Check Your Change — A Lincoln Penny Worth $336,000 Might Be …
1. A Wartime Error
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent became famous as an accidental product
of World War II, created when the Mint switched to steel cents
“to save copper for the war effort.” A few leftover bronze planchets from 1942
were mistakenly struck with 1943 dies.
2. Public Discovery
When the first coins appeared in 1947, they sparked immediate interest.
People were amazed such an error had occurred during a time of
“tight wartime control and precision,”
leading to widespread attention in newspapers and hobby circles.
3. Rarity and Appeal
Collectors value the coin for its mix of history and mystery.
Its bronze color and Lincoln’s portrait give it a distinct look,
and “each coin tells a story of chance and circumstance.”
4. Enduring Legacy
Only a small number are known today, each bringing high auction prices.
Over eighty years later, the coin remains
“one of the most celebrated treasures in numismatic history.”
