This Penny Sold for $11 Million: In an era where loose change is often overlooked or thrown in jars, a single rare penny has made headlines by selling for a jaw-dropping $11 million. Yes, you read that right—a humble 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny, accidentally minted in copper instead of steel, became one of the most valuable coins in the world due to a World War II-era minting error.
This isn’t just a collector’s tale. This coin might still be floating around in circulation, hiding in an old drawer, coin jar, or inherited collection. Here’s why you should pay close attention to your change—and how to know if you could be sitting on a small fortune.
This Penny Sold for $11 Million
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Rare Coin | 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny |
| Estimated Value | Up to $11 million |
| Reason for Rarity | Minting error during World War II—copper was not meant to be used |
| Known Specimens | Fewer than 40 |
| How to Spot It | Date, color, magnet test, and mint mark |
| Authentication | PCGS or NGC certification |
| Official Resource | PCGS Official Website |
If you’re someone who usually tosses your pennies in a jar or ignores them altogether, it’s time to take a second look. The 1943 Copper Wheat Penny, worth up to $11 million, is a prime example of how a seemingly ordinary object can carry extraordinary value. With fewer than 40 known to exist, your next trip through the couch cushions might be more exciting than you think.
Why the 1943 Copper Penny is So Valuable
During World War II, the U.S. government redirected copper for the war effort, especially for ammunition manufacturing. As a result, the U.S. Mint switched to producing pennies using zinc-coated steel in 1943. However, a few copper planchets (coin blanks) from 1942 were mistakenly left in the minting machines, resulting in a tiny number of 1943 Lincoln Wheat Pennies being struck in copper.
This error went unnoticed until decades later, turning the few existing pieces into some of the most sought-after coins in numismatic history.
In auctions, authenticated versions of this penny have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars, with one reportedly fetching $1.7 million in 2010. The $11 million valuation is based on private sale estimates and increasing collector demand for verified specimens.
This Penny Sold for $11 Million: How to Identify a 1943 Copper Wheat Penny?
Spotting a potentially valuable 1943 penny isn’t as hard as you might think. Follow these simple steps to check your change:
1. Look at the Year
The coin must be dated 1943. This is the year most pennies were made of steel. If your 1943 penny looks copper-colored, that’s your first clue.
2. Do the Magnet Test
A real copper 1943 penny will not stick to a magnet, unlike steel ones. If it sticks, it’s not copper. If it doesn’t stick, keep checking.
3. Check the Color
Copper pennies have a reddish-brown hue, while steel pennies often appear silver or dull gray. Be careful, though—some steel coins have been copper-plated by scammers.
4. Inspect the Mint Mark
Look below the date for a mint mark:
- No mint mark = Philadelphia
- “D” = Denver
- “S” = San Francisco
All versions are valuable, but some (like the “S” mint) may be slightly rarer.
What to Do If You Think You Found One
So, your coin passed the visual and magnet tests. What now?
Step 1: Don’t Clean the Coin
Cleaning can scratch the surface or remove important patina, potentially decreasing the coin’s value significantly.
Step 2: Visit a Local Coin Dealer
Take your coin to a reputable coin shop or professional numismatist for an initial opinion. They can quickly spot obvious counterfeits or suggest next steps.
Step 3: Send It for Professional Grading
For authentication and valuation, send the coin to:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company)
They use state-of-the-art tools and will grade your coin on authenticity, condition, and rarity.
Step 4: Auction or Sell
If it’s genuine, you could:
- Sell it through Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, or another trusted auction house.
- Reach out to private collectors through numismatic associations.
Other Valuable Pennies to Watch For
The 1943 copper penny isn’t the only small change with big value. Keep an eye out for:
- 1944 Steel Wheat Penny – Also a minting error, even rarer than the 1943 copper.
- 1955 Doubled Die Penny – Look for a noticeable doubling of the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
- 1969-S Doubled Die – Rare and extremely valuable if genuine.
- 1972 Doubled Die Penny
- 1983 Double Die Reverse
- 1992 Close AM Penny
Each of these errors is worth hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on condition and certification.
Avoiding Fakes: Common Scams to Watch Out For
Because of their value, many fake 1943 copper pennies are circulating. Some are steel coins plated with copper, others are altered 1948 coins with the “8” shaved to look like a “3.”
Here’s how to avoid getting duped:
- Never buy a rare coin on eBay or social media without third-party grading.
- Stick to PCGS/NGC-certified coins.
- Compare font spacing and design details with known authentic versions.
Expert Tip: Coin Hunting in the Real World
It may sound far-fetched, but people have discovered rare pennies in:
- Old piggy banks
- Grandparents’ change jars
- Estate sale boxes
- Coin rolls from the bank (a method called coin roll hunting)
Even if you don’t find a million-dollar penny, some wheat pennies from the 1930s-1950s can fetch $5–$50 easily if in good condition.
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FAQs on This Penny Sold for $11 Million
Q1. How many 1943 copper pennies are known to exist?
Fewer than 40 are confirmed, though new ones occasionally surface.
Q2. Can a 1943 copper penny still be in circulation today?
Yes, it’s rare, but possible—especially in old collections, inherited coin jars, or forgotten piggy banks.
Q3. How much does it cost to grade a coin through PCGS or NGC?
Grading fees start at around $40–$65 depending on the coin’s declared value, with additional shipping or membership costs.
Q4. Should I clean my coin before selling it?
Absolutely not. Cleaning reduces the coin’s value and can make it harder to authenticate.
Q5. Are there other pennies that can make me rich?
Yes! Error coins like 1944 Steel Penny, 1955 Doubled Die, and some 1992 and 1995 errors can be highly valuable too.
