Most of us think pennies are worthless pieces of change, This Old Penny Could Make You Rich but what if one of those small copper coins could actually be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars? It’s true: certain old Lincoln Wheat pennies, especially the rare 1943 copper version, have sold for prices that could pay off your mortgage or buy your dream car. Before you toss your pennies in a coin jar or spend them at the store, here’s how you can check if you have a penny that could make you rich. This Old Penny Could Make You Rich
The Story Behind the Rare Penny
In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched from making pennies out of copper to steel because copper was needed for World War II. But a few copper blanks were accidentally used that year, creating the extremely rare 1943 copper penny. These coins look just like an ordinary penny, but they are worth a fortune because so few were made. This Old Penny Could Make You Rich
Collectors are willing to pay big money for these rare coins. One 1943 copper penny has sold for as much as $1.7 million, and other rare Lincoln Wheat pennies have fetched hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction.
How to Check If Your Penny Is Valuable
You don’t need any fancy equipment to find out if you have a rare penny. Here’s a simple table you can use to check your pennies at home:
| What to Look For | How to Check |
|---|---|
| Year | Look for 1943 pennies |
| Metal | Use a magnet – steel pennies stick, copper pennies don’t |
| Errors | Look for double letters or numbers |
| Condition | Pennies with fewer scratches and marks are worth more |
If you find a 1943 penny that doesn’t stick to a magnet, it could be a copper version – and that’s when you should get excited!
Why Condition Is So Important
Even if you find a rare penny, its condition will have a huge impact on its value. Coins that are shiny, have sharp details, and no scratches or dents are considered to be in “mint” or near-mint condition. These coins can sell for the highest prices.
On the other hand, if a rare penny is heavily worn or damaged, it will be worth much less. That’s why experts always say never clean an old coin – cleaning can leave scratches and reduce its value.
What to Do If You Think You Found a Rare Penny
If you think you have a valuable penny, don’t spend it or throw it in a coin jar. Instead:
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Store it safely in a soft cloth or coin holder.
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Take clear photos of both sides of the coin.
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Bring it to a professional coin dealer for an evaluation.
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Consider sending it to a grading company like PCGS or NGC for certification, which can increase the coin’s value.
A coin that has been graded and certified can sell for much more because buyers know it’s authentic and exactly what you say it is.
Why You Should Check Your Pennies Today
Many rare coins have been found in everyday places – jars of old coins, rolls of pennies from the bank, or even loose change from a grocery store. You don’t have to be a collector to find one. By spending just a few minutes checking your pennies, you could discover a coin that changes your life.
So before you ignore that pile of pennies on your dresser or cash them in at the coin machine, take a closer look. You never know – you could be holding an old penny that’s worth enough to make your dreams come true.