Think your spare change isn’t worth much? Think again. A rare penny recently appraised at a mind-blowing $875,000 was discovered in the most unexpected place — the bottom of a forgotten change jar in a New Jersey garage.
Even more shocking? Experts believe this penny could still be in circulation, meaning your next handful of coins might contain one of the rarest — and most valuable — cents in U.S. history.
The Penny That Shouldn’t Exist
The coin in question is a 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent, a minting mistake that occurred during World War II. While most pennies that year were made of steel to conserve copper for the war effort, a small number — fewer than 20 — were accidentally struck on leftover bronze planchets.
Here’s why it’s so valuable:
- Year: 1943 (when all pennies were supposed to be steel)
- Metal Mix-Up: It’s made of bronze, not steel
- Mint Error: One of the rarest U.S. coin mistakes ever recorded
- Condition Matters: The recently discovered coin was in high-grade condition, pushing its value toward the $875,000 mark
Found in a Jar, Sold at Auction
The discovery happened earlier this year when 68-year-old Ronald Bell was cleaning out his late father’s workshop. A dusty glass jar filled with old coins was about to be tossed, but Ronald’s grandson decided to sort through it “just for fun.” What they found stunned even seasoned coin appraisers.
“I picked it up and noticed it looked different — a little darker, heavier,” said Bell. “We had no idea it was a rare penny, let alone worth nearly a million dollars.”
After grading and verification, the coin was auctioned for $875,000 to a private collector in California.
Could This Rare Penny Be in Your Wallet?
Yes, it’s rare — but not impossible to find. Several 1943 bronze pennies have been discovered in the past few decades in the most unexpected places:
- Inside a child’s coin folder
- At a flea market
- Even in pocket change from a gas station
So how can you tell if you’re holding one?
- Date: Must be 1943
- Color: Should appear brown or reddish-brown — not silver-gray like steel
- Magnet Test: If it sticks to a magnet, it’s steel (common). If it doesn’t stick, it could be bronze (rare)
- Mint Mark: Look for “D” (Denver) or “S” (San Francisco) under the date
- Weight: Bronze pennies weigh around 3.11 grams, steel ones only about 2.7 grams
The Rise of Coin Hunting in 2025
With stories like this going viral on TikTok, YouTube, and even the evening news, coin hunting is trending hard in 2025. People are digging through jars, cashing in their old piggy banks, and asking grandparents if they have “weird old pennies.”
Collecting has moved beyond hobby status — it’s become a modern treasure hunt.
Why This Rare Penny Captures America’s Attention?
The 1943 bronze penny tells a story of wartime America, minting errors, and a moment in history when the U.S. Mint was scrambling to conserve metal. It’s a piece of the past that just so happens to be worth a small fortune today.
“It’s the perfect storm of rarity, history, and mystery,” said numismatic analyst Mark Heller. “And it’s still out there — waiting to be found.”
Final Thought: Check Your Change
You don’t need to be a coin collector to find a jackpot. You just need to look a little closer at your change.
Because in a sea of common cents, one rare penny might be the key to your next big break — and it could be worth $875,000 or more.
FAQ
Q1: What is the rare penny worth $875,000?
A: The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent — a rare mint error accidentally struck in bronze during a year when pennies were made from steel.
Q2: How many 1943 bronze pennies are there?
A: Fewer than 20 verified examples are known to exist, making it extremely rare.
Q3: How can I find out if my penny is valuable?
A: Use a magnet, check the weight, inspect the date and mint mark, and consult a professional coin grading service.