Imagine finding a small, brown penny in your pocket change—only to learn it’s worth over $1 million. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, for lucky collectors, this dream has come true with one of the rarest coins in U.S. history: the 1943 Copper Penny. Most pennies from that year were made of steel due to World War II, but a few copper coins were accidentally struck—and they’re now worth a fortune. In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know to spot this rare coin and possibly strike gold with a single cent!
Coin Name: 1943 Copper Penny
- Official Name: 1943 Lincoln Wheat Cent (Struck on Bronze Planchet)
- Mint Marks: No mintmark (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco)
- Composition: Bronze (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc)
- Weight: 3.11 grams (compared to 2.7 grams for the steel version)
- Estimated Value: $100,000 to over $1 million, depending on condition and mintmark
How Did the 1943 Copper Penny Happen?
In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc-coated steel for pennies to save copper for the war effort. But a few bronze planchets from 1942 were left in the minting machines and mistakenly used. These rare 1943 copper pennies were never meant to exist—making them incredibly valuable.
Only about 15 to 20 authentic pieces are known to exist today.
How to Spot a Real 1943 Copper Penny
Here are some quick checks to see if your 1943 penny is the million-dollar kind:
- Use a Magnet – If the penny sticks, it’s steel. Real copper pennies will not stick to a magnet.
- Check the Color – A genuine 1943 copper penny will look brown or reddish—not silvery like the steel ones.
- Weigh It – A real copper penny weighs around 3.11 grams. Use a digital scale to check.
- Inspect the Mintmark – The rarest version is the 1943-D Copper Penny, which sold for over $1.7 million.
- Have It Authenticated – If your coin passes these tests, send it to PCGS or NGC for professional grading.
Finding a 1943 copper penny is like discovering hidden treasure in plain sight. These coins are among the most valuable U.S. coins ever minted, and they could be hiding in old coin jars, pocket change, or inherited collections. With only a handful known to exist, spotting one requires a sharp eye and a bit of luck—but the reward could change your life. If you think you have one, don’t wait—get it authenticated today. You could be holding a fortune in the palm of your hand.
FAQ’s:
Q1. How much is a 1943 copper penny worth?
A1. Depending on its condition and mintmark, it can sell for $100,000 to over $1.7 million.
Q2. Why is the 1943 copper penny so rare?
A2. Because the U.S. Mint was using steel for pennies in 1943, only a few copper planchets were accidentally used, making these coins extremely rare.
Q3. How can I tell if my 1943 penny is copper or steel?
A3. Try a magnet—steel coins stick, copper ones don’t. Also, weigh it—copper ones are heavier at 3.11 grams.
Q4. Which version is the most valuable?
A4. The 1943-D copper penny from the Denver Mint is the most valuable, with one selling for $1.7 million.
Q5. What should I do if I think I found one?
A5. Contact a professional coin grading service like PCGS or NGC to verify and grade your coin.