Everyday pocket change rarely gets a second glance, but coin collectors know that sometimes the smallest coins can hold extraordinary value. Among the most famous examples is the 1943 bronze Lincoln cent, a coin that has sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction. Because only a handful are known to exist, collectors and hobbyists still check their pennies carefully, hoping to stumble upon this rare historical mistake.

The story behind the coin begins during World War II. In 1943, the United States Mint switched from copper pennies to zinc-coated steel cents so copper could be reserved for wartime manufacturing. However, a small number of leftover bronze coin blanks from 1942 were accidentally used in the presses. The result was a tiny batch of bronze pennies dated 1943—coins that were never meant to exist.

Because of their rarity, authentic examples have sold for remarkable prices. One specimen reportedly reached around $336,000 at auction, and other verified examples have also commanded impressive sums depending on their condition and provenance. These sales have made the coin one of the most famous “error coins” in American numismatic history, turning an ordinary-looking penny into a prized collectible.

If you’re curious whether you might have one, the first step is simple: check the date. A genuine 1943 bronze penny should not stick to a magnet, unlike the common steel version from that year. The color should resemble the typical copper tone of older pennies rather than the silver-gray look of steel cents. Because counterfeits and altered coins exist, collectors recommend having any suspicious coin examined by a professional grading service before assuming it’s valuable. Even if you never find a rare one, paying attention to your spare change can reveal fascinating pieces of history hiding in plain sight.