A penny worth $6.6 million is out there — and it could be sitting in someone’s coin jar, a child’s piggy bank, or even at the bottom of your car cupholder.
Known among collectors as the “Lost Lincoln,” this ultra-rare coin is a 1943-S bronze Lincoln cent, a minting mistake that should have never existed — and yet, at least one is still unaccounted for.
Numismatists are calling it one of the greatest unsolved coin mysteries in American history, and the hunt is on.
What Is the Lost Lincoln?
The Lost Lincoln refers to a 1943 Lincoln penny mistakenly struck in bronze at the San Francisco Mint. During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to using steel for pennies to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a few bronze planchets (coin blanks) from the previous year were accidentally used, resulting in extremely rare error coins.
Most of the known bronze 1943 pennies were minted in Philadelphia or Denver. But a 1943-S bronze cent — minted in San Francisco — is the rarest of them all.
Only one verified copy has ever surfaced. Another is believed to exist, but it’s never been found. That’s the one experts have dubbed the Lost Lincoln.
Why Is It Worth $6.6 Million?
The value of the Lost Lincoln isn’t just about its age — it’s a perfect storm of rarity, historical importance, and mystery. Here’s a breakdown:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Wrong Metal | Should’ve been steel, but minted in bronze |
| Rare Mint Mark | “S” for San Francisco — only one known bronze 1943-S cent |
| Low Supply | Only 1 confirmed; another suspected to still exist |
| Condition Potential | If found uncirculated, could set new record for coin sales |
| Historic Appeal | WWII-era error with a fascinating backstory |
Still in Circulation? Yes — And That’s the Shocking Part
After decades of coin collecting and mint research, most of these rare pennies have been located. But the Lost Lincoln remains missing.
Experts believe it could still be floating around unrecognized, possibly sitting in:
- An old war-era coin collection
- A forgotten penny jar in someone’s basement
- A pile of “junk” coins at a garage sale
- Or worse — spent unknowingly at a vending machine
“We’re certain there’s at least one more out there,” says renowned coin expert Dale Zimmerman. “And it’s probably hiding somewhere incredibly ordinary.”
How to Spot the Lost Lincoln?
If you’re curious whether your change includes a piece of hidden treasure, here’s how to check:
| Check | Look For |
|---|---|
| Date | 1943 |
| Color | Reddish-brown or bronze (not silver steel) |
| Mint Mark | Tiny “S” below the date |
| Magnet Test | Should not stick to a magnet |
| Weight | Should weigh 3.11 grams (steel = 2.7g) |
If your penny checks all those boxes — do not clean it and get it professionally authenticated.
Famous Finds That Inspire Hope
Stories of million-dollar penny discoveries aren’t just legends:
- In 2010, a 1943-D bronze penny sold for $1.7 million
- A Philadelphia-minted bronze cent was found in 2019 and auctioned for $204,000
- A 14-year-old famously found one in lunch money — valued at over $100,000
Each of these coins once seemed lost. Until someone looked closely.
Final Thoughts: The Treasure Might Be in Your Pocket
While most of us walk past pennies without a second glance, the Lost Lincoln reminds us that even the smallest coin can hold massive historical and monetary value.
Check your change. Dig through that old coin jar. The next $6.6 million mystery might just be waiting for you to find it.
FAQ
Q1: What makes the Lost Lincoln so rare?
A: It’s a 1943-S bronze penny that was never meant to exist. Only one confirmed copy has ever been found.
Q2: How much is it worth?
A: Experts estimate it’s worth at least $6.6 million, depending on its condition.
Q3: How can I find out if my penny is valuable?
A: Look for a 1943 date, “S” mint mark, bronze color, and have it tested with a magnet. Always consult a certified coin appraiser.
