Many people don’t realise that some coins in their pockets could be worth a fortune. One such coin is the 1943-S Lincoln Wheat Penny made of bronze. This rare penny, which looks like any ordinary old coin, has been valued at up to $504,000. What makes it so special is that it’s still possibly out there in circulation.
What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a one-cent coin that was made by the United States from 1909 to 1958. It features the face of President Abraham Lincoln on one side and two stalks of wheat on the other. That’s why it’s called the “Wheat Penny.”
These pennies were commonly used and are still found in old coin collections and jars in many homes. Most of them are only worth a few cents more than their face value. But a few rare ones are worth a lot of money.
Why is the 1943-S Bronze Cent So Valuable?
In 1943, the U.S. Mint started making pennies out of steel instead of bronze. This change was made to save copper for World War II. Most 1943 pennies were silver in colour because they were made from steel with a zinc coating.
However, by mistake, a few bronze blanks (used in 1942) were left in the coin machines. This resulted in a very small number of bronze pennies being struck in 1943. These bronze coins are extremely rare and valuable.
The “S” in the 1943-S penny stands for the San Francisco Mint, where it was made. Only a few of these bronze coins are known to exist from this mint, making them even rarer than the ones from other mints.
How Can You Tell If You Have One?
To the untrained eye, the 1943-S bronze penny looks almost the same as a normal one. But there are a few ways to check if you have this rare coin.
First, the 1943 steel pennies are magnetic, but the bronze ones are not. If your 1943 penny is brown and does not stick to a magnet, it could be worth checking further.
You can also look for the “S” mint mark below the date on the coin. If you see “1943-S” and it’s made of bronze, you might be holding something truly special.
Has Anyone Found One Recently?
Over the years, a few lucky people have discovered 1943 bronze pennies in old collections or pocket change. In one auction, a 1943-S bronze cent was sold for a huge price of $504,000.
It is possible that more of these coins are still out there, unnoticed in drawers, coin jars, or even in circulation. That’s why collectors and coin experts always advise people to double-check their old pennies.
What Should You Do If You Find One?
If you think you’ve found a 1943-S bronze cent, don’t spend it! The best thing to do is get it checked by a coin expert. There are professional coin grading services that can confirm if it’s real.
Once verified, the coin can be put up for sale at an auction or sold to collectors. These rare coins are always in demand and can earn you thousands of dollars if genuine.
It’s amazing to think that something as small and ordinary as a penny can be worth over half a million dollars. The 1943-S Lincoln Wheat Penny made of bronze is one of the rarest and most valuable coins ever made in the U.S. While most people spend pennies without a second thought, you might want to take a closer look. That little coin in your pocket could be hiding a big secret.
FAQs
What makes the 1943-S bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny so rare?
In 1943, pennies were supposed to be made of steel due to copper being used in World War II. A few bronze blanks were mistakenly used at the San Francisco Mint, creating very rare coins. Only a few are known to exist.
How can I identify a real 1943-S bronze penny?
Check if the penny has a brown colour and an ‘S’ mint mark below the 1943 date. It should also not stick to a magnet. If it fits these signs, get it authenticated by a coin expert.
Is the 1943-S bronze penny still in circulation?
Yes, it’s possible that a few of these rare coins are still in circulation or stored unknowingly in collections, jars, or boxes. That’s why collectors keep searching for them.
What is the value of the 1943-S bronze Lincoln penny?
One of these coins has sold for as much as $504,000 at auction due to its extreme rarity and historical significance.
What should I do if I think I’ve found a rare penny?
Do not spend it. Have it evaluated by a professional coin grading service. They can verify its authenticity and help you sell it if it’s real.
