The $700K Lincoln Wheat Penny: Have you ever imagined that a humble penny could unlock a windfall worth hundreds of thousands of dollars? Believe it or not, that dream could be closer to reality than you think. A rare Lincoln Wheat Penny, specifically the 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny, is valued at up to $700,000 — and it might be sitting unnoticed in your pocket change, tucked in a coin jar, or hidden in an inherited collection.
This extraordinary coin has captured the attention of collectors, historians, and treasure hunters around the world. But what exactly makes it so valuable? And how can you tell if you have one of these rare coins in your possession? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the historical context, defining features, authentication process, and steps you need to take if you think you’ve found a potential fortune.
The $700K Lincoln Wheat Penny
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Name | 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny |
| Estimated Value | Up to $700,000 |
| Mint Location | San Francisco (“S” mint mark) |
| Rarity | Fewer than 20 believed to exist |
| Notable Characteristic | Bronze composition (unlike common steel pennies from 1943) |
| Authentication Needed | Yes – through PCGS or NGC |
| Official Info Source | www.pcgs.com, www.ngccoin.com |
Discovering a $700,000 penny sounds like something out of a movie — but for a lucky few, it’s real life. The 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny is more than a collector’s item; it’s a historical artifact and a financial opportunity rolled into one. And the best part? It could be hiding in plain sight.
With a sharp eye, a basic understanding of coin characteristics, and the willingness to do a little homework, anyone can embark on the journey of coin collecting — or even stumble upon an incredible windfall. So next time you empty your pockets or dig through an old jar of change, take a moment. One small, brown penny might just change your life.
Why Is the 1943-S Lincoln Wheat Penny So Valuable?
The story of the 1943-S Lincoln Wheat Penny begins in the depths of World War II. In 1943, the U.S. Mint made a strategic shift from copper to zinc-coated steel for penny production, conserving copper for wartime manufacturing of ammunition and military hardware. That year, nearly all pennies were struck using the new steel planchets — a decision that would, unintentionally, pave the way for one of the most sought-after coin errors in American history.
A very small number of 1943 pennies — estimated to be fewer than two dozen — were mistakenly struck on leftover bronze planchets from 1942. This was not supposed to happen, making these coins true minting errors of extraordinary rarity. Among them, the 1943-S variant, minted in San Francisco, stands out as one of the rarest and most valuable.
What sets this coin apart is a combination of scarcity, historical intrigue, and market demand. The last known sale of a certified 1943-S bronze penny fetched nearly $700,000 at auction — a staggering amount for a single cent. Collectors around the world continue to search for this elusive coin, making it a prized target for treasure hunters.
Identify a 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Penny
You don’t need to be a seasoned numismatist to spot a potentially valuable penny. Here’s a simple guide to help you identify a 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Penny:
1. Check the Date and Mint Mark
Start by looking at the date on the front (obverse) of the coin. It must read 1943, and there should be a small “S” just below the date — indicating it was minted in San Francisco.
2. Examine the Color and Surface Finish
Most 1943 pennies are bright silver due to their steel composition. The rare bronze version, however, will have a brown or reddish-copper hue, similar to older pre-1943 pennies.
3. Do the Magnet Test
Use a standard household magnet:
- If the penny is magnetic, it’s a steel penny.
- If it’s non-magnetic, it could be a rare bronze variety.
4. Weigh the Coin Accurately
Use a sensitive digital scale:
- A bronze penny should weigh approximately 3.11 grams.
- A steel penny weighs about 2.7 grams.
If your coin passes all these checks, don’t celebrate just yet — it’s time to get professional confirmation.
Authentication and Appraisal: What to Do Next
Never attempt to clean or alter a potentially rare coin. Cleaning can damage its surface and drastically reduce its value. If you think you’ve discovered a 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Penny, take these steps:
- Professional Grading and Certification: Contact a reputable coin grading service such as,
- Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) – pcgs.com
- Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) – ngccoin.com
- These organizations will analyze the coin’s metal content, verify its authenticity, and assign a grade that significantly impacts its market value.
- Get a Market Evaluation: Once authenticated, connect with well-known coin dealers, auction houses, or platforms like,
- Heritage Auctions
- Stack’s Bowers Galleries
- They can advise you on timing your sale, auction strategies, and current market demand.
- Insure the Coin: If your coin is verified to be a rare 1943-S bronze, consider insuring it as part of your valuables.
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Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies Worth Searching For
While the 1943-S bronze is the holy grail, several other Lincoln Wheat Pennies can fetch impressive sums:
1909-S VDB
- First-year Lincoln cent with designer initials on the reverse.
- Only 484,000 were minted.
- Value: $1,000–$5,000+ in high grades.
1914-D
- Denver Mint with limited production.
- Often counterfeited, so authentication is crucial.
- Value: $200–$4,000+.
1922 No D
- Unique for missing its mint mark.
- Scarce in higher grades.
- Worth up to $5,000+.
1955 Doubled Die Obverse
- One of the most famous U.S. error coins.
- Obvious doubling of the date and lettering.
- Value: $1,000–$10,000+ depending on condition.
FAQs On The $700K Lincoln Wheat Penny
Q: Is the 1943-S bronze penny still circulating?
A: It’s extremely unlikely, but not impossible. Some have been found in old collections and coin rolls.
Q: How many 1943-S bronze pennies are known?
A: Fewer than 20 have been confirmed by grading services.
Q: How do I know my penny is authentic?
A: Use the magnet and weight tests first, then send it to PCGS or NGC for full certification.
Q: Can I sell my coin on eBay?
A: While possible, it’s best to use reputable dealers or auction houses to ensure proper valuation and avoid scams.
Q: Should I keep or sell a rare penny?
A: That depends on your personal goals. Some keep them as family heirlooms; others sell to capitalize on market demand.
