In an age where we’re more likely to tap a card than dig through loose change, a small copper coin is capturing the imagination of people across the country. A rare Lincoln Wheat Penny — potentially worth a jaw-dropping $5.7 million — is believed to still be circulating in everyday transactions.
And just like that, spare change got a lot more interesting.
A Penny with a Million-Dollar Backstory
While rare coins are nothing new in the collecting world, this one stands out for a simple reason — it may still be out there.
Experts believe the coin in question is a 1943 bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny, one of the rarest U.S. coins ever produced. During World War II, copper was in short supply and reserved for the war effort. As a result, the U.S. Mint made most 1943 pennies out of zinc-coated steel. But due to a minting error, a few bronze blanks — intended for 1942 production — slipped through and were stamped with the 1943 date.
Only about 15 to 20 of these copper-colored coins are known to exist today. One sold at auction in 2010 for more than $1.7 million. Since then, their rarity and desirability have pushed their estimated value even higher — to an incredible $5.7 million.
Still Circulating? Here’s the Twist
While some of the 1943 bronze Wheat Pennies are now safely in museums or private collections, numismatists believe at least one remains unaccounted for — and could still be in someone’s pocket, piggy bank, or change jar.
Last year, a coin matching its description reportedly turned up in a Midwest coin roll — but it was never authenticated. That alone has stirred up a fresh wave of coin-checking across the U.S.
Pawn shops, antique dealers, and coin appraisers are seeing an uptick in curious visitors. Forums are buzzing. And suddenly, looking through your old coins doesn’t feel like a waste of time — it might be your million-dollar moment.
How to Spot the $5.7 Million Penny
Think you might have the lucky coin? Here are four ways to check:
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Check the Date: Look for the year 1943 on the penny.
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Look at the Color: The rare one has a copper/bronze hue, not silver like the steel ones.
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Do the Magnet Test: Steel pennies stick to magnets; bronze ones don’t.
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Weigh It: Bronze pennies weigh around 3.11 grams, while steel ones are lighter (about 2.7 grams).
If you suspect you’ve found one, don’t clean or alter the coin. That could reduce its value. Instead, contact a professional grading service like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) to authenticate it.
Why Is This Coin So Valuable?
Scarcity, history, and collector demand drive the price. Because the coin was never meant to exist — a true minting mistake — it’s become a symbol of historical fascination and collector obsession.
Add the fact that it may still be unknowingly circulating, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a modern treasure hunt.
Final Thoughts
The saga of the 1943 bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny is more than a story about money — it’s a reminder that some of life’s biggest surprises come in the smallest forms. Whether or not the mystery penny turns up this year, one thing is certain: Americans are looking at their change like never before.
So before you drop that penny in the tip jar, take a second look. You just might be holding a fortune.
