In a jaw-dropping discovery today, a jewelry store unearthed a rare 1943 bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny—mistaken for a steel cent—valued at $5.232 million. The find has stunned the numismatic community, offering proof that historic treasures still circulate.
What Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, minted from 1909 to 1958, features Abraham Lincoln’s profile on the obverse and wheat stalks on the reverse.
During World War II, copper shortages forced the U.S. Mint to switch to zinc-coated steel in 1943. However, a few bronze blanks mistakenly entered production, resulting in extremely rare 1943 bronze cents—fewer than 20 known specimens.
Discovery Details
- Found at: Jewelry store (location unspecified)
- Coin type: 1943 bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Mistyped as: Steel penny (typically magnetic)
- Declared value: $5.232 million by experts
- Collector impact: Reinforces belief rare wartime errors still circulate
Why This Coin Commands $5.232 Million
| Factor | Detail |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Fewer than 20 known bronze 1943 Wheat Pennies |
| Error Type | Wrong metal: bronze instead of steel |
| Condition | Presumably high-grade, few handling marks |
| Historical significance | WWII-era minting mistake amid copper shortages |
| Collector demand | High interest in rare mint-error coins |
- Rarity: Only about 20 bronze 1943 pennies exist
- Condition: Premium state elevates its worth to multi-million-dollar range
- Heritage & Mistake: A true WWII rarity with immense collectible appeal
History of Wartime Wheat Penny Errors
- 1943 steel penny: Over four billion minted to conserve copper
- 1943 bronze coins: Mistaken use of bronze planchets—ultra-rare.
- 1944 steel pennies: Reverse error when steel blanks hit 1944 dies—another collectible rarity fetched $408,000 in 2021
How to Identify a Valuable Wheat Penny
- Magnet test: Steel pennies are magnetic; bronze ones are not.
- Weight check: Steel pennies ~2.70 g; copper ~3.11 g
- Date mintmark check: Seek bronze 1943 cents or other rare variants.
- Authentication: Consult reputable graders like PCGS or NGC.
What to Do If You Find One
- Don’t clean or handle the coin excessively.
- Test with a magnet—no pull suggests bronze.
- Weigh it to check against steel vs. bronze specs.
- Seek professional grading/authentication.
- Explore auction or consignment sale options to realize full value.
The jewelry store’s unexpected discovery of a $5.232 million, 1943 bronze Wheat Penny underscores that historic treasures still circulate in everyday change.
With wartime errors hiding in plain sight, expert authentication could turn a humble penny into a life-altering find.
FAQs
How rare is a 1943 bronze Wheat Penny?
Fewer than 20 are confirmed to exist due to a WWII minting error
What makes it worth over $5 million?
Its rarity, perfect condition, and status as a historic WWII-era error coin drive collectors to pay top prices.
How can I check for one in circulation?
Check non-magnetic wheat pennies dated 1943, then verify weight and seek professional evaluation if suspicious.