A Rare Coin with a Wartime Backstory
A single penny minted in 1943 could be worth millions today up to $4.2 million, according to collectors and auction records. It’s not made of gold or silver, but rather copper and that’s exactly what makes it so valuable.
Most pennies minted in 1943 were made from steel coated in zinc, due to a copper shortage during World War II. But a small number of copper pennies were accidentally struck at U.S. Mint facilities and slipped into circulation. Today, these rare coins are considered some of the most valuable and mysterious pieces in numismatic history.
Why Was Copper So Rare in 1943?
During World War II, copper was in high demand for manufacturing wartime materials such as shell casings, telephone wires, and other military supplies. As a result, the U.S. Mint stopped using copper for pennies in 1943 and switched to using steel coated with zinc.
However, a few blank copper planchets the metal discs used to strike coins were accidentally left in the coin presses. These rogue copper blanks were fed into the machinery and pressed into 1943 Lincoln cents. Estimates suggest that fewer than 20 of these copper pennies exist today.
How Much Is It Worth?
In 2010, a 1943 copper penny fetched $1.7 million in a private sale. More recently, in 2022, a similar coin sold for $4.2 million, setting a record for a Lincoln cent. The coin was in near-perfect condition and verified by third-party grading services.
The value of a 1943 copper penny depends on factors like:
- Condition (grade)
- Mint mark (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco)
- Authentication
- Historical significance
Even a worn or circulated example can bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction.
How to Tell if You Have a 1943 Copper Penny
Finding a 1943 copper penny is like winning the lottery but it’s not impossible. Here’s how to check:
1. Look at the Date
Start by checking the date on your Lincoln cents. If you see “1943”, that’s the first good sign. However, most 1943 pennies are steel and will stick to a magnet.
2. Test with a Magnet
Hold a magnet near the coin. If it sticks, it’s a steel cent and not worth much. If it doesn’t, it might be copper and that’s when things get interesting.
3. Check the Color
A genuine 1943 copper penny will have a reddish-brown color, unlike the grayish steel version. Be aware, though some counterfeit coins are altered steel cents coated in copper or even 1948 pennies with the “8” reshaped to look like a “3”.
4. Get Professional Authentication
If you suspect you have a 1943 copper penny, the next step is to have it authenticated by a trusted grading service such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC). These organizations can verify the coin’s metal composition and authenticity.
Known Examples and Mint Marks
Only a few genuine 1943 copper pennies are known to exist, and most come from the Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark). However, rare examples have been confirmed from both the San Francisco (S) and Denver (D) Mints, making them even more valuable.
Here are some of the known sales:
- 1943-D Copper Penny: Sold for $1.7 million in 2010.
- 1943-S Copper Penny: Sold for $282,000 in 2012.
- 1943 (Philadelphia) Copper Penny: Multiple examples have been auctioned for over $200,000.
Don’t Get Fooled by Fakes
Counterfeit 1943 copper pennies are widespread. Some common fakes include:
- 1948 pennies altered to look like 1943
- Steel cents coated in copper
- Completely fabricated replicas
Without professional evaluation, it’s nearly impossible to determine the authenticity of a 1943 copper penny just by sight.
What Should You Do If You Think You Have One?
If you find a 1943 penny that doesn’t stick to a magnet, take the following steps:
- Avoid cleaning it – Cleaning may damage the coin and reduce its value.
- Store it safely – Keep it in a protective coin holder or plastic case.
- Contact a professional – Reach out to a reputable coin dealer or grading service for an evaluation.
- Consider auction options – If verified, a major auction house could help you sell the coin for top dollar.
A Penny Worth Looking For
While it’s unlikely you’ll find one of these ultra-rare coins in your pocket change, it’s not impossible. With millions of pennies still in circulation and many tucked away in jars, drawers, or old coin collections, there’s always a slim chance that a 1943 copper penny is out there — waiting to be discovered.
So next time you’re sorting through your spare change, take a moment to check those old Lincoln cents. That unassuming penny could be worth a life-changing fortune.