How to See if a Penny Is Worth a Million

By Society & Culture & Entertainment Last updated Tuesday, April/23/2024

1). Check the date on the coin. The coin must be a Lincoln penny from 1943.
2). Check that the coin isn't made of steel. Steel pennies were minted to replace copper and zinc pennies during 1943. If the 1943 penny looks silver, gray or lead-colored, it's not a bronze 1943 penny.
3). Use a magnet to test the cent. If the penny is picked up by the magnet, it's not bronze. Bronze is an alloy of copper and zinc, and won't be drawn to a magnet. If the penny doesn't stick to the magnet, it may be worth a million (or more) dollars.
4). Take the coin to a professional to be authenticated. Don't get your hopes up; there are many fake 1943 bronze Lincolns floating around.