Do you toss your pennies into a jar or leave them at the checkout counter? This $880,000 Penny in Pocket Change You might want to start paying closer attention. A rare Lincoln Wheat penny has just sold for a jaw-dropping $880,000 at auction, and experts say there could still be more of these valuable coins floating around in everyday pocket change. Here’s how to check your coins and see if you could be the next lucky person to strike it rich with a single penny. This $880,000 Penny in Pocket Change
What Makes This Penny So Valuable
The penny that sold for $880,000 was a 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat penny. During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from making pennies out of copper to steel so that copper could be used for war supplies. But a few copper blanks accidentally made it into the minting machines, producing a small number of 1943 copper pennies by mistake.
These rare pennies are some of the most valuable coins in the world. Only a few are known to exist today, and collectors will pay huge sums to get their hands on one. The recent sale of a pristine 1943 copper penny proves just how much demand there is for these special coins.
How to Check Your Change for a Rare Penny
You don’t need to be a coin expert or own fancy tools to check your pennies. Here’s a simple guide you can use at home:
| What to Look For | How to Check |
|---|---|
| Year | Look for pennies dated 1943 |
| Metal | Use a magnet – steel pennies stick, copper pennies don’t |
| Errors | Check for double letters or numbers |
| Condition | The shinier and less damaged, the better |
If you find a 1943 penny that doesn’t stick to a magnet, you could have one of the rare copper versions worth a fortune.
Why Condition Matters More Than You Think
Even if you have a rare 1943 copper penny, its condition plays a big role in how much it’s worth. Coins with lots of scratches, dents, or heavy wear are usually worth less than coins that look almost brand new. The $880,000 penny was in near-perfect condition, which is one reason it sold for such a high price.
Never clean your old coins. Cleaning can scratch the surface and dramatically lower their value.
What to Do If You Find a Rare Penny
Finding a penny that could change your life is exciting, but it’s important to handle it carefully:
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Keep the penny in a protective holder or soft cloth to avoid scratches.
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Take clear, close-up photos of both sides.
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Bring it to a professional coin dealer for an evaluation.
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Consider sending it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC for certification, which can boost its value.
A certified coin gives buyers confidence and can help you get the highest possible price.
Could You Be the Next Lucky Finder?
While the odds of finding a rare 1943 copper penny in your change are low, it’s not impossible. Many rare coins have been discovered by people sorting through jars of old pennies or rolls of coins from the bank. Even other Wheat pennies, like the 1909-S VDB or 1914-D, can sell for thousands of dollars if they’re in good shape.
So don’t just ignore your pennies. Take a minute to check each one before you spend it or throw it into the coin jar. Your next trip to the grocery store or coffee shop could lead to finding a penny worth enough to change your life forever.