In a small Ohio town, a 10-year-old boy named Ethan Harper stumbled upon a penny that changed his family’s life forever. While sorting through his grandpa’s dusty coin jar in April 2025, Ethan spotted a 1943 Lincoln penny that looked different—darker and heavier than the rest. This rare 1943 bronze penny, one of fewer than 20 known to exist, sold for $1.7 million at auction, turning the Harpers’ financial struggles into a dream come true. X users are thrilled, with one saying, “Ethan’s penny is proof treasure’s hiding everywhere!” As America nears its 250th anniversary in 2026, here’s how this incredible find happened and how to spot your own fortune.
A Lucky Day in the Attic
Ethan, a curious fifth-grader, was helping his grandpa, a retired schoolteacher and coin hobbyist, clean out the attic when they found an old glass jar filled with coins. Most were common pennies, but one caught Ethan’s eye—it was a 1943 penny with a coppery shine, not the usual silver steel color. During World War II, pennies were made of zinc-coated steel to save copper for the war, but a few bronze blanks from 1942 were accidentally used, creating rare coins. Ethan’s grandpa suspected it was special and took it to a coin shop. X users shared, “My kid’s checking every penny now!” The discovery sparked a wave of excitement.
Why This Penny Is a Goldmine
The 1943 bronze Lincoln penny is a numismatic legend because so few exist—experts estimate only 10 to 20 are out there. Its value comes from its accidental creation, pristine condition, and collector demand. Ethan’s coin, graded MS63 by PCGS, was in great shape, boosting its worth. A similar coin fetched $1.7 million in 2010, and Ethan’s sold for the same in June 2025 at Heritage Auctions. The bronze error makes it a “holy grail” for collectors, with some saying it’s like finding a Picasso in your attic. X posts note, “These coins are pure history!”
How to Spot a 1943 Bronze Penny
You could have a fortune in your change! Here’s what to look for:
- Year: Check for “1943” under Lincoln’s portrait.
- Color: Look for a reddish-brown copper hue, not silvery steel.
- Magnet Test: Bronze pennies don’t stick to magnets; steel ones do.
- Weight: Bronze pennies weigh about 3.11 grams, steel ones 2.7 grams.
- Mint Mark: Look under the date for “D” (Denver), “S” (San Francisco), or none (Philadelphia).
Use a magnifying glass and a small scale. X users warn, “Don’t clean it—cleaning kills value!”
| Feature | 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 1943 |
| Material | Bronze (copper-tin alloy) |
| Weight | ~3.11 grams |
| Mint Mark | None, “D”, or “S” |
| Value (Rare) | $150,000–$1.7 million (MS63+) |
From Struggle to Security
Before the find, Ethan’s family faced tough times. His dad was laid off, and his mom worked two jobs to cover rent and bills. The $1.7 million auction sale changed everything—they paid off their mortgage, set up a college fund for Ethan, and donated to local charities. “It’s like a miracle,” Ethan’s mom told a local news station. The family moved to a bigger home and started a small business, fulfilling a long-held dream. X users cheered, “Ethan’s story is so inspiring!” The penny, found in a forgotten jar, became a symbol of hope.
Where to Find These Rare Coins
The 1943 bronze penny could still be out there—in piggy banks, old jars, or even pocket change. With over 1 billion 1943 steel pennies minted, a few bronze ones slipped into circulation, some spent for years before being noticed. They’ve turned up in bank rolls, vending machines, and family collections. Ethan’s coin came from his grandpa’s attic, but others have been found in lunch change or flea markets. X users share, “Checking my grandma’s coin tin tonight!” Look in old collections or ask banks for coin rolls to start your hunt.
What to Do If You Find One
If you find a 1943 penny that looks coppery, don’t touch it too much—handle it by the edges and store it in a plastic holder. Cleaning it can ruin its value. Take it to a certified coin dealer or grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication. They’ll check its metal and condition. If it’s real, auction houses like Heritage or Stack’s Bowers can sell it for top dollar. X users caution, “Beware fakes—some are copper-plated steel!” Report scams at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Ethan’s coin was verified by experts, ensuring a life-changing payout.
Join the 2025 Coin Craze
Ethan’s $1.7 million penny has sparked a coin-hunting fever across the U.S. The 1943 bronze Lincoln penny’s rarity and wartime story make it a collector’s dream, and its discovery by a 10-year-old proves anyone can find treasure. Ethan, now a budding coin enthusiast, inspired kids to join numismatic clubs, with memberships up 20% in 2025. One X user said, “This kid’s story makes me want to dig through my change!” Check coinvaluechecker.com or money.org for tips, and start searching—your next penny could be a life-changer!