If you’ve ever tossed coins into your piggy bank or paid for something in cash, you might want to check your change again. A rare Lincoln cent, which could still be circulating in the U.S., is creating a lot of buzz among coin collectors. This special penny isn’t just another coin—it could be worth as much as $40,000 if you’re lucky enough to find one.
Yes, you read that right. A single one-cent coin could be worth thousands.
Let’s break down what this coin is, why it’s so valuable, and how you can check if you have one of your own.
What Makes This Lincoln Penny So Rare?
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The coin in question is a 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny, but not the common one made of steel. During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from using copper to zinc-coated steel to save copper for the war effort. Most 1943 pennies are made of steel and are silver-grey in color.
However, by accident, a small number of copper planchets (the blank coins used before stamping) were left in the press machines. These copper coins were struck in 1943 instead of the steel ones. This rare mistake created one of the most sought-after error coins in American history: the 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent.
It’s believed that fewer than 20 of these rare coins exist today, and most are in the hands of collectors. But some may still be out there, hidden in plain sight.
Why It’s Worth So Much
The value of any coin depends on three key things: rarity, demand, and condition. In this case, the 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny checks all the boxes:
- Rarity: Only a few were made.
- Demand: Collectors are willing to pay big money.
- Condition: If the coin is in good shape, its value increases.
A genuine 1943 Copper Penny in mint or near-mint condition has sold for as high as $40,000 at auctions. In 2010, one of these rare pennies sold for over $1.7 million, but that was an uncirculated specimen in perfect condition.
Even if you find one that’s slightly worn, it could still fetch tens of thousands of dollars.
How to Spot One in Your Pocket
Here’s what to look for:
- Date: 1943
- Material: Copper or bronze color (not silver-colored like steel)
- Magnet Test: A 1943 copper penny will not stick to a magnet. A steel one will.
If you have a 1943 penny that’s brownish-red and doesn’t stick to a magnet, you might just have a winner.
But be cautious. There are a lot of fakes out there. Some people alter 1948 pennies to look like 1943, or plate steel pennies to look like copper. If you suspect you’ve found the real deal, take it to a professional coin appraiser or submit it to a trusted grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Where Could You Find One?
Believe it or not, these rare coins have been discovered in all kinds of places:
- Old coin jars
- Pocket change
- Inherited collections
- Flea markets or garage sales
Because it’s technically a U.S. coin still in circulation, it’s not illegal to own or sell one.
So next time you’re counting out your change, don’t ignore those pennies. That one little coin could be your unexpected jackpot.
Tips to Protect Valuable Coins
If you think you’ve found something valuable:
- Avoid cleaning it – Cleaning can ruin the coin’s value.
- Store it safely – Use a coin holder or a soft cloth wrap.
- Don’t rush to sell – Get it verified and appraised first.
There are even online communities where coin enthusiasts help each other identify and verify coins.
Final Thoughts
The idea that a penny could be worth $40,000 may sound unreal, but it’s very much a possibility. Rare coins like the 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent prove that treasure can be hiding in everyday places. While most people overlook pennies, you now know they’re worth a second glance.
So go ahead—check that coin jar, empty your wallet, or sift through some old change. That shiny little cent might just be your lucky find.