A Rare 1943 Wheat Penny In Your Coin Jug Could Be Worth $100,000 or More
To say that I was excited when I found a 1943 Wheat penny in an old coin collection would be an understatement. According to Luxe Digital, a version of that coin “sold for $1,750,000 in 2010.” So when I see people down at the Fort Myers Publix dumping all their change into the coin machine I wonder if they took the time to check those coins first.
There’s a lot of unique coins that could net you quite a bit of cash. We’ve talked before about this with the unique Wisconsin quarter. If you found that one it might have made you 6 grand. But let’s talk about the penny that could make you a millionaire.
So here’s the story. Back in 1943, World War 2 was raging and the US Government needed the copper for ammunition. So they made almost all of the pennies that year out of steel. There was still material left in the mint presses from the 1942 production so they accidentally made one batch out of copper. Only about 20-40 of those pennies are out there. A used one, as most are, can net you from $100,000 – $500,000. A very specific version of this penny could could be worth 2 million.
How do I know if I have the copper 1943 Wheat Penny?
This is a very simple test. Go get a magnet. If the coin sticks to the magnet, it’s made of steel and worth about 10 cents. If the penny does not stick to the magnet, you’ve got one. Call off work tomorrow because you need to go get that penny appraised. My penny stuck to the magnet.
These Celebrities Have a January Birthday
The 'Best Man' star celebrates his birthday on January 2. Diggs will forever have us cracking up from his role in 'Mailbu's Most Wanted' finding his "core character."
On January 3, the 'Oppenheimer' star celebrates her birthday. The English actress made her acting debut in 2014 in the drama 'The Falling,' and she has since become an increasing favorite of actresses to watch. She's also now part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Yelena Belova.
The ''Hangover' alum celebrates his birthday on January 5. Cooper was born in Pennsylvania and received a Master of Fine Arts degree in acting from the Actors Studio Drama School at The New School in New York City. He missed his graduation ceremony to film 2001's 'Wet Hot American Summer,' which was his acting debut.
Also celebrating his birthday on January 5 is the co-creator of Studio Ghibli. Miyazaki is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished filmmakers in the history of animation. Our favorite works by him include 'Princess Mononoke,' 'Arrietty,' 'Spirited Away,' and 'Howl's Moving Castle.'
The 'Annie Hall' alum celebrates her birthday on the 5th as well. Keaton has received various accolades throughout her career spanning over five decades. She was born Diane Hall, but changed her name to her mother's maiden name Keaton, as there was already an actress registered under the name of Diane Hall.
Celebrating his birthday on January 7 is the 'Hawkeye' star. Renner began his acting career by appearing in independent films in the early 2000's like 'Dahmer' and 'Neo Ned' before appearing in bigger films like 'The Hurt Locker' and 'The Town.'
Also celebrating his birthday on the 7th is our "National Treasure," Nicolas Cage. Born into the Coppola family, Cage's real name is Nicolas Kim Coppola. He starred in various films by his uncle Francis Ford Coppola.
The 'Wicked' star celebrates her birthday on January 8. Erivo first gained recognition for starring in the Broadway revival of 'The Color Purple,' for which she won a Tony Award for in 2016. We loved the actress in the 2020 HBO miniseries 'The Outsider.'
Bowie was born on January 8, 1947, passing away on January 10, 2016, just days after releasing his final album. Bowie, who was born David Robert Jones, is regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.
The "Can't Help Falling in Love" crooner was born on January 8, 1935 in Mississippi. The singer died at the age of 42 due to a heart attack on August 16, 1977 at his Graceland home in Memphis, Tennessee.
The 'Spider-Man' actor, whose character in the films also has acronyms (J. Jonah Jameson), celebrates his birthday on January 9. Simmons is considered one of the most renowned character actors of his generation, having appeared in over 200 films and television roles. He also voices the yellow M&M in the M&M commercials!
The Led Zeppelin founder celebrates his birthday on January 9 as well. Page has achieved international success as a guitarist prolific in creating spectacular riffs and melodic solos, coupled with aggressive, distorted guitar tones. He is also known for occasionally playing his guitar with a cello bow to create a droning sound texture to the music. A two time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, he's been inducted with both the Yardbirds and Led Zeppelin.
The Dave Matthews Band founder and frontman was born on January 9 in South Africa. He started playing acoustic guitar at age 9, and after moving to Virginia, he formed the band in 1991. Before he was known as a musician, Matthews was an amateur actor, appearing onstage in several local productions.
The singer celebrates his birthday on January 10. With his distinctive raspy singing voice, Stewart is among the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 120 million records worldwide. He's another two time Rock And Roll Hall of Famer: he's been inducted as a solo artist and as a member of the Faces.
The rock singer-songwriter celebrates her birthday on January 10 as well. With hits like "We Belong," "Love Is a Battlefield," and "Hit Me With Your Best Shot," Benatar ruled the '80s. Her cover of the Rascals' "You Better Run" was the second video that MTV ever played, after the Buggles' "Video Killed The Radio Star."
The New York native celebrates her birthday on January 11. The "Queen of Hip Hop Soul" began her music career in 1988 and later began working with Diddy, who produced her first album.
The 'Insecure' star, writer, and creator celebrates her birthday on January 12. Rae first garnered attention for her work on the YouTube web series 'Awkward Black Girl.' Besides the success of her HBO show, she has also starred in films such as 'The Hate U Give,' 'Vengeance,' and 'Barbie.'
The singer-songwriter and filmmaker celebrates his birthday on January 12. He directed one of the best dark comedy horror films, 'The Devil's Rejects.' His music reflects his love for horror and sci-fi. Alice Cooper has described him as a tattoo that came to life.
The 'Lord of the Rings' alum celebrates his birthday on January 13. Bloom gained further international recognition with his role as Will Turner in the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' films. Now, he's known for being Katy Perry's fiance, whom he shares a daughter with.
On January 13, the 'Hunger Games' alum celebrates his birthday. As the youngest of three Hemsworth brothers, Liam decided he wanted his older brothers' footsteps into becoming an actor. In 2010, he landed a starring role in the Nicholas Sparks film adaptation of 'The Last Song,' opposite his future ex-wife, Miley Cyrus.
The 'Seinfeld' alum celebrates her birthday on January 13 as well. Louis-Dreyfus was born in New York City, daughter of French billionaire Gérard Louis-Dreyfus. She started her comedic career as a performer with the Practical Theatre Company in Chicago, later being cast on 'Saturday Night Live.'
"McDreamy" celebrates his birthday is another January 13 birthday celebration. Dempsey is not only an actor known best for his role in the 'Grey's Anatomy' series, but he is also an auto racing enthusiast and collector of sports and vintage cars. He was named People's "Sexiest Man Alive" in 2023.
The 'End of Watch' star celebrates his birthday on January 13 as well. His breakthrough performances came in two Best Picture Oscar-winning films in 2004: 'Million Dollar Baby' and 'Crash.' And of courses, he had an unforgettable role as Luis in the first two "Ant-Man" films.
The 'Ozark' star celebrates his birthday on January 14. Before the hit Netflix series, Bateman was known for his role on another series, 'Arrested Development.' He began his career as a child actor, appearing on television in the early '80s on shows like 'Little House on the Prairie' from 1981 to 1982.
The "Mama Said Knock You Out" rapper celebrates his birthday on January 14. LL Cool J, aka James Todd Smith, signed to Def Jam recordings in 1984. For the next twenty years, LL dropped twelve albums under Def Jam. He's a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and a Kennedy Center Honoree.
The Foo Fighters founder celebrates his birthday on January 14, too. Grohl used to be the drummer for Nirvana until the band disbanded after Kurt Cobain's death in 1994. Foo Fighters was initially a one-man project. The first album was released in 1995, and a full band was assembled to tour and record under the Foo Fighters name. Grohl is also the drummer and co-founder of Them Crooked Vultures, and has recorded and toured with Queens of the Stone Age.
The 'Boondocks' star celebrates her birthday on January 15. King first gained attention for playing Brenda Jenkins in the television series '227' from 1985–1990, then starring in 1995's 'Friday.'
Mr. 305 celebrates his birthday on January 15. Pitbull, whose real name is Armando Christian Pérez, began his career in the early 2000s, recording reggaeton, Latin hip hop, and crunk music. It was 2009 that he released his breakthrough hit, "I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)."
Helen Folasade Adu, known professionally as Sade Adu or Sade, celebrates her birthday on January 16. The Nigerian-born British singer will forever be known as one of the most successful British female artists in history with hits like "Smooth Operator," "Your Love Is King," and "No Ordinary Love."
The comedic actor celebrates his birthday on January 17. Carrey is known for his comedy roles in films such as 'The Mask,' 'Bruce Almighty,' 'and 'Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.' He's also starred in notable serious roles like 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' and 'The Number 23.'
The "Turn Down For What" hype-man celebrates his birthday on January 17. He is often credited as the creator of crunk music and made it popular commercially in the early 2000s. He was the frontman of the crunk group Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz, with whom he has released five albums.
The beloved 'Golden Girl' was born on January 17, 1922. White passed away just a few weeks short of her 100th birthday on December 31, 2021.
The 'Coming to America' star celebrates his birthday on January 17 as well. Jones has been described as "one of America's most distinguished and versatile" actors for his performances on stage and screen, from voice acting in 'The Lion King' and the 'Star Wars' films to playing a warlord in 'Conan the Barbarian.'
The 'Family Feud' host celebrates his birthday on January 17, too. Harvey began his career as a stand-up comedian in the early '80s, later hosting 'Showtime at the Apollo' and starred in his own sitcom, 'The Steve Harvey Show.'
The Korn frontman celebrates his birthday on January 18. Davis' distinctive personality and Korn's music influenced a generation of musicians and performers who have come after them.
The 'Shrinking' star celebrates his birthday on January 18. Segel is widely known for his starring role in the sitcom 'How I Met Your Mother.' He's also starred in numerous hilarious films, such as 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' and 'I Love You, Man.'
The 'Yellowstone' star celebrates his birthday on January 18, too. Costner is an actor, filmmaker, and musician. His filmmaking works include 'Dances With Wolves' and 'The Postman.'
The "Wings" rapper was born on January 19, 1992 in Pennsylvania. Miller passed away at just 26 years old on September 7, 2018 due to an accidental drug overdose of cocaine, fentanyl, and alcohol.
Celebrating her birthday on the 19th is "The Iron Butterfly" that is Dolly Parton. Parton's career spans over fifty years and with over 100 million records sold worldwide, she is a country music legend and an American icon.
The actor, comedian, and producer celebrates his birthday on the 19th as well. Shawn has starred in and created some of the funniest film and television series we have seen, like 'The Wayans Brothers,' 'White Chicks,' and 'Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood.'
Also celebrating their birthday on the 19th is the 'Married... with Children' alum.' Growing up, we knew her as the computerized house in 'Smart House,' then later as the voice of Leela in 'Futurama.' She played a mom again in the sitcom '8 Simple Rules' before trading in the apron for a biker jacket for 'Sons of Anarchy.'
The former Journey frontman celebrates his birthday on January 20. Perry also had a successful solo career. Perry was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Journey in 2017.
'The Office' alum celebrates his birthday on January 20. Prior to his iconic role as Dwight Schrute, he appeared in films 'Almost Famous' and 'House of 1000 Corpses.' He then had a recurring role in the HBO series 'Six Feet Under' from 2003 to 2005.
The co-founder, frontman, rhythm guitarist and co-lead vocalist of Kiss celebrates his birthday on January 20. Stanley was the writer or co-writer of many of the band's most popular songs, known for his Starchild persona.
The "If I Ain't Got You" singer celebrates her birthday on January 25. Keys, whose real name is Alicia Augello Cook, is a classically trained pianist. She started composing songs when she was 12 and was signed at 15 years old by Columbia Records.
The 'Saltburn' star celebrates her birthday on January 27. Pike began her acting career by appearing in stage productions in London. After starring alongside Keira Knightley in 'Pride & Prejudice' in 2005, Pike starred in several successful films before landing her biggest role in 2014 with 'Gone Girl.'
The 'Lord of the Rings' alum celebrates his birthday on January 28. Prior to the biggest role of his life, Wood made his film debut with a small part in 'Back to the Future Part II' in 1989. He was 8 at the time.
The "No Role Modelz" rapper celebrates his birthday on January 28. Cole was born on a military base in Germany and raised in North Carolina. He initially gained attention following the release of his debut mixtape in 2007, 'The Come Up.' Two years later, he signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation and released two additional mixtapes, both to critical acclaim.
Another rapper celebrating his birthday on the 28th is none other than "Da Boss." The "Stay Schemin'" rapper, whose real name is William Leonard Roberts II, worked as a correctional officer for 18 months before pursuing a career in the music industry.
The 'Dopesick' star celebrates his birthday on January 28. Poulter first gained recognition in his role in the fantasy adventure film, 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.'
The 'Magnum P.I.' alum celebrates his birthday on January 29. Selleck has appeared in more than 50 other film and television roles since 'Magnum, P.I.,' which he starred in from 1980-1988.
On January 29, Winfrey celebrates her birthday. Besides the success of her decades-long talk show, Oprah went on to own her own television network, starred in films, and continues her philanthropic work for educational causes.
On January 30, the Ohio native celebrates his birthday. Cudi moved to New York City in 2005 in pursuit of a music career. After posting his debut single "Day 'n' Nite" on his MySpace page, the artist gained major recognition. Kanye West signed him to GOOD Music a few years later in 2008.
This 'American Psycho' celebrates his birthday on January 30. Bale had his acting breakthrough at age 13 in Steven Spielberg's 1987 'Empire of the Sun.' The English actor is known for his role in the 'Dark Knight' series, 'The Machinist,' and 'American Hustle.'
On January 30, 'The Crown' star celebrates her birthday. Born Sarah Caroline Colman, she had to change her stage name when she began working professionally because there was already an actress named Sarah Colman. She chose Olivia because one of her best friends had that name and always was fond of it.
The Genesis drummer and singer celebrates his birthday on January 30 as well. Collins is also an accomplished solo musician include hits like "In the Air Tonight," "Sussudio," and "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)."
The 'Little Fires Everywhere' star celebrates her birthday on the last day of the month. After playing Chris Rock's love interest in the 2002 spy thriller 'Bad Company, ' she landed roles in 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith,' 'Little Man,' and 'I Think I Love My Wife.'
Also closing out the month of January with his birthday is the "What Goes Around... Comes Around" singer." Timberlake began his career as a main cast member of Disney's 'Mickey Mouse Club' before joining boyband *NSYNC. As a solo artist, he has sold over 88 million records, making him one of the best-selling music artists in the world.