Rare Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $6.6 Million – Is It Still in Use?

We often do not pay much attention to the coins lying in our pockets or piggy banks. But do you know that some coins can change your luck? One such rare coin is the “Lincoln Wheat Penny,” which was sold at an auction for $6.6 million. It sounds unbelievable, but the history of this coin and its rarity make it priceless.

Lincoln Wheat Penny: Historical Background

The Lincoln Wheat Penny was first issued in 1909 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. It was the first US coin to feature an image of a real historical figure. It was designed by famous designer Victor David Brenner. >

THE 1943 STEEL PENNY VALUED AT $1.4 MILLION – STILL IN CIRCULATION AND EASILY OVERLOOKED

The back of this coin has a picture of two wheat ears, which is considered a symbol of prosperity. Although most Lincoln Wheat Pennies have normal value, the 1943 Copper Penny has proven to be a rare diamond, with its price skyrocketing. >

1943 Copper Penny: Why is it so precious?

During World War II, there was a shortage of copper in the US as it was being used to make war materials. Due to this, in 1943 the US Mint decided to make the Lincoln Wheat Penny from steel. But during this time, some coins were also accidentally minted in copper. >

Due to this minting error, only 15 to 20 such coins are in existence. This rarity makes this coin priceless. That’s why a 1943 Copper Penny was sold for $6.6 million, making it the most expensive Lincoln Penny ever.

Is this coin still in circulation?

You will be surprised to know that the 1943 Copper Penny looks like normal coins. For this reason, it may still be in circulation somewhere today. Many people unknowingly spend this rare coin like normal coins. >

If you have a collection of old coins, then they should be checked carefully. Many collectors have discovered priceless gems in their childhood piggy banks or grandparents’ old coins. Maybe you too have a rare 1943 Copper Penny, which is worth millions!

How to identify whether you have a 1943 Copper Penny or not?

If you want to know whether you have this rare coin or not, then do the test given below:

Identify by looking at the color

✅ The color of the 1943 Copper Penny will be like reddish-copper.
✅ The color of the 1943 Steel Penny is silver-gray.

Do the magnet test

🔹 If the coin sticks to a magnet, it’s made of steel and has no special value.
🔹 If the coin doesn’t stick to a magnet, it may be copper, and it may be rare.

Check the weight

A 1943 copper penny weighs 3.11 grams.
A 1943 steel penny weighs 2.7 grams.

If you have a 1943 coin that doesn’t stick to a magnet and weighs 3.11 grams, you may have that rare $6.6 million coin!

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Do you have a coin worth millions?

If you have a collection of old coins, check them out right away. Who knows, you may have a rare piece of history that’s worth millions!

If you think you might have a 1943 copper penny, contact a coin expert (numismatist) or coin collector. You could be one step away from becoming a millionaire!

FAQs

Q. Why is the 1943 Copper Penny so valuable?

A. The 1943 Copper Penny is rare because most pennies that year were made of steel due to a copper shortage during World War II. Only a few were mistakenly minted in copper, making them highly valuable.

Q. How much is a 1943 Copper Penny worth today?

A. A genuine 1943 Copper Penny can be worth millions, with one selling for $6.6 million at auction.

Q. How can I check if I have a real 1943 Copper Penny?

A. You can do a magnet test—if the coin does not stick to a magnet, it could be copper. Also, check the weight: a real 1943 Copper Penny weighs 3.11 grams.