Arena
A Lincoln Wheat penny once sold for $1.7 million—but contrary to many headlines, that doesn’t mean it’s “still in circulation.”
The coin in question is the extremely rare 1943-D bronze (copper) penny, an off-metal error produced at the Denver mint when copper planchets were accidentally used during World War II. It’s unique and in premium collectors’ hands—far from everyday change.
Why the 1943 Penny Normally Isn’t Copper
- In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched to zinc-coated steel pennies in order to conserve copper for the war effort.
- A few copper planchets (blanks intended for copper cents) were mistakenly fed into the minting presses, producing rare specimens of copper (bronze) Lincoln cents for that year.
- Known examples exist from Philadelphia (no mint mark), San Francisco (S mint mark), and a single one from Denver (D mint mark). Only the Denver specimen is unique.
Record Sale & What Makes It So Special
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Coin | 1943-D copper (bronze) Lincoln Wheat penny |
| Rarity | Only one known example from Denver with true bronze (copper) planchet |
| Grade | High certified grade (MS64BN) |
| Sale Price | $1.7 million in 2010 |
| Owner | Private collector |
| Other 1943 copper penny sales | Some from other mints (Philadelphia, San Francisco) have sold in the hundreds of thousands; one from San Francisco passed $1 million in a later sale |
| Typical auction range for other “1943 bronze copper cents” | $200,000–$350,000 depending on condition and certification |
| Chances of finding one in pocket change today | Essentially zero—known coins are certified and closely tracked |
| Quick identification tests | Non‐magnetic; weight ≈ 3.11 grams; visual inspection; professional grading |
Are These Coins Still in Circulation?
- Despite rumors, the unique 1943-D copper penny isn’t circulating. It’s in specialized collections, authenticated, and under tight care.
- Some copper 1943 pennies from Philadelphia and San Francisco are also extremely rare and often held by collectors or sold at auctions.
- While decades ago someone might have unexpectedly encountered one in change, nowadays all verified specimens are documented—not hidden in everyday transactions.
How to Recognize a True 1943 Copper Penny
Here are key checks before you believe you’ve stumbled on something worth millions:
- Magnet test – Copper is non-magnetic. If a coin sticks to a magnet, it’s almost certainly a plated steel fake.
- Weight – A genuine bronze (copper) cent from 1943 should weigh around 3.11 grams. Steel versions weigh less.
- Mint mark and visual elements – The “D” mint mark (for Denver) matters in the top example; also check color, surface texture, and strike quality.
- Professional grading/authentication – Submit to an organization like PCGS, NGC, or similar. Certified examples are the only ones that fetch real high values.
Why This Coin Pulls Such Astonishing Value
- Scarcity: Only one example of the 1943-D bronze penny is known.
- Error rarity: It was a mistake, and errors like this always have high appeal among collectors.
- Condition: High grade and well-preserved.
- Historical interest: The story ties into wartime U.S. minting decisions and how material shortages shaped coinage.
- Provenance & recognition: Widely recognized by numismatists; authenticated and traded in major auctions/private sales.
The $1.7 million Lincoln Wheat penny is not hiding in someone’s pocket—it’s the ultra-rare 1943-D copper error, preserved in collector circles.
If you think you’ve found one, do all the tests (magnet, weight, visuals) and enlist a professional grading service. Real ones are legendary; most others are replicas or plated pieces.
FAQs
The unique 1943-D bronze (copper) Lincoln Wheat penny, graded very high, sold in 2010 for $1.7 million.
Yes—some from other mints have sold for over $1 million, depending on condition, but generally other examples sell for hundreds of thousands.
Use non-destructive tests: check with a magnet (should not stick), weigh it (approx 3.11 g for copper), look at mint marks, and, if promising, get it professionally graded and authenticated.