To the untrained eye, the 1943 silver-colored penny looks like any other old coin. But for coin collectors and lucky finders, this penny could be worth a fortune. The truth is, there was no official “silver” penny minted in 1943—yet a minting error and historical circumstances led to a few incredibly rare variations that have become legendary in the coin world. If you’ve got old change lying around, this is one coin to look out for.
1943 Steel Penny – The Common Version
During World War II, the U.S. Mint replaced copper with steel coated in zinc to conserve copper for the war effort. This gave the 1943 penny a shiny silver-like appearance. Over a billion of these steel cents were made, so most are not particularly valuable. However, due to their distinctive look, many people mistakenly believe they are rare silver coins.
The Rare 1943 Bronze (Copper) Penny – The Real Jackpot
Here’s where the real treasure lies. A few 1943 pennies were accidentally struck on leftover bronze planchets from 1942. These bronze coins look like a typical penny, not silver-colored like the steel ones. Only a handful of genuine 1943 bronze pennies are known to exist, and they have sold for over $100,000—with one example fetching $1.7 million at auction. This mistake is one of the most valuable in U.S. coinage history.
Magnetic Test – A Quick Way to Check
A simple test can help identify what kind of 1943 penny you have. Steel cents are magnetic, while bronze or copper ones are not. If your 1943 penny doesn’t stick to a magnet, you might be holding something extraordinary. However, due to counterfeits and altered coins, it’s always best to get a non-magnetic 1943 cent professionally authenticated.
That Old “Silver” Penny Could Be Worth Thousands
The next time you’re going through a jar of change or an inherited coin collection, pay close attention to any 1943 pennies. Most will be steel and worth a few cents to a few dollars. But if you find one that looks bronze and doesn’t stick to a magnet—you could be sitting on a small fortune. A mistake made over 80 years ago could turn your forgotten penny into a life-changing payday.
FAQ’s:
1. How do I know if my 1943 penny is valuable?
Test it with a magnet. If it doesn’t stick and looks bronze, it might be a rare 1943 copper penny worth thousands.
2. Are all 1943 silver-colored pennies valuable?
No. Most 1943 silver-colored pennies are made of steel and are common, but they still hold some value to collectors.
3. Can the 1943 bronze penny be faked?
Yes, some steel cents are copper-plated to mimic the rare bronze version. Professional authentication is essential.
4. How much is a real 1943 bronze penny worth?
Depending on condition, they can sell for $100,000 to over $1 million at auction.
5. Where can I get my penny authenticated?
Use trusted coin grading services like PCGS or NGC, or consult a reputable coin dealer or numismatics expert.