you happen to find the right one.

1943 Steel Penny Discovered in Tackle Box Shocks with $875,000 Value

The Lincoln Wheat Penny: A Timeless American Treasure

The Lincoln Penny, also known as the Lincoln Wheat Penny, has a rich history dating back to 1909. This year marked the 100th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s birth, prompting the U.S. Mint to create the first coin featuring a real person’s image. On the obverse (front) side of the coin, you’ll find a profile of Lincoln, while the reverse (back) features two wheat stalks, giving the coin its “Wheat Penny” nickname.

Millions of these pennies were minted throughout the years, making them a common sight in jars, drawers, and old coin collections. However, within this vast production run lies a rare gem: the 1943-S Bronze Wheat Penny.

Why the 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Penny is So Valuable

During World War II, copper was a crucial resource for ammunition and military equipment. To conserve this precious metal, the U.S. Mint shifted to using zinc-coated steel planchets for pennies in 1943. As a result, most 1943 Lincoln Pennies are silver-colored steel coins that can stick to a magnet.

However, due to a minting mix-up, a tiny number of 1943 pennies were struck on leftover bronze planchets from 1942. These rare bronze pennies stand out for their distinctive reddish-brown color and their fascinating historical backstory. Of these, the 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Penny—minted in San Francisco—is the rarest and most sought-after by collectors. With only a few known to exist, it has become a symbol of rarity and historical intrigue.

Record-Breaking Auction of the 1943-S Bronze Penny

One of the most famous stories surrounding the 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Penny involves Bob R. Simpson, co-owner of the Texas Rangers baseball team. He purchased one of these exceptional coins for a jaw-dropping $1 million. This pristine coin is considered one of the finest examples known, making it a true showpiece at coin exhibitions and museums worldwide.

Also Read – 2 Most Valuable 1967 Quarter Coins: Error List & No Mint Mark Worth Hundreds

How to Find Out if Your Lincoln Penny is a Hidden Treasure

Do you have a 1943 Lincoln Penny? Here’s a step-by-step guide to see if you might be sitting on a fortune:

✅ 1. The Magnet Test
Grab a household magnet and test your penny. Steel pennies stick to magnets, while the rare bronze versions do not.

✅ 2. Check for the “S” Mint Mark
Flip the coin over and look below the wheat stalks on the back. If you see an “S” mark, it was minted in San Francisco, where the most valuable bronze errors came from.

✅ 3. Weigh Your Penny
The rare bronze 1943 Lincoln Penny weighs about 3.11 grams, compared to the steel version at 2.7 grams. A kitchen scale can give you a quick check.

✅ 4. Get a Professional Opinion
If you think you’ve found a rare 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Penny, consult a professional numismatist or a coin grading service like PCGS or NGC. They can verify your find and assign it a grade, which can dramatically increase its value.

Could One Be Hiding in Your Spare Change?

It’s hard to believe, but some of these rare 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Pennies have been discovered in old collections, flea markets, and even mixed in with everyday pocket change. While it’s a rare occurrence, stories like this fuel the dreams of coin collectors and casual treasure hunters alike. Checking your old Lincoln Pennies could be worth the effort—you never know what you might uncover!

Final Thoughts: Don’t Overlook Your Lincoln Penny

The Lincoln Penny isn’t just an ordinary coin—it’s a piece of American history that could hold incredible value. While the majority of these coins are common and circulate widely, those rare bronze errors from 1943 remain some of the most valuable in U.S. history. If you have a stash of old coins tucked away, take a closer look—your Lincoln Penny might just turn out to be a hidden gem worth thousands, if not millions!