If You Find One Of These Pennies, You're An Instant Millionaire | Elvis Duran and the Morning Show (2024)

If You Find One Of These Pennies, You're An Instant Millionaire | Elvis Duran and the Morning Show (1)

They say that if you see a penny on the sidewalk and it's heads-up to pick it up because it's good luck, but if it is one penny in particular, good luck would be an understatement. It turns out there are some one-cent coins out there that are actually worth seven-figures, and you just might have one of them at the bottom of your change jar or stuffed in between your couch cushions.

The penny is an older one, from 1943, the kind that says "One Cent" on the back with two stalks of wheat. That year, pennies were made from steel so copper could be used to make shell casings and weapons for World War II. However, according to a TikTok video from The Coin Guy, due to a mistake at the mint, some of the 1943 pennies were made with copper, and those are the ones to look for.

One such coin sold last year for $840,000, but is now worth $1,050,000.

To tell if your 1943 penny is worth a mil, put a magnet over it. If it sticks to the magnet, it is steel, but still worth anywhere between 20 cents and $20. However, if it doesn't stick to the magnet, you might be in for a windfall.

Of course, the 1943 copper penny isn't the only coin worth a lot. There are plenty of other pennies, quarters and more currently in circulation worth well more than face value.

If You Find One Of These Pennies, You're An Instant Millionaire  | Elvis Duran and the Morning Show (2024)

FAQs

What 1958 penny is worth $1,000,000? ›

Consigned to an auction by New York City collector Stewart Blay just weeks before he died, this mismade 1958 Lincoln cent with severe doubling in some of the lettering was sold for a record $1.136 million by GreatCollections of Irvine, California.

How much is a 1943 penny that sticks to a magnet worth? ›

Due to the copper shortage at the beginning of WW2, in 1943 pennies were struck in steel, (the color is silver, not the metal), hence the ferrous quality of steel is why the coin is attracted to a magnet. An average condition 1943 steel cent is maybe worth 15 cents. An uncirculated one is maybe worth 2–4 dollars.

What makes a 1943 steel penny valuable? ›

What makes a 1943 steel penny rare? Unlike rare steel pennies minted in 1944, those issued in 1943 are pretty common, thanks to the high mintage in all three mints. Only several coins in the highest grade and those with collectible D/D error can be considered scarce and valuable.

What penny was worth $1,000,000? ›

One of the many notable coins on display will be a World War II Lincoln cent that sold for more than $1 million.

Why is a 1982 penny worth so much? ›

One reason these coins are so valuable has to do with what they are made of. As GOBankingRates previously reported, any penny minted before 1982 contains 95% copper. Copper pennies are a relatively common find in a penny roll, which lowers their value.

What penny is worth $250000? ›

The 1943 copper penny is worth more than its face value. Due to its rarity and unique composition, this coin can fetch a high price of $100,000 to $250,000.

Why is the 1944 penny rare? ›

The 1944 Lincoln penny is particularly desirable in the eyes of collectors not only because of its design, but also due to its scarcity. Being that there are no more 1944 Lincolns being produced, the scarcity of these coins is constantly on the rise, thus making the coins more valuable.

How much is a 1944 steel penny worth? ›

1944 STEEL Wheat Penny Value

According to the NGC Price Guide, as of June 2024, a Wheat Penny from 1944 in circulated condition is worth between $35000 and $43500. However, on the open market 1944 STEEL Pennies in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $175000.

How do I know if my 1945 penny is valuable? ›

Values for the 1945 wheat penny can vary: Circulated Pennies: Often range from $0.03 to $0.50. Uncirculated Pennies: Can range from $1 to $5 for those in pristine condition. Pennies with Errors: The value can increase significantly, often reaching $50 to $100, depending on the rarity and demand.

What is the error missing the 4 on a 1943 steel penny? ›

The 1943 Lincoln, Steel cent should stick to a magnet and the red is a form of oxidization (rust) - the missing 4 is the result of a grease filled die (where the sunken area of the die is filled and prevents a design element from being fully struck). Today these minor errors sell for $2.50 to $4 in online auctions!

Will a magnet pick up 1943 steel penny? ›

Although they continued to circulate into the 1960s, the mint collected large numbers of the 1943 cents and destroyed them. The steel cent is the only regular-issue United States coin that can be picked up with a magnet.

What penny sold for $2.5 million? ›

One of the rarest pennies cost a Beverly Hills man a pretty penny. At an auction last Thursday, Kevin Lipton shelled out $2,585,000 for the Birch Cent, a penny made in 1792 that is named after its engraver, Robert Birch. It's the most money ever paid for a one-cent piece.

What is the 2 million dollar penny? ›

The most famous error coin in America.

A Massachusetts teenager found a rare penny in his lunch change and kept it for more than seven decades until his recent death — without ever knowing it may be one of the most valuable US coins of all time.

What is the most valuable penny in 2024? ›

The 1944 Steel Wheat Penny is worth an impressive $408,000. That's seriously better than winning the lottery. The second most valuable penny in 2024 is the 1943 Copper Wheat Penny at $250,000.

What makes a 1958 penny rare? ›

The Lincoln penny was produced for many years, and is still being produced to this day. With that being said, there are a number of different types of Lincoln pennies that have been produced over the years. The 1958 Lincoln is especially valuable because it was the last year the Wheat Penny design was used.

Which penny is worth $50000? ›

The 1959-D wheat penny is one of the most controversial mule coins ever. It's worth $50,000! Here's everything you could possibly want to know about the 1959-D penny error!

What penny is worth $300000? ›

in 1943 copper penny. If that's real, it's worth over $300,000. Let me show you.

What coin is worth over $1,000,000? ›

1933 Double Eagle

And here is the world's most expensive coin of all time: the 1933 Double Eagle, worth up to $18.9 million.

References

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