Lincoln Penny Worth $840,000: How to Find Rare Coins in Your Change

Lincoln Penny Worth $840,000, Many of us overlook the coins jingling in our pockets or hidden away in old jars, but did you know that a single penny could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars? If you have a keen eye, you might just discover a hidden gem. One such coin, the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny, recently sold for an astonishing $840,000. In this article, we will guide you on how to spot rare coins like this one in your change, what makes them valuable, and other coins that could be worth a fortune.

Rare Coins That Could Be Worth a Fortune

What Makes the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny So Valuable?

The Lincoln Penny has been in circulation since 1909, and over time, it has seen many variations. Some of these variations, however, are incredibly rare and valuable to collectors. The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny is one of these prized coins.

Why Is It Rare?

During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from using copper to zinc-coated steel to save copper for wartime needs. However, a small number of pennies were mistakenly struck on leftover bronze blanks from 1942. These pennies, made of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, are now among the rarest coins in existence.

Number in Circulation

Only around 20 of these rare pennies were ever minted, which is why they are so valuable to collectors.

Record Sale

One of these 1943 Bronze Lincoln Pennies was sold at auction for a record $840,000 due to its rarity, historical significance, and excellent condition.

How to Identify a 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny

If you think you have a rare 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny, here’s how to identify it:

1. Date: Check the year— it should read 1943.
2. Color: Most 1943 pennies are steel-gray. A bronze-colored penny could be the rare version.
3. Magnet Test: Steel pennies are magnetic, while bronze pennies are not. Test your coin with a magnet—if it doesn’t stick, you might have a valuable find.
4. Weight: A 1943 bronze penny weighs approximately 3.11 grams, whereas the steel version weighs only 2.7 grams.

For confirmation, it’s best to have the coin authenticated by a professional coin grading service like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation).

Other Rare Lincoln Pennies to Look For

While the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny is among the rarest, several other Lincoln pennies are also worth a lot of money:

1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
   • Value: Up to $100,000
   • Why It’s Valuable: This was the first year of the Lincoln cent, and only a limited number had the designer’s initials (V.D.B.) on the reverse.
2. 1914-D Lincoln Penny
   • Value: Up to $15,000
   • Why It’s Valuable: With a low mintage of around 1.2 million, this penny is highly sought after by collectors.
3. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny
   • Value: Up to $2,000
   • Why It’s Valuable: The date and lettering are noticeably doubled on the obverse side.
4. 1972 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny
   • Value: Up to $1,600
   • Why It’s Valuable: Similar to the 1955 version, this penny also has noticeable doubling on the obverse side.
5. 1944 Steel Lincoln Penny
   • Value: Up to $100,000
   • Why It’s Valuable: Struck on steel blanks that were leftover from 1943, making it a rare find.

What to Do If You Find a Rare Penny

1. Don’t Clean It: Cleaning can reduce the coin’s value. Leave it in its original condition and handle it with care.
2. Authenticate It: Submit the coin to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC to confirm its authenticity and assess its value.
3. Consult an Expert: Reach out to a reputable coin dealer or auction house for an appraisal.
4. Consider Auctioning: Rare coins often fetch the highest prices at specialized coin auctions. Auctions are a great place to sell your rare coin for top dollar.

Why Should You Check Your Change?

Many people discover rare coins by simply noticing something unusual about their everyday change. Rare coins are not only valuable for their metal content but also for their historical significance, making them valuable collector’s items.

Conclusion

The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny serves as a perfect example of how a common coin can become an extraordinary treasure. With a record value of $840,000, it’s worth checking your change regularly. Other rare pennies are also hidden in plain sight, and one might be just a coin flip away. Keep your eyes open for rare finds—you never know when you might stumble upon a fortune!

FAQ: Lincoln Penny Worth $840,000

1. What is a 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny?
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny is a rare penny that was accidentally minted on leftover bronze blanks in 1943 during World War II. The U.S. Mint switched to zinc-coated steel that year, but a few bronze pennies slipped through, making them highly valuable.

2. Why is the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny worth $840,000?
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny is worth $840,000 because it is incredibly rare. Only about 20 of these coins were ever minted, and its historical significance as a wartime error adds to its value.

3. How do I identify a 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny?
To identify a 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny, check the year (it should be 1943), the color (it should be bronze, not steel-gray), and use a magnet (if the penny isn’t magnetic, it could be bronze). Also, the weight of a bronze penny is about 3.11 grams.

4. Where can I sell my rare Lincoln Penny?
You can sell your rare Lincoln Penny through specialized coin auctions, reputable coin dealers, or by submitting it for professional authentication and grading through services like PCGS or NGC.

5. What other Lincoln Pennies are valuable?
In addition to the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny, other valuable Lincoln pennies include the 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1955 Doubled Die, 1972 Doubled Die, and 1944 Steel Lincoln Pennies. Each of these coins is sought after due to their rarity or unique features.

6. How can I authenticate a rare Lincoln Penny?
To authenticate a rare Lincoln Penny, consider submitting it to a professional coin grading service like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation). These services will confirm its authenticity and provide a grade that affects its value.

7. What should I do if I find a rare penny?
If you find a rare penny, don’t clean it, as cleaning can reduce its value. Handle it carefully, and submit it for professional authentication. You can also consult a coin expert or auction house to get an appraisal.

8. How do I know if my penny is valuable?
To determine if your penny is valuable, look for key signs such as rarity, unique features (like doubled dates or unusual minting errors), and historical significance. Always check for signs of authenticity and consider professional evaluation.

9. Why should I check my change for rare coins?
Checking your change regularly is a great way to potentially find rare and valuable coins, like the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny. Many rare coins are found by people who notice something unusual about their everyday change, turning a seemingly worthless penny into a small fortune.

10. Can I find other rare coins besides Lincoln Pennies?
Yes, besides Lincoln Pennies, there are many other rare coins to look out for, such as rare quarters, dimes, and nickels. Coins with errors, limited mintage, or unique designs can also be worth significant amounts.

For more information on how coins, including high-value rare ones, are monitored and managed, visit the official website of the Federal Reserve (Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth $420K and $11,000)