Do you have old coins stored in a drawer, box, or piggy bank? One of them could be worth a small fortune. In the world of rare U.S. coins, the 1943-S Bronze Wheat Penny stands out as one of the most valuable, fetching prices up to $168,000 or even more at auctions.
Here’s everything you need to know about this rare penny, how it became so valuable, and how you can check if you might own one.
What Is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny was introduced in 1909 to honor President Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birth anniversary. It features his profile on the front (obverse) and two wheat stalks on the back (reverse), which gives it the name “Wheat Penny.”
These coins were common until 1958, but an unusual mistake in 1943 made one version extremely rare.
Why Is the 1943-S Bronze Wheat Penny So Valuable?
During World War II, the U.S. Mint used steel to produce pennies, saving copper for war supplies. So, most 1943 pennies were made from zinc-coated steel.
However, due to a minting error, a small number of coins were struck using leftover bronze blanks. These bronze coins from 1943 are rare—and one of the rarest is the 1943-S Bronze Wheat Penny, minted in San Francisco. It carries an “S” mint mark below the date.
Only a few dozen are believed to exist, which makes them highly valuable to collectors.
Record Auction Prices
| Coin Variant | Auction Price | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1943-S Bronze Penny | $1,000,000 | 2010 |
| 1943 Bronze (Philadelphia) | $204,000 | 2019 |
| 1943-D Bronze Penny | $840,000 | 2021 |
One of the most famous sales involved Bob R. Simpson, a well-known collector and Texas Rangers co-owner, who purchased a 1943-S Bronze Penny for nearly $1 million.
How to Check If You Have a Rare 1943 Penny
1. Check the Year and Mint Mark
- The coin must show the year 1943.
- Look for an “S” mark below the date.
2. Try the Magnet Test
- Steel pennies stick to a magnet.
- If yours doesn’t stick, it could be a rare bronze version.
3. Weigh the Coin
- Steel penny weight: about 2.7 grams
- Bronze penny weight: about 3.11 grams
Use a digital scale for accuracy.
4. Get Professional Appraisal
- If your coin passes the above checks, contact a professional coin grader.
- A certified appraisal can greatly increase its auction value.
Can These Coins Still Be Found?
Yes, there are reported cases where rare coins like this have turned up in garage sales, flea markets, and coin jars. Many collectors overlook them due to their ordinary appearance.
Other Valuable U.S. Coins to Watch For
| Coin Name | Approx. Value |
|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny | $2,400,000 |
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter (Error) | $500,000 |
| Buffalo Nickel (Rare Varieties) | $601,000 |
| Lincoln Half Dollar | $26,400 |
The 1943-S Bronze Wheat Penny is a rare error coin that has made headlines for its incredible value. If you have old coins, especially 1943 pennies, it may be worth examining them closely. What seems like just another old coin could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Disclaimer: This article is based on available auction records and expert sources. Coin values can vary depending on rarity and condition. Please consult a certified numismatist for verification and appraisal.
English