Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $520K Still Circulating: The Lincoln Wheat Penny, in circulation since its first minting in 1909, has been an important part of U.S. currency. Basically worth 1 cent, millennial dollar bids have been held for some of the rarer types.
Recently, $840,000 was garnered for a 1943-D bronze Lincoln cent, a testament to the overwhelming demand for rare error coins.
The Story of the 1943-D Bronze Lincoln Cent
In 1943, due to copper shortages in the U.S. during World War II, the U.S. Mint made pennies using zinc-coated steel instead of the traditional bronze.
However, some old bronze planchets from 1942 were accidentally left in the Mint’s supply boxes and were used to make the 1943 coins. This error led to the creation of the 1943 bronze Lincoln cent, which became extremely rare and valuable.
Features of the 1943-D Bronze Lincoln Cent
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Mint Mark | “D” (Denver Mint) |
| Composition | 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc |
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
| Design | Front: Portrait of Abraham Lincoln; Back: Wheat ears on both sides of “ONE CENT” |
| Rarity | Extremely rare; only a few known examples available |
| Value | Up to $840,000 at auction |
Why is this coin so valuable?
Colloquial sayings speak of a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. In terms of the Lincoln Cent made in 1943, it has begun to be valued in the extreme because of this extreme rarity, coupled with a historical error. There are only a few coins that are certified to exist. The coin, by those few standards, is set at an ear-splitting sound in value in the ears of those that collect.
The Denver Mint’s 1943-D bronze cent in particular is the most valuable, with one coin recently auctioned for $840,000.
How to Identify a 1943-D Bronze Lincoln Cent?
If you likely have a 1943-D bronze Lincoln cent, take these steps to verify it:
- Look for the date and mint mark: Make sure the coin is stamped with “1943” and has a “D” mint mark, which certifies it was produced at the Denver Mint.
- Check the composition: Test the coin by placing a magnet on it. If the coin is magnetic, it’s a steel cent. Bronze coins are not magnetic.
- Measure the weight: Bronze cents weigh about 3.11 grams, while steel cents weigh about 2.7 grams. If your coin is heavy, it may be the bronze version.
- Confirm with an expert: If you suspect you have a 1943-D bronze Lincoln cent, have it confirmed by a certified numismatist or a reliable coin grading service.
Other Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
Although the 1943-D Bronze Lincoln Cent is one of the rarest coins, other rare versions are also highly valuable.
| Coin | Description | Auction Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1943-S Bronze Cent | Minted in bronze at the San Francisco Mint; extremely rare | Up to $504,000 |
| 1944-S Steel Cent | Minted on a steel planchet at the San Francisco Mint | Up to $373,750 |
| 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent | Minted in bronze instead of steel; about 20 known examples | Up to $372,000 |
| 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent (Second Version) | Approximately 10-15 known examples | Up to $348,000 |
Conclusion
The 1943-D Bronze Lincoln Cent ranks as amongst the rarest and most valuable coins worldwide. Rare and resulting from a historical mistake, it has become a treasure for collections. If you hold the 1943 Lincoln Penny, one bearing the “D” mintmark, it is best to have that coin examined under the most careful conditions.
FAQs On Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth $520K Still Circulating
Q. Can a 1943-D bronze Lincoln cent still be found?
A. Yes, but it is very unlikely. Most certified coins have already been sold at auction.
Q. Where can I get a 1943-D bronze Lincoln cent verified?
A. You can get it verified by a professional coin grading service (PCGS, NGC) or an experienced coin expert.
Q. Is my coin valuable if it is made of steel?
A. No, 1943 steel cents are common and do not have much value.