Have you ever thought that a simple coin in your pocket can make you a millionaire? It may sound strange, but the Lincoln Wheat Penny is one such coin, which can be worth millions of dollars today. Especially the price of the 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny has reached $99.99 million today!
This coin is so rare that coin collectors around the world keep an eye on it. But do you know that this rare coin can still be in circulation somewhere? That is, you may already have this coin and you do not even know its real value!
If you want to know why this coin is so special, how to identify it, and what the best way to find it is, then read this article till the end. Your next coin may prove to be a priceless treasure!
History of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Cent was first issued in 1909 and was one of the first US coins to have a person’s image printed on it. Earlier, there was no portrait of any person on the US coins. Then-President Theodore Roosevelt started a campaign to make the US coins more artistic and designer Victor David Brenner was given the responsibility for this.
Brenner took Lincoln’s portrait from a decorative bronze plaque and created two ears of wheat on the reverse of the coin, giving this coin the name “Wheat Penny.”
Minting and Design Changes
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was minted at the Mint from 1909 to 1958 and is one of the longest-running designs in US history. It was made at three major mints:
- ✅ Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark)
- ✅ Denver Mint (“D” mint mark)
- ✅ San Francisco Mint (“S” mint mark)
In 1959, the design of the Lincoln Wheat Penny was changed to the Lincoln Memorial, ending the era of the Wheat Penny, but the tradition of the Lincoln Cent continued.
Rarity of 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny
A mistake that made it priceless!
In 1943, there was a huge demand for copper in the US due to the war, as it was being used to make weapons, wires and other military equipment. In this situation, the US government decided to make all the coins from steel so that copper could be saved.
But by mistake some old copper blanks were used and only 20 such coins were made. This mistake makes this coin extremely rare and valuable.
How do you know if you have this priceless coin or not?
If you have a 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny, you can check in these easy ways:
- ✅ Check the date – The coin should have “1943” inscribed on it. If any other year is written, then it is not a rare coin.
- ✅ Do a magnet test – A steel penny will stick to a magnet, but a copper penny will not. If your 1943 penny doesn’t stick to a magnet, you may have a priceless coin!
- ✅ Check the color and weight –
- ✔ A steel penny will be light and silvery in color.
- ✔ A genuine copper penny will be dark brownish-red in color and weigh 3.11 grams.
- ✅ Get a professional appraisal – If your coin passes all of these tests, have it examined by a certified coin expert.
Beware of counterfeit coins!
Given the high price of this coin, many people make fake versions of the 1943 copper penny. To identify fake coins:
- ✔ Some people change the “8” of the 1948 coin to a “3”.
- ✔ Some people coat steel coins with a layer of copper to make them look real.
- ✔ Get any genuine coin authenticated.
Where can I find these rare coins?
If you are fond of collecting coins, then you can find this rare coin in these places:
- ✅ Old coin shops
- ✅ Coins found in family heirlooms
- ✅ Flea markets and garage sales
- ✅ Auction houses
If you find an old coin, examine it carefully. You may have a treasure worth millions of dollars in your hands!
What should you do if you find this coin?
If you find a 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny, then:
- ✔ Avoid touching it too much, hold it only by the edges.
- ✔ Keep it safe – keep it in a plastic cover or special coin box.
- ✔ Get it evaluated by an expert – to ensure that your coin is genuine and to know its true value.
Conclusion: A coin that can change your fate!
The 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny is not just a coin but a hidden treasure. It looks normal, but it could be worth up to $99.99 million!
If you liked this article, share it with your friends and family – who knows, you could be the next millionaire!
So the next time you find an old coin, pay attention to it. Examine it carefully – because your fate could be in your hands!
FAQs
Q. Why is the 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny so valuable?
A. The 1943 Copper Penny is rare due to a minting error when copper planchets were mistakenly used instead of steel.
Q. How can I check if my 1943 penny is valuable?
A. Do a magnet test—if it does not stick, it might be copper. Also, check its weight (should be 3.11 grams) and color (reddish-brown).
Q. Where can I find rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies?
A. Check old coin collections, flea markets, antique shops, and even pocket change.
Q. Are fake 1943 Copper Pennies common?
A. Yes, many fakes exist. Some are altered 1948 pennies, while others are steel pennies coated with copper.
Q. How much is a genuine 1943 Copper Wheat Penny worth?
A. Depending on its condition, it can be worth millions—some have sold for up to $99.99 million!
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