A Penny That Could Make You Rich?
Pennies are often just tiny coins we toss in jars or leave in car seats. But what if one penny could make you a millionaire? It sounds crazy, but a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny, rumored to be worth $17 million, might still be out there in your pocket or change! This one-cent coin isn’t in a museum; some experts believe a few could be hiding in everyday change or old coin piles. Here’s how to find one.
What’s This $17 Million Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, made from 1909 to 1958, has Abraham Lincoln on the front and two wheat stalks on the back. Most are common, but a 1943 copper version is super rare. In 1943, pennies were made of steel to save copper for World War II. By mistake, a few were struck with copper. Only 15–20 exist, and one sold for $1.7 million in 2010. The $17 million claim is unverified and likely hyped, but these coins are still worth hundreds of thousands.
Why Is It Worth So Much?
During World War II, copper was needed for bullets and wires, so pennies were made of steel. A few copper blanks from 1942 got mixed up and were stamped with 1943 by accident. These errors went into circulation unnoticed, and now just a handful are known. Collectors love them for their rarity and wartime story. Even if $17 million is exaggerated, a pristine 1943 copper penny could fetch over $1 million at auction.
How to Spot a $17 Million Penny
Finding this rare penny could be life-changing. Here’s how to check if you’ve got one:
- Year: Look for “1943” on the coin’s front.
- Color: It should be reddish-brown (copper), not silver (steel).
- Magnet Test: Copper pennies don’t stick to magnets; steel ones do.
- Weight: Copper pennies weigh about 3.11 grams; steel are 2.7 grams.
- Design: Check for Lincoln’s face and wheat stalks on the back.
If you find a match, don’t clean it it lowers the value. Take it to a coin dealer or grading service like PCGS or NGC to confirm it’s real.
Specifications of the 1943 Copper Penny
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Name | Lincoln Wheat Penny |
| Year | 1943 |
| Material | Copper |
| Weight | ~3.11 grams |
| Estimated Value | Up to $1.7 million |
Could It Be Out There?
It’s hard to believe, but a valuable penny might still be in circulation. Billions of pennies were made, and rare ones sometimes hide in change, jars, or old wallets. Collectors get excited because these coins tie to World War II and are super rare. Check your 1943 pennies carefully. Store any finds in a plastic holder and get them checked. That little penny might be worth a fortune!