$140,000 Lincoln Who Shouldn’t-Wheat Penny Mystery: You are about to discover that an elusive penny worth $140,000 could be hanging on the corner of your wall! Rarely has it been said that the 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat penny is among the most-desired coins in numismatic history.
The question now arises:
Do you think some might still exist out there in the daily finds, or has it already found its way into a collector’s vault? Let’s try to cut to the chase a bit and allow us to gather all the information that helps you comprehend such an elusive treasure.
$140K Lincoln-Wheat Penny Mystery
The 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat penny is one of the most astounding and valuable coins in all U.S. history. Its existence is never fully dismissed because of the extreme rarity of this coin; there might be a couple more out there waiting to be discovered. If you happen to chance upon a 1943 penny, double-check its authenticity; that penny could be worth more than you would ever have guessed!
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin | 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny |
| Minting Error | Accidentally struck in copper instead of steel during WWII |
| Rarity | Approximately 20 known specimens |
| Estimated Value | Up to $140,000+ depending on condition |
| Identification Tips | Non-magnetic, weighs 3.11 grams, unique copper color |
| Official Resources | PCGS, NGC |
In wartime, from copper into steel, so goes the transfer: With respect to metal, the wartime transition. The wars put a question mark on whether copper used for pennies was really such an important resource that it should be spared in the interests of the war effort. In 1943, pennies were to be struck from zinc-coated steel, such that copper could be used for military applications. A few pennies were contrarily minted with leftover copper planchets from 1942, creating a very rare error.
The 1943 copper penny, collectors opine, stands quite close to a legend, intentionally created by accident, after which it has remained shrouded in mystery.
The 1943 Copper Penny Value
There are several reasons for the value of the 1943 copper penny.
- Rarity-Approximately 20 or so cast coins are known, making it one of the great rarities in American Mint history.
- Historical: It bears witness to American history as this period was when metal adjustments were being made due to the war.
- Collector Demand: The rare coin has a rapidly rising value owing to increasing interest from both collectors and investors around the world.
One such penny went for $1.7 million at auction in 2010 and gained worldwide attention.
Could Still be Circulating: The $140K Penny
While these chances are slim, they are certainly not impossible! There are older coins still circling the globe, some of them obviously having passed through the circulation from estate sales or through the coin jars handed down through the families.
Others may unknowingly spend the coins, not knowing their worth. Mercado Coins: Quelle Gente!
Identification of the $140,000 Lincoln Wheat Penny
Before getting your hopes too high, the authenticity of your penny from the year 1943 should be tested. Here are some identification steps to keep:
Check the Date and Mintmark
Make sure the date on the penny says “1943,” with no added markings or alterations.
Mintmarks to be found: D (Denver), S (San Francisco), and no mintmark (Philadelphia).
Do the Magnet Test
Genuine copper pennies are non-magnetic; however, steel pennies of 1943 will stick to a magnet.
If the penny sticks to the magnet, it is definitely not one of the rare copper types.
Weigh the Coin
A genuine copper penny weighs 3.11 grams, while the steel penny weighs21/2.7 grams.
Use a precision digital scale to arrive at a weight.
Keep an Eye Out for Counterfeits
There are lots of counterfeit 1943 copper pennies. Most are plated steel, or altered 1948 pennies (the “8” is altered to look like a “3”). Make sure that you get your coin authenticated by a professional grading service such as PCGS.
Most known find of 1943 Copper Penny:
A school boy found a copper penny dated 1943 from his lunch money in California in 1947 and sold it for thousands of dollars later. A woman found a copper penny issued in 1943 from her husband’s coin collection in 1958. In 2019, a man found a long-lost 1943 penny by selling it at auction for $204,000.
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Value of the 1943 Copper Penny by Condition
The value of a 1943 copper penny depends on its condition (grade):
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (circulated) | $60,000 – $85,000 |
| Fine | $100,000 – $140,000 |
| Uncirculated (Mint State) | $200,000+ |
| Proof or Extremely Rare Specimens | $1 million+ |
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Selling a 1943 Copper Penny
If you think that your penny is one real copper penny of 1943, here is how to maximize its selling value:
- Get active authentication-it could be undertaken through services like PCGS or NGC.
- Contact reputable coin dealers-Your best bet is to approach one of the established dealers or auction houses such as Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers.
- Say no to pawnshops-These will yield you less; a good coin collector will give you double the value compared to one of these shops.
- Consider online auction sites-think of websites like eBay but only if you can verify trustworthy buyers.
This is How to Keep Up with Rare Coins
To find out the latest in rare coin discoveries and updates:
- Subscribe to coin magazines, such as Coin World or Numismatic News.
- Check the major auction houses for upcoming auctions.
- Join an internet coin collecting forum or social media group for expert opinion.
FAQS:
How many of those 1943 copper pennies do you think are out there?
Approximately 20 known specimens exist, making it one of the rarest U.S. coins.
Is it possible to have one of those 1943 bronze pennies in circulation?
Its possibilities are very slim, but now and then, you may find one in some old collection or estate.
If I find a 1943 penny, what will I do?
Conduct a magnet test, weigh it, have it authenticated by pros, then sell it.