The 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny Copper That Reached 120 Million Dollars

The error of minting 1943 cents in copper instead of steel turned these coins into valuable rarities. Over the years, several specimens of the Lincoln Wheat Penny have been discovered, but one of them reached a record price at auction: worth 120 million dollars.

During World War II, material shortages affected various industries, including coin minting. In 1943, the United States Mint shifted from copper to steel cents, coating them with zinc. However, a manufacturing error resulted in some coins being struck in copper instead.

This error occurred at the Denver Mint, where a batch of 1943 cents was mistakenly produced in copper. While most of these coins were later melted down and re-minted, a few managed to escape this fate and entered circulation.

Over the years, several specimens of the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny Copper have been discovered by collectors. These coins are highly sought after due to their rarity and historical significance.

In 2019, one of these coins made headlines when it was sold at auction for an astonishing 120 million dollars. This record-breaking price was driven by the coin's exceptional condition, rarity, and the interest of collectors in historical pieces.

The 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny Copper is a testament to how even the smallest manufacturing errors can have a profound impact on the value of a coin. From being a common piece of change, this coin has now become one of the most valuable and sought-after numismatic rarities in the world.