One ultra-rare 1943 bronze Lincoln Wheat penny is worth up to $24 million and has NEVER been found. Could you be sitting on it? Discover the full story, how to spot it, and why collectors are obsessed.
What Exactly Is the $24 Million Lincoln Wheat Penny?
Imagine a single penny worth enough to buy a private island. That’s the 1943 bronze Lincoln cent – an accidental error from World War II that slipped past the U.S. Mint. While almost all 1943 pennies are steel, a tiny handful were mistakenly struck on bronze planchets left over from 1942. Most have been found… but one authenticated example is still missing, and experts believe it could fetch $24 million or more.
The Crazy WWII Story Behind the 1943 Bronze Penny
In 1943, copper was desperately needed for the war effort – think bullets and shell casings. So the Mint switched to zinc-coated steel pennies. Somehow, a few bronze blanks got mixed in. Only about 15–20 genuine examples are known across all mints (Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco).
Why This One Missing Coin Could Be Worth $24 Million
The last public sale of a top-grade 1943-S bronze penny hit $1.7 million in 2019. Prices have exploded since. Experts now say a never-before-seen, high-grade example – especially the long-rumored second 1943-D – could easily break $10–24 million because it would be the ultimate “holy grail” for Lincoln cent collectors.
How to Tell If You Have a Real 1943 Bronze Penny
- Check the date: Must be 1943
- Weigh it: Bronze = ~3.11 grams | Steel = ~2.7 grams
- Magnet test: Steel sticks, bronze DOES NOT
- Look for copper color under dirt or grime
- No mint mark or “D” or “S” is possible
Famous 1943 Bronze Pennies Already Found (With Prices)
| Mint | Year Discovered | Grade | Sale Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 | 1944 | MS-63 | $372,000 (2021) | Found in school lunch change |
| 1943-D | 1940s | MS-64 | $840,000 (2021) | Only known Denver bronze |
| 1943-S | 1944 | MS-64 | $1,000,000+ | San Francisco example |
| 1943-S | 2019 | MS-62 | $204,000 | Latest public sale |
Expert Tips: How to Search Your Collection Safely
- Never clean suspect coins – it can destroy value
- Use a cheap digital scale (accurate to 0.01g)
- Compare side-by-side with a normal 1943 steel cent
- If it passes the tests, get it certified by PCGS or NGC immediately
- Check old Whitman folders, jars, and estate lots
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are all 1943 copper pennies real?
A: No! Thousands of fakes exist – usually 1948 cents altered to look like 1943.
Q: Has anyone become a millionaire from a 1943 penny recently?
A: Yes – a family in Massachusetts sold one for $204,000 in 2019 after finding it in their dad’s old coin folder.
Q: Where is the $24 million one hiding?
A: Most likely in an old coffee can, attic box, or inherited collection that no one has sorted in decades.
Final Thoughts – Start Looking Today!
The $24 million Lincoln Wheat penny proves that life-changing treasure can still be sitting in plain sight. One lucky person out there owns the final missing 1943 bronze cent. It could be you. Grab that old jar, pull out the wheat pennies, and check every 1943 you see. Who knows – your next coffee change could make history!