In a stunning turn of events, a rare Lincoln penny discovered in an abandoned farmhouse safe has captured national attention. What appeared to be a common coin turned out to be a valuable collector’s item, possibly worth over $100,000.
A Hidden Treasure in a Forgotten Place
A property restoration crew was sent to inspect a Midwest farmhouse set for demolition. Deep in the dusty basement, they stumbled across a rusted metal safe wedged behind wooden crates. After hours of effort, they cracked it open.
Inside was a pouch with a single copper penny.
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One of the crew members, a coin hobbyist, immediately sensed something unusual. What followed shocked everyone.
Not Just Another Penny
The coin was confirmed as a 1943 copper Lincoln penny, one of the rarest coins in American history. During World War II, pennies were minted from zinc-coated steel to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a few copper planchets were mistakenly used.
These copper coins were never meant to exist.
Why the 1943 Copper Penny Is Rare:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Year | 1943 |
| Composition | Copper (error coin) |
| Normal 1943 Composition | Zinc-coated steel |
| Weight | ~3.11 grams |
| Magnetic? | No (copper is non-magnetic) |
| Number in Circulation | Estimated 20–40 genuine pieces |
| Estimated Value | $100,000–$250,000+ depending on condition |
Authentication and Value
Experts verified the coin using:
- Magnet test: It didn’t stick (copper is not magnetic).
- Weight check: ~3.11 grams, unlike lighter steel versions.
- Visual inspection: Correct tone, strike, and details.
Collectors confirmed its authenticity, with conservative estimates placing its value well into six figures.
Why This Coin Matters
This isn’t just about money. It’s a symbol of wartime history, minting errors, and collectors’ dreams. The 1943 copper penny was an accidental masterpiece, created under the radar and released into circulation.
Each piece is a window into American resilience, offering value beyond just cash.
How to Spot a 1943 Copper Penny
Want to check your own collection? Here’s what to look for:
- Check the year: Must read 1943.
- Use a magnet: Steel pennies stick, copper doesn’t.
- Weigh it: Should be about 3.11 grams.
- Mint mark: May have D (Denver) or S (San Francisco).
If you suspect you have one, seek professional grading immediately. Counterfeits exist.
Other Rare Lincoln Pennies to Look For
While the 1943 copper penny is a standout, others are valuable too:
| Coin Type | Approximate Value | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | $1,000–$100,000+ | First Lincoln cent, designer’s initials |
| 1944 Steel Penny | $75,000–$110,000 | Opposite error of 1943 copper |
| 1955 Double Die | $1,000–$10,000+ | Doubled text due to minting mistake |
| 1922 No D Penny | $500–$15,000 | Missing mint mark due to die error |
These coins are rare but still surface occasionally, even in pocket change or forgotten collections.
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Final Thoughts
The Lincoln penny discovered in that safe proves history isn’t always in museums—it’s sometimes hiding in a jar, drawer, or old safe. For collectors and everyday people alike, this story is a thrilling reminder to check your change.
Who knows what’s sitting in your attic?
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