That dusty old penny sitting in a jar could be worth a fortune.
Yes, we’re talking about the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny — one of the most sought-after error coins in U.S. history.
While most 1943 pennies are common and made of steel, a few rare ones were accidentally minted in copper (bronze) — and these can fetch up to $15,500 or more at auctions!
Here’s everything you need to check to see if your 1943 penny is one of the rare gems.
🔍 Why Is the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny Special?
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc-coated steel to conserve copper for ammunition.
But a few leftover copper planchets from 1942 were mistakenly used in 1943, creating the now legendary “1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny”.
These are the coins collectors dream of, and only a few dozen exist.
📋 Key Signs Your 1943 Penny Is Valuable
Here’s how to tell if your 1943 Wheat Penny is worth up to $15,500 or more:
✅ 1. Check the Material
- Common: Steel pennies are grayish and stick to a magnet.
- Rare & Valuable: If it does not stick to a magnet, it could be made of copper (bronze)!
✅ 2. Look at the Color
- Steel: Silver or gray.
- Copper: Reddish-brown, similar to modern pennies.
✅ 3. Mint Mark Location
- Located below the date:
- No mark = Philadelphia
- D = Denver
- S = San Francisco
- All copper versions are rare — especially 1943-S or 1943-D in copper.
✅ 4. Weigh the Coin
- Steel pennies weigh: ~2.7 grams
- Copper pennies weigh: ~3.1 grams
📌 Use a precision scale for accuracy. A 1943 penny that weighs ~3.1g is worth a professional check!
📈 Auction History – Real Value Examples
| Coin Type | Year | Auction Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1943-D Bronze Penny | 2010 | $1.7 million 💥 |
| 1943-S Bronze Penny | 2012 | $282,000 |
| 1943 Bronze Penny | 2019 | $204,000 |
| Avg. Mid-grade 1943 Bronze | Ongoing | $15,000–$60,000 |
🤑 Even damaged or circulated ones have been sold for $10,000+!
🧭 What To Do If You Think You Have One
✅ Step-by-Step:
- Use a magnet to test (non-magnetic = potential jackpot).
- Weigh the coin using a digital scale.
- Don’t clean it – cleaning can reduce its value.
- Get it authenticated by PCGS or NGC.
- Consult auction houses or coin dealers for estimates.
❓ FAQs About the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny
Q1. Why is the 1943 copper penny rare?
Because it was minted by accident. Only a few copper blanks were used by mistake in 1943.
Q2. What if my 1943 penny is steel?
Steel ones are common. Worth around 10–50 cents unless in mint condition.
Q3. How do I sell a rare 1943 penny?
Get it authenticated, then list it on auctions or approach rare coin dealers.
Q4. Can I find a 1943 copper penny in circulation?
It’s very rare, but some have been found in old collections and jars.
Q5. Is it safe to check with a magnet?
Yes. In fact, it’s the first step to spotting a rare copper 1943 penny.