Lucky Lincoln Penny – It started as an ordinary afternoon for 10-year-old Kevin Miller from Ohio — a routine walk back from school with his pockets full of small change and a curious mind. But that day took an extraordinary turn when Kevin noticed something peculiar about one of the pennies he’d received from a local store. Little did he know, that single coin would unlock a story that would take the numismatic world by storm and change his family’s life forever. The penny, dusty and worn, bore a distinct marking that caught Kevin’s attention. His grandfather, a retired coin collector, had often spoken of rare Lincoln pennies that were worth thousands, even millions. Intrigued, Kevin rushed home, dug out his grandfather’s old coin book, and began comparing the penny he found. What he discovered sent shockwaves through his home — the coin was no ordinary penny, but a rare 1943 copper Lincoln cent. Only a few of these pennies were accidentally minted in copper during a time when the U.S. Mint was using steel for wartime production. These rare errors are among the most valuable coins in the world, with some fetching prices of over a million dollars at auctions. Kevin’s family, initially skeptical, had the coin authenticated, and soon the news went viral. Offers poured in, and the coin eventually sold for a staggering $1.2 million. Here’s the full story of how one penny changed everything — from the discovery to the life-changing auction.
The Lucky Lincoln Penny Discovery That Shocked a Neighborhood
Kevin’s simple find stirred excitement not only within his family but throughout his town.
- Kevin found the penny in his change after buying candy.
- The penny had a reddish tone unlike regular steel cents.
- His grandfather identified it as potentially rare.
- The coin was authenticated by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS).
- The family contacted coin collectors and media soon after.
- Offers started pouring in within 48 hours of the news going viral.
What Makes the 1943 Copper Lucky Lincoln Penny So Rare?
Only a few of these coins exist due to a minting mistake, making them incredibly valuable.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Year Minted | 1943 |
| Intended Material | Zinc-coated steel |
| Error Material | Copper (leftover planchets from 1942) |
| Estimated Quantity | Less than 20 known to exist |
| Auction Record | $1.7 million (Heritage Auctions, 2010) |
| Kevin’s Penny Sale Price | $1.2 million |
| Authentication Authority | Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) |
| Common Counterfeits | Steel pennies plated to look like copper |
Lucky Lincoln Penny: How Experts Verified the Coin
Once the penny was suspected to be rare, the family followed a standard process to verify its authenticity.
Steps Taken to Authenticate Kevin’s Penny
- The coin was weighed — copper pennies weigh more than steel ones.
- A magnet test confirmed it was not steel (copper is non-magnetic).
- It was visually compared with known authentic 1943 copper cents.
- The family submitted the coin to PCGS for grading.
- It was given a grade of MS62 (Mint State), confirming its excellent condition.
- Media coverage brought in offers from private collectors and auction houses.
The Life-Changing Auction: From Lucky Lincoln Penny Jar to $1.2 Million
Once authenticated, the family decided to auction the penny to the highest bidder.
Key Highlights from the Auction
| Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| Auction House | Stack’s Bowers Galleries |
| Initial Bidding Price | $100,000 |
| Final Bid | $1.2 million |
| Winning Bidder | Private collector from California |
| Auction Duration | Less than 20 minutes |
| Media Attention | Covered by CNN, FOX News, local news stations |
| Family’s Use of Funds | Paid off mortgage, started college fund, opened trust |
Hobbies That Turn Into Goldmines: Lucky Lincoln Penny Collecting Pays Off
Kevin’s accidental discovery highlights how overlooked hobbies can lead to unexpected riches.
Benefits of Coin Collecting as a Hobby
- Increases knowledge of history and finance
- Offers potential for high returns on rare finds
- Easy to start — even with pocket change
- Enhances observation skills in children and adults
- Growing online community and marketplace support
What Other Coins Could Make You a Millionaire?
Rare coins have repeatedly turned average Americans into overnight millionaires. Here are a few examples worth checking for in your own change jar.
| Coin Type | Year | Estimated Value | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Copper Penny | 1943 | $1.2M – $1.7M | Mint error, copper instead of steel |
| 1955 Double Die Lincoln Cent | 1955 | $2,000 – $125,000 | Doubled lettering on obverse side |
| 2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf | 2004 | $300 – $6,000 | Extra leaf near corn stalk on reverse |
| 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse | 1969 | $25,000 – $75,000 | Bold double text on “LIBERTY” and date |
| 1970-S Small Date | 1970 | $3,000 – $35,000 | Small date with high “7” in “1970” |
| 1992 Close AM Cent | 1992 | $5,000 – $25,000 | “AM” letters in “AMERICA” are very close |
| 1983 Doubled Die Reverse | 1983 | $500 – $15,000 | Reverse lettering appears doubled |
| 2009 Lincoln Presidency Cent | 2009 | Up to $3,000 | Rare minting variation |
From a handful of change to a million-dollar windfall, Kevin’s incredible penny story proves that luck can shine even in the smallest of places. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just someone curious about your spare coins, this tale is a reminder that treasures are sometimes hiding in plain sight. Always look twice — your future fortune could be jingling in your pocket.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Rare Pennies
What is a 1943 copper penny worth today?
Depending on condition and buyer interest, it can sell for anywhere between $500,000 to $1.7 million.
How can I tell if my 1943 penny is copper or steel?
Use a magnet — steel pennies stick, copper ones do not. Weighing it (copper = 3.11g) is another way to confirm.
Is coin collecting a profitable hobby?
Yes, especially if you learn about mint errors, rare dates, and how to spot counterfeits.
Can children get into coin collecting?
Absolutely. It’s a fun and educational hobby that encourages attention to detail and historical learning.
How do I get my coin authenticated?
You can submit it to trusted services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation).
Where can I sell rare coins?
Rare coins can be sold at auctions, online marketplaces like eBay, or through private collectors and numismatic dealers.
Are there modern coins that are valuable?
Yes, even coins minted after 2000 can be valuable if they have minting errors or low circulation numbers.