This Lincoln Penny Could Be Worth $168,000 – Check Your Pocket, Have you ever wondered if that old coin sitting in your drawer or tucked inside your childhood piggy bank could be worth a fortune? For many Americans, it’s becoming more than just a fantasy—especially with the increasing buzz surrounding the Lincoln Penny, specifically the ultra-rare 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny. This seemingly ordinary coin has caught the attention of collectors, historians, and treasure hunters alike, with some versions valued at over $1 million.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the history, unique features, and the real-life fortune linked to this iconic coin. So before you dismiss your spare change, you might want to take a second look—you could be holding a small piece of American history.
The Lincoln Penny: A Tribute to an American Icon
The Lincoln Penny, first minted in 1909, was a revolutionary piece in American coinage. It was introduced to commemorate the 100th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln, making it the first U.S. coin to feature a real historical figure. Prior to that, American coins primarily used allegorical images like Lady Liberty.
On the obverse side, the coin displays Lincoln’s distinguished profile, designed by Victor David Brenner, while the reverse side originally featured two wheat stalks flanking the words “ONE CENT”—earning it the nickname “Wheat Penny.” This design remained in use until 1958, after which it was replaced with the Lincoln Memorial.
Though millions of Lincoln Pennies were minted over the decades, certain rare variants—like the 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Penny—have become legendary for their rarity and sky-high market value.
The Story Behind the 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Penny
To understand why this coin is so valuable, you need to go back to World War II. In 1943, the U.S. government needed large quantities of copper for war-related purposes such as ammunition and electrical wiring. To conserve this crucial metal, the U.S. Mint made a temporary switch and struck that year’s Lincoln Pennies using zinc-coated steel planchets.
However, due to an unintentional minting error, a small number of 1943 Lincoln Pennies were accidentally struck using the leftover bronze planchets from 1942. This resulted in a rare batch of coins that looked like the original copper versions, even though they were never meant to exist.
Among these rare coins, the 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Penny, minted in San Francisco, is one of the most elusive and valuable. Experts estimate that fewer than 10 authentic examples are known to exist, making it one of the rarest coins in U.S. history.
What Makes the 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Penny So Valuable?
The astronomical value of the 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Penny can be attributed to a combination of factors:
- Extreme Rarity – Only a tiny handful were minted by mistake and released into circulation.
- Historical Context – It connects directly to WWII, a pivotal period in American and global history.
- Unique Mint Mark – The “S” mint mark below the date signifies it was produced in San Francisco.
- Collector Demand – Numismatists worldwide actively search for this coin, driving demand through the roof.
In fact, a pristine example of the 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Penny sold for over $1 million. This particular coin was purchased by Bob R. Simpson, co-owner of the Texas Rangers, and remains one of the highest-priced Lincoln Pennies ever sold. It’s so rare and valuable that examples are now on display in museums and private collections.
How to Tell If You Have a Rare Lincoln Penny
With millions of Lincoln Pennies still in circulation, how can you determine if you have one of the ultra-rare 1943-S Bronze Wheat Pennies?
Here are four simple steps to help you identify a potential treasure:
1. Try the Magnet Test
Steel is magnetic, while bronze is not. Take a standard household magnet and test your 1943 Lincoln Penny. If the coin sticks to the magnet, it’s a common steel penny. If it doesn’t, you might be holding one of the rare bronze variants.
2. Check for the “S” Mint Mark
Flip the coin over and look just below the wheat stalks on the reverse side. If there’s a small “S,” it indicates the coin was minted in San Francisco—home to the most valuable error coins of that year.
3. Weigh the Coin
Also Read – £230 DWP Bonus for Pensioners in 2025: Who’s Eligible & How to Claim This Payment?
A steel penny weighs 2.7 grams, while a bronze penny weighs approximately 3.11 grams. A small digital kitchen scale can give you a fairly accurate measurement. That 0.4-gram difference could be worth thousands—or even millions—of dollars.
4. Have It Professionally Certified
If your coin passes the above tests, your next step should be to have it authenticated and graded by a reputable numismatist or coin grading service such as PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation). These experts can verify its authenticity and assign it a grade, which significantly impacts its value.
Are Rare Lincoln Pennies Still Circulating?
You might think that coins this valuable would have already been scooped up and locked away in safes. However, history has proven otherwise. Several 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Pennies have surfaced in pocket change, estate sales, garage sales, and even flea markets.
There’s even a famous story of a teenager who discovered one while helping clean out his grandfather’s coin jar. That lucky find turned into a life-changing payday. So yes, while incredibly rare, it’s still possible—albeit a long shot—that such a coin could be hiding in plain sight.
The Lincoln Penny Legacy: More Than Just a Coin
The Lincoln Penny is more than just a piece of metal. It’s a symbol of American history, innovation, and enduring legacy. Over the years, it has been used to honor civil rights, education, and even space exploration, as various commemorative editions have been minted.
Its cultural significance is undeniable. From schoolchildren learning to count with pennies, to collectors passionately hunting down mint condition pieces, the Lincoln Penny has cemented itself as a cornerstone of American numismatics.
Tips for Aspiring Coin Collectors
If the story of the Lincoln Penny has inspired you to start your own coin collection, here are a few quick tips:
- Start with What You Have: Go through old change jars, inherited coin collections, or vintage piggy banks.
- Educate Yourself: Read books, follow coin forums, and watch videos to learn about mints, errors, and grading.
- Invest in Tools: Get a good magnifying glass, a digital scale, and coin sleeves for protection.
- Visit Coin Shows: These events are perfect for meeting experts and expanding your collection.
- Keep Records: Track the coins you own, their condition, and any appraisals.
Final Thoughts: Is There a Lincoln Penny Treasure in Your Pocket?
The 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Penny is a true American treasure, representing history, rarity, and immense value. While your chances of finding one are slim, it’s not impossible. And that’s part of the excitement—knowing that a simple coin could hold life-changing value.
Next time you get change at a store, or stumble upon an old penny on the sidewalk, don’t just toss it aside. Take a moment. Check the year. Look for that tiny “S.” Test it with a magnet. Because just maybe, you could be sitting on a fortune.
Some Important Link
| Telegram Group | Click Here |
| WhatsApp Group | Click Here |
| Home Page | Click Here |
