What began as a teenage superstition turned into a historic artifact. A seemingly ordinary penny, carried in the pocket of a high school student for years as a good luck charm, is now on permanent display at the Smithsonian Institution. But what makes this penny so special — and how did it go from a pocket piece to a national treasure?
The Boy Behind the Coin
In the early 1980s, a quiet high school student from Illinois named Michael “Mick” Ralston stumbled upon an unusual-looking penny in his father’s old coin jar. It looked different — darker in color, slightly off in texture, and unusually heavy. He tossed it into his pocket, calling it his “lucky penny,” and carried it every day through exams, football games, and graduation.
But what Mick didn’t know was that the penny he carried wasn’t just unique — it was one of the rarest coins ever struck by the U.S. Mint.
What Made This Penny So Valuable?
Years later, Mick had the coin evaluated by a local coin shop on a whim. To everyone’s astonishment, the coin turned out to be an original 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny — a mint error so rare that only a few dozen are known to exist.
Quick Facts About the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny:
- Year: 1943
- Material: Bronze (instead of wartime steel)
- Rarity: Only 10–20 known examples
- Estimated Value: Up to $1.7 million at auction
- Why It’s Special: In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched to steel pennies to conserve copper for WWII. A few bronze planchets accidentally made it into the presses — creating one of the most famous mint errors in history.
How It Ended Up in the Smithsonian
After confirming the coin’s authenticity, Ralston was flooded with offers from private collectors. But instead of cashing in, he made an emotional decision — to donate it to the Smithsonian’s National Numismatic Collection.
“It was with me for the best years of my life,” Ralston told reporters. “I figured it should be with America now.”
The penny is now displayed alongside the 1804 Silver Dollar and the Double Eagle — some of the most iconic U.S. coins in history.
Lessons from a Lucky Penny
Mick’s story is more than just about money. It’s a reminder that extraordinary things can be hiding in plain sight. Many Americans unknowingly carry rare coins in their change — coins that could be worth thousands or even millions.
Here’s what to check in your own pocket change:
What to Look For in Rare Pennies:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Date | Key years: 1909-S VDB, 1943 bronze, 1955 double die |
| Material | Is the penny steel? Bronze? Aluminum? |
| Errors | Off-center strikes, double dies, no mint marks |
| Condition | Even circulated coins can fetch high prices if rare enough |
Final Thoughts
What started as a teenager’s lucky token has become a national treasure, now viewed by millions of museum visitors every year. While you may not find a 1943 bronze penny in your pocket, the message is clear: Don’t overlook your change. History — and maybe a fortune — could be hiding inside.