A rare version of the Lincoln Wheat Penny, minted during the chaos of World War II, has stunned collectors and casual coin hunters alike selling for as much as $224,000 at auction. Even more surprising? This penny could still be found in pocket change today.

The valuable coin in question is a 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny struck in bronze, a mistake made during a time when the U.S. Mint had shifted to using steel for coin production. With only a few dozen believed to exist, this copper-colored anomaly is now one of the most sought-after coins in American numismatic history.

The War-Era Minting Mistake

In 1943, copper was a vital material for the war effort. To conserve resources during World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc-coated steel for producing pennies. However, a small number of bronze planchets blanks used in previous years were mistakenly fed into the coin presses at the mints in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.

These accidental bronze coins were struck just like the new steel cents, but their reddish tone stood out. Most were thought to have been caught and melted down but not all. A few escaped into circulation and have since become legendary.

How Rare Is It?

According to experts, fewer than 20 authentic bronze 1943 Wheat Pennies are known to exist worldwide, with even fewer minted at the Denver and San Francisco facilities. In 2010, a 1943-D bronze penny (from the Denver mint) was sold for an astonishing $1.7 million, while a Philadelphia version fetched $204,000 in 2019.

The discovery of even one of these coins today is enough to make headlines. The most recent valuation, as of early 2025, places a pristine 1943 bronze Wheat Penny at around $224,000.

How to Identify the $224K Penny

If you’re curious whether that penny in your drawer might be one of the rare 1943 bronze cents, here’s what to look for:

1. Check the Date
It must be dated 1943. That’s the year when most pennies were made of steel, not copper.

2. Color
A standard 1943 penny will be silver-colored due to the steel composition. If yours looks copper or bronze in color, you might be onto something.

3. Use a Magnet
Hold a magnet to it. Steel pennies stick. Bronze ones do not.

4. Look for a Mint Mark
Check below the year. A “D” means it was minted in Denver, an “S” in San Francisco, and no letter indicates Philadelphia.

5. Get a Professional Appraisal
If you suspect you’ve found the real deal, take your coin to a certified coin dealer or grading service. You can find reputable experts through the American Numismatic Association or submit it to the Professional Coin Grading Service for authentication.

Pro tip: Some counterfeiters have tried to pass off copper-coated steel pennies as the real thing. Only a full metallurgical test can confirm the alloy.

Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies

The 1943 bronze Wheat Penny isn’t the only coin that could make you a small fortune. Here are a few more worth checking for:

1909-S VDB: The first year of the Lincoln cent series, designed by Victor David Brenner. Only 484,000 were minted in San Francisco with his initials on the back.

1955 Doubled Die Obverse: This penny shows a distinct double image on the date and inscriptions, caused by a die error.

1944 Steel Penny: The opposite of the 1943 error some 1944 pennies were mistakenly made of steel instead of copper.

Can You Still Find These in Circulation?

Surprisingly, yes though the odds are very slim. Stories occasionally emerge of individuals discovering valuable coins in old jars, estate sales, or even in loose change. Most of these rare coins slipped into circulation decades ago, and many remain out there, unnoticed by their owners.

Numismatists believe that some of these valuable Wheat Pennies still lurk in coin collections, shoeboxes, and forgotten piggy banks. Even in places like rural India, Canada, or the UK where American coins sometimes travel through commerce you might just stumble upon a tiny fortune.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever considered going through your old coin jar or your grandparents’ collection, now might be the perfect time. With the right knowledge and a bit of luck, your penny could be worth thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

And remember: even if your 1943 penny doesn’t turn out to be the rare bronze version, it’s still a piece of history.

(FAQ,s)

How do I know if my 1943 penny is bronze and not dirty steel?
A genuine 1943 bronze penny has a reddish or brownish tone. Try a magnet—steel cents stick, bronze ones don’t. For certainty, seek professional testing or grading.

Were there other years when pennies were struck in the wrong metal?
Yes. In 1944, a few pennies were mistakenly struck in steel instead of bronze. These are also extremely rare and valuable.

Why is the 1909-S VDB penny so valuable?
It was the first year of the Lincoln cent, featuring designer Victor D. Brenner’s initials “VDB.” Only 484,000 were minted in San Francisco, making it a top collector’s item.

Can I sell my coin online if I think it’s rare?
Yes, but have it authenticated and graded first by services like PCGS or NGC. For high-value coins, auctions or certified dealers are safer than online marketplaces.

Is it legal to own and sell rare coins like this?
Yes. Owning and selling rare U.S. coins is legal. Just ensure the coin isn’t counterfeit or stolen.