Most people don’t think twice about pennies. They toss them into jars, leave them on counters, or drop them in donation boxes. But what if one of those pennies was actually worth $10 million? It’s true.
A rare penny from 1943 has sold for millions in the past—and experts believe an even higher sale could be next. This coin is so valuable that it might turn an average person’s change jar into a gold mine.
What Is the $10 Million Penny?
The coin in question is the 1943 copper Lincoln cent. At first glance, it looks like a normal penny with Abraham Lincoln’s face on it. But there’s a twist. In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched from using copper to steel to make pennies. This was done to save copper for war supplies during World War II.
However, a few copper blanks accidentally got mixed in at the mint, and some 1943 pennies were made out of copper instead of steel. These error coins are extremely rare and valuable.
Why Is It So Valuable?
There are only about 20 known real 1943 copper pennies in the world. Their value comes from three main things:
- Rarity – Very few were made and even fewer survive today.
- Historical importance – The error happened during a major world event: WWII.
- Collector demand – Coin collectors will pay huge amounts for unique items.
One of these copper pennies once sold for $1.7 million. Today, experts believe a top-quality version could fetch up to $10 million at auction.
What Does It Look Like?
The 1943 copper penny looks almost exactly like any other Lincoln penny from the 1940s. But a few small details can help you spot it.
- Year: 1943
- Color: Reddish brown (not silver)
- Metal: Copper (not steel)
- Weight: About 3.11 grams
- Magnetic?: No
Most 1943 pennies were made of steel and are silver-colored. If you find one that is brown and doesn’t stick to a magnet, you could be holding a treasure.
Be Careful of Fakes
Because these coins are so valuable, many fakes exist. People have tried to create fake 1943 copper pennies by:
- Coating steel pennies with copper
- Altering other dates (like changing a 1945 to look like 1943)
- Faking the metal composition
If you think you’ve found one, don’t try to sell it right away. Have it checked by a trusted coin grading service like PCGS or NGC.
How Can You Find One?
You don’t need to be a coin expert to get lucky. Some of the 1943 copper pennies have been discovered in:
- Old change jars
- Grandpa’s coin collection
- Inherited items
- Pocket change
Always check the date and color. If you find a 1943 penny that looks brown or copper-colored, test it with a magnet and then weigh it. If it passes both tests, take it to a coin expert.
Spotting a $10 Million Penny
| Feature | Steel Penny (Common) | Copper Penny (Rare) |
|---|---|---|
| Year | 1943 | 1943 |
| Color | Silver | Brown/Copper |
| Magnetic | Yes | No |
| Weight | 2.7 grams | 3.11 grams |
| Value | A few cents | Up to $10 million |
Could You Have One?
It’s unlikely—but not impossible. Rare coins show up in surprising places. In fact, a teenager once found a valuable penny in a lunch money jar. So, if you’ve got a collection of old coins sitting in a drawer or change jar, now’s the time to check.
A simple glance could change your life.
Conclusion
It’s amazing to think that something as small as a penny could be worth $10 million. But with the right year, metal, and a little luck, that tiny coin might hold a giant surprise. The 1943 copper penny proves that mistakes from the past can lead to riches in the present.
So the next time you get change, don’t ignore those pennies. Your future fortune might be hiding in plain sight.
FAQ’s
Q1: How many 1943 copper pennies are out there?
Only about 20 genuine 1943 copper pennies are known to exist worldwide.
Q2: How can I tell if my 1943 penny is copper?
Check if it’s brown, doesn’t stick to a magnet, and weighs around 3.11 grams. Then get it checked by an expert.
Q3: What should I do if I think I found one?
Take it to a professional coin grading company like PCGS or NGC for verification. They can tell you if it’s real and what it’s worth.
