Miracles happen every day in the world, but when a common-looking coin turns out to be worth Lincoln $350,000 (about ₹2.90 crores), it becomes not just a miracle but history. When a common citizen of America looked at the loose money in his pocket after grocery shopping, he found the design of this coin to be a bit different. This is where the real story of a rare discovery began.
How was this coin found?
This incident happened when a person looked carefully at his loose money after shopping from a grocery store. There was a Lincoln Penny in the pile of coins – old and worn out. But the heavy design and color of the coin increased his curiosity. He immediately showed this coin to a professional coin expert.
Bronze Lincoln Penny of 1943 – A historical mistake
Experts said that this was not an ordinary coin but a bronze Lincoln Penny minted by mistake in 1943. Actually, during the Second World War, there was a huge demand for copper in America, which was being saved for the war. That is why in 1943 all the one cent coins were made of steel – instead of copper.
But by mistake some old bronze planchets (copper bases) were left in the mint machine and some coins were minted on them. This mistake did not come to anyone’s notice at that time, but today these coins are among the rarest and most valuable coins in the world.
How many such coins exist?
According to coin experts, till date only about 20 original 1943 bronze Lincoln Pennies have been confirmed. If any such coin is found in the pocket today, then it is no less than a treasure.
How was it confirmed and what was the price in the auction?
This rare coin was confirmed by America’s well-known organization PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service). After this, this coin was sent to auction, where the initial estimate was between $300,000 to $400,000. But eventually its bid closed above $350,000.
Demand is increasing among young collectors
Nowadays young investors and collectors are becoming more aware of such rare coins. These coins are no longer just a thing for collection but are becoming a means of solid investment for the long term.
Can you also have such a coin?
You may find this story to be a rare coincidence, but experts believe that anyone can find such a coin in their pocket money. All you need is a little attention. In case you possess a 1943 Lincoln Penny, make sure that you check the following:
what year is it 1943?
- An examination of the colour: a steel coin will appear silver; a bronze coin, copper.
- Magnet test: A steel coin will stuck to the magnet, but a bronze will not.
- Pay attention to errors: If there is a minting error, double stamp in the date or difference in color, then the chances increase further.
How to get the coin tested?
If you think you have such a coin, then get it tested by a certified coin testing service. These services charge a small fee but if the coin turns out to be genuine, then there can be a profit of millions of dollars.
New trend of coin collection
In today’s digital age where every transaction is being done through UPI and card, the importance of coins may seem to have decreased. But at the same time, coin collecting is emerging as a new trend.
People are sharing their collections, new discoveries and information on social media. Thousands of such groups have been formed on Reddit, Facebook, and YouTube where people are searching for their treasure sitting at home.
Other rare discoveries also in the news
Another such discovery came to light recently in which the value of a Sacagawea Dollar was estimated at $125,000. This shows that every common coin can be priceless, we just need to recognize the history hidden in it.
Conclusion:
So the next time you return from the shop and ignore the coins in your pocket wait a moment. Your luck may be hidden in those coins The $350,000 Lincoln Penny is an example that we can find both history and value in our pockets, if we pay a little attention.
FAQs
Q1. What is the rare Lincoln penny found in pocket change?
A. It is a 1943 Lincoln penny mistakenly struck in bronze instead of steel, making it extremely rare and valuable.
Q2. Why is the 1943 bronze Lincoln penny worth over $350,000?
A. Because during World War II, the U.S. Mint used steel to preserve copper for war efforts. Only a few bronze planchets were accidentally used, and fewer than 20 of these rare coins exist today.
Q3. How can I identify a 1943 bronze Lincoln penny?
A. Look for a 1943-dated penny that appears copper-colored. Do a magnet test—steel coins stick to magnets, bronze coins do not.
Q4. What are the chances of finding this coin in circulation?
A. Extremely rare, but not impossible. At least one such coin was found in pocket change, proving it’s worth checking!
Q5. How can I verify if my 1943 penny is genuine and valuable?
A. Submit it to a reputable coin grading agency like PCGS or NGC for authentication and appraisal.
