At First Glance, an Ordinary Penny
The 1943 Lincoln penny might look just like any other coin featuring Abraham Lincoln. It has the same size and design that we’re all used to seeing in our everyday change.
However, hidden within this ordinary appearance is a surprising fact — one rare version of the 1943 penny is worth far more than its face value.
A Coin From Wartime America
During World War II, copper was needed for military supplies and ammunition. To save this critical metal, the U.S. Mint chose to produce pennies using zinc-coated steel in 1943 instead of the usual copper.
This decision led to the creation of the silver-colored steel penny. More than a billion of these were made that year, and while they’re not rare, one small error made that year resulted in a coin that collectors treasure today.
The Copper Coin That Wasn’t Meant to Exist
Despite the switch to steel, a few leftover copper blanks from 1942 accidentally made their way into the minting machines. These blanks were struck with the 1943 penny design, creating a handful of genuine 1943 copper pennies by mistake.
It’s believed that fewer than 20 of these rare copper pennies still exist today. Because they were never meant to be produced, each one is a valuable collector’s item and an exciting piece of minting history.
How Much Is It Worth?
These rare 1943 copper pennies can fetch enormous prices. One such coin was sold for more than $1.7 million at auction. Others have sold for several hundred thousand dollars, depending on the mint location and overall condition. Even pennies with wear and scratches can be worth six figures.
To put it in perspective — a single one-cent coin from this year could be more valuable than a bar of gold.
How to Spot One
Finding a 1943 copper penny may seem like a long shot, but there are a few ways to tell if you have one:
- Color: Most 1943 pennies are silver due to the steel. A copper one will appear brown or reddish like older pennies.
- Magnet Test: Steel pennies stick to magnets. A copper penny will not.
- Weight: A copper penny weighs about 3.11 grams. Steel versions are lighter at 2.7 grams.
- Expert Check: Many replicas exist, so it’s wise to have any suspected coin verified by a grading service like PCGS or NGC.
The Allure of Pocket Change Riches
Rare coin discoveries in old containers, wallets, or piggy banks are part of what makes coin collecting exciting. The thought that an everyday penny could be worth more than a luxury car keeps people checking their spare change.
The odds of finding a 1943 copper penny are slim — but not impossible. That chance is enough to keep coin enthusiasts and casual collectors hopeful.
Final Thoughts
The 1943 copper Lincoln penny proves that even the smallest coin can hold incredible historical and financial value. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or someone who hasn’t looked through their change in years, one simple penny could make all the difference.
FAQs
Q1: How can I tell if my 1943 penny is copper or steel?
A copper penny looks brown or red and does not stick to a magnet, unlike a steel penny which is silver and magnetic.
Q2: Are 1943 steel pennies valuable?
Most 1943 steel pennies are common and worth only a few cents to a few dollars, depending on condition.
Q3: How many 1943 copper pennies exist?
It’s estimated that fewer than 20 genuine 1943 copper pennies have been found.
Q4: Can I sell a rare penny without grading it?
While you can, it’s recommended to get it graded by a professional service to confirm authenticity and increase its value to buyers.
