A tiny penny just sold for $336,000 – and there might be one hiding in your spare change. This isn’t just any old coin. It’s the rare 1943 bronze Lincoln Penny, and collectors are going wild over it.
Let’s break down why this one-cent coin is worth a small fortune—and how you might find one too.
Why the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny Is So Valuable
Back in 1943, World War II was in full swing. The U.S. Mint needed copper for the war, so they started making pennies out of steel coated with zinc instead of bronze (which is mostly copper).
But something odd happened. A few leftover bronze planchets (the metal blanks used for coins) were still in the machines. When the mint struck new coins, those old bronze blanks accidentally got used—creating the famous 1943 bronze Lincoln Penny Error.
Only about 30 to 40 of these bronze pennies are known to exist, making them extremely rare.
The $336,000 Sale That Shocked Collectors
In July 2022, one of these rare coins sold for a jaw-dropping $336,000 at Heritage Auctions. It was graded About Uncirculated 50 by PCGS, meaning it was in great condition but had been used slightly.
Why so much money? It’s because this penny isn’t just rare—it’s a piece of American history. It’s also considered the “most famous and sought-after” error coin ever made.
The Henry Ford Rumor That Made the Coin Famous
In the late 1940s, a wild rumor spread that Henry Ford, the founder of Ford Motor Company, would give anyone who found a 1943 bronze penny a brand-new car. The story wasn’t true, but it made people all across the U.S. start checking their change.
This coin became even more legendary because of that rumor—and its fame grew through comic books and magazines in the 1950s and 60s.
Rare Lincoln Pennies and Their Estimated Values
| Coin Name | Year | Mint | Type of Rarity | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze Lincoln Cent | 1943 | No Mint/San Francisco | Wrong planchet error | Up to $336,000+ |
| VDB Lincoln Cent | 1909 | San Francisco (S) | Low mintage, initials | $1,000 – $100,000+ |
| Double Die Lincoln Cent | 1955 | Philadelphia | Double die error | $1,500 – $50,000+ |
Other Rare Lincoln Pennies Worth Big Bucks
The 1943 bronze cent isn’t the only valuable Lincoln wheat penny. Here are two more collector favorites:
1. 1909-S VDB Penny
- Only 484,000 of these were made at the San Francisco Mint.
- The coin includes the initials “VDB” (for Victor David Brenner, the designer), which were later removed after public complaints.
- Because of this, the 1909-S VDB is one of the rarest and most wanted wheat pennies.
2. 1955 Double Die Penny
This error happened at the Philadelphia Mint, where the die was misaligned.
- The date and letters appear doubled, making it easy to spot.
- Only about 20,000–24,000 of these were ever released.
- Well-preserved versions have sold for tens of thousands of dollars.
Even More Coins Worth a Fortune
- A rare Liberty nickel once sold for $3.2 million due to its special date and minting details.
- Some modern error coins still found in circulation today are worth over $90,000.
Conclusion
Who knew a penny could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars? The 1943 bronze Lincoln Penny shows how small minting mistakes can turn into big treasures. If you’re into collecting—or even if you just like checking your spare change—it’s worth keeping an eye out.
You never know when you might stumble upon a coin worth more than a brand-new car!
FAQ’s
Q: How can I tell if I have a 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny?
A: Use a magnet. Steel pennies stick to magnets. Bronze ones don’t. Also, check the color—bronze looks reddish-brown.
Q: Are the 1943 steel pennies worth anything?
A: Yes, but usually just a few cents unless they’re in perfect condition or have errors.
Q: Can I still find these rare pennies in circulation?
A: It’s very unlikely—but not impossible! Always check your coins just in case.
