A Life-Changing Find
Last fall, a retired bus driver in Illinois made headlines after finding a coin that could be worth a fortune. While sorting through a jar of old change, Maria Gonzalez, 62, spotted a 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny that experts now value at up to $18.9 million. “I thought it was just a dirty penny,” she said with a laugh. This rare coin, mistakenly minted in copper during World War II, has collectors buzzing and everyday folks checking their change. The discovery has sparked a nationwide hunt for this tiny treasure that could still be out there.
The Penny’s Hidden Value
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, first minted in 1909 to honor Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday, features his face on one side and two wheat stalks on the other. Designed by Victor David Brenner, it was made until 1958. In 1943, to save copper for the war, the U.S. Mint switched to steel pennies. A few copper blanks were accidentally used, creating the ultra-rare 1943 copper penny. Experts believe only 15 to 20 of these exist, making them some of the most valuable coins in the world. Gonzalez’s penny is now being studied, and if confirmed, it could fetch millions at auction.
How to Spot the Rare Penny
Want to know if you’ve got a $18.9 million penny? Here’s what to check:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Year | 1943 |
| Material | Copper (does not stick to a magnet) |
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
| Mint Mark | “D” (Denver), “S” (San Francisco), or none (Philadelphia) |
| Condition | Higher value for coins with clear details, no wear |
If your penny matches these, don’t clean it cleaning can lower its value. Take it to a coin expert for a professional check.
A Coin Collector’s Dream
Gonzalez’s find has set off a frenzy, with people digging through piggy banks and coin rolls. Coin shops report a surge in customers hoping to uncover their own treasure. Social media is full of tips on spotting rare pennies, and some collectors are offering rewards for leads. “This is like finding a needle in a haystack,” said coin expert Laura Sims from Denver. She warns that fakes are common, so authentication is key. The idea that more 1943 copper pennies might still be in circulation has everyone excited.
What to Do If You Find One
If you think you’ve found a rare 1943 copper penny, handle it carefully—only touch the edges to avoid damage. Store it in a plastic holder and contact a trusted coin dealer or grading service like the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) or Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). These groups can confirm if it’s real and grade its condition. Gonzalez’s penny could break records if it’s authentic, and she’s already dreaming of helping her grandkids with the money. “It’s like a miracle,” she said.
Keep Your Eyes Open
This incredible story shows that a simple penny could change your life. Other rare Wheat Pennies, like the 1909-S VDB or 1955 doubled die, are also worth thousands. “Check every coin,” Sims advises. “You never know what’s in your change.” With the U.S. Mint set to stop making pennies soon, rare ones could become even more valuable. So next time you get change at the store, take a closer look you might just find a $18.9 million treasure.
