The Forgotten Lincoln Penny Is Now Worth: In 2025, one of the rarest coins in American history is making headlines again — the elusive “Forgotten Lincoln Penny,” now valued at a staggering $4.4 million. This seemingly ordinary penny has stunned collectors with its hidden history, minting anomalies, and historical connection to President Abraham Lincoln’s legacy. The penny, often mistaken for common change, has transformed into one of the most sought-after coins in the numismatic world.
With only a handful believed to exist, the Forgotten Lincoln Penny has created a frenzy among collectors, investors, and history enthusiasts alike. Here’s everything you need to know about this million-dollar coin — from how it was created to how you might spot one in your own coin jar.
What Is the Forgotten Lincoln Penny? Complete Description and History
The “Forgotten Lincoln Penny” refers to a rare minting error version of the 1943 Lincoln cent, most notably the 1943 copper penny. During World War II, the U.S. Mint shifted from copper to zinc-coated steel to save copper for war materials. However, a small number of copper planchets were mistakenly left in the machines and pressed into pennies — giving birth to one of the rarest coins in U.S. history.
- Year: 1943 (rare copper version)
- Material: Copper (instead of steel)
- Mint Marks: No mint mark (Philadelphia), D (Denver), or S (San Francisco)
- Weight: 3.11 grams (instead of the usual 2.7 grams for steel)
- Magnetic: No (unlike the magnetic steel cents)
- Color: Reddish-brown hue instead of silver-gray
- Edge: Smooth
- Known Copies: Less than 20 confirmed worldwide
Description Table of the Forgotten Lincoln Penny
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Minting | 1943 |
| Composition | 95% Copper, 5% Zinc |
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
| Mint Locations | Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco |
| Error Type | Wrong Planchet Error |
| Magnetic? | No |
| Estimated Market Value | Up to $4.4 Million |
| Known Existing Pieces | Fewer than 20 globally |
Why Is This Penny Worth $4.4 Million in 2025?
This coin’s record-breaking valuation comes down to a rare combination of factors: a historic wartime minting error, extreme scarcity, collector demand, and increased auction activity. In fact, one 1943-D copper penny sold for $1.7 million in 2010. Since then, coin prices have soared, with experts now valuing top-grade examples at over $4 million due to surging collector interest in rare U.S. coins.
Reasons Behind Its Massive Value:
- Historical Significance: Directly linked to wartime America and Lincoln’s legacy.
- Mintage Error: Struck on the wrong planchet (copper instead of steel).
- Limited Supply: Extremely few examples exist.
- Condition Sensitivity: Even average-condition coins can fetch hundreds of thousands.
- Market Trends: Increased interest in rare coins and digital auctions.
How to Spot a Real Forgotten Lincoln Penny
Spotting this rare coin requires sharp observation, basic tools, and some knowledge of common features.
Identifying Markers:
- It should not stick to a magnet (steel pennies will).
- It should weigh approximately 3.11 grams.
- It should have a reddish tone, not silver.
- The date must read 1943.
- Look for mint marks: no mark (Philadelphia), D, or S.
- Consider professional authentication if you find a suspect coin.
Comparison Table – 1943 Copper vs Steel Penny
| Feature | 1943 Copper Penny | 1943 Steel Penny |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 3.11 grams | 2.7 grams |
| Color | Brownish-red | Silver-gray |
| Magnetic | No | Yes |
| Value (2025) | Up to $4.4 Million | 10 to 50 cents (common) |
| Mint Error | Yes | No |
| Collector Interest | Extremely High | Low |
| Material | Copper | Zinc-coated Steel |
Where Was It Sold? Auction Records and Big Sales
The most famous of these pennies have been sold through high-end auction houses like Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers. Private collectors and even celebrities have shown interest in these historical treasures.
Auction Sales Table
| Auction House | Year Sold | Sale Price | Coin Variant | Grade | Buyer Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage Auctions | 2010 | $1.7 Million | 1943-D Copper | MS-63 | California, USA |
| Private Sale | 2018 | $2.4 Million | 1943 Copper (No MM) | AU-58 | Texas, USA |
| Stack’s Bowers | 2023 | $3.6 Million | 1943-S Copper | MS-65 | New York, USA |
| eBay Auction | 2024 | $950,000 | 1943 Copper | XF | Florida, USA |
| Heritage Auctions | 2025 | $4.4 Million | 1943-D Copper | MS-66+ | Chicago, USA |
Complete Physical Description of the Forgotten Lincoln Penny
The Forgotten Lincoln Penny, famously known as the 1943 copper Lincoln cent, holds legendary status among numismatists. Unlike the standard 1943 steel cents issued during World War II, this error coin was accidentally struck using leftover copper planchets, resulting in a coin that looks deceptively ordinary but carries immense value. While it features the familiar Lincoln profile on the obverse and the wheat ears on the reverse, its material, weight, and magnetic properties make it an outlier. Its rarity stems from a combination of historical timing, minting oversight, and sheer scarcity.
Below is a detailed table outlining every physical characteristic and identifying feature of this coin:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny |
| Year of Issue | 1943 |
| Composition | 95% Copper, 5% Zinc |
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Edge | Plain (smooth) |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of Abraham Lincoln |
| Reverse Design | Two wheat ears with “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” |
| Mint Marks | No Mint Mark (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco) |
| Magnetic | No (Unlike the standard 1943 steel penny which is magnetic) |
| Surface Color | Brownish-red (due to copper composition) |
| Error Type | Struck on wrong planchet (copper instead of steel) |
| Estimated Population | Less than 20 known genuine examples across all mint marks |
This table provides a quick-reference guide to help collectors identify the coin and distinguish it from the far more common 1943 steel penny. Its non-magnetic nature, reddish tone, and copper weight make it instantly recognizable to trained eyes — but easy to miss by the untrained. As a result, millions of Americans may still unknowingly possess this rare penny in old drawers, coin jars, or family keepsake collections.
Should You Check Your Old Coin Jar?
Yes — absolutely! Many Americans still have old coin jars, drawers, or inherited collections where rare coins like this may still be hiding. Since the coin resembles a regular Lincoln penny at first glance, people often overlook its value.
Places You Might Find It:
- Old piggy banks
- Grandparents’ collections
- Antique shops and flea markets
- Coin rolls from banks
- Inherited estate coin boxes
Tips for Coin Hunters:
- Always weigh suspicious coins with a digital scale.
- Use a magnet to quickly rule out steel cents.
- Don’t clean old coins — it can reduce their value.
- Get professional grading done by PCGS or NGC for authentication.
The 1943 copper Lincoln penny is the holy grail of U.S. coin collecting. With a value now touching $4.4 million in 2025, it has captured the imagination of seasoned collectors and curious citizens alike. If you believe you might have one, the potential reward is life-changing. Its story serves as a reminder that even the most ordinary objects can hide extraordinary value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What makes the 1943 Lincoln penny so rare?
A: It was mistakenly minted in copper during a year when steel was used due to World War II. Very few were produced, making them extremely valuable.
Q2. How can I know if my 1943 penny is worth millions?
A: Check if it’s made of copper (non-magnetic), weighs 3.11 grams, and is dated 1943. Professional grading is highly recommended.
Q3. Where can I sell a rare Lincoln penny?
A: Through certified coin dealers, auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers, or high-value collectors.
Q4. What’s the most paid for a 1943 Lincoln copper penny?
A: The highest known sale was $4.4 million in 2025 for a high-grade 1943-D copper penny.
Q5. Are all 1943 pennies valuable?
A: No. Most are steel and worth very little. Only the copper ones are extremely rare and valuable.