In the world of rare coins, there are a few that are so special and so valuable, they are almost like winning a lottery ticket. One of these legendary coins is the 1943-S Bronze Penny. While millions of 1943 pennies were struck in steel to support America’s war effort during World War II, a small handful were mistakenly made using bronze. Among these rare errors, the San Francisco-minted version, marked with an “S,” is one of the rarest and most valuable.
This coin is so scarce that even professional collectors dream of finding just one. In recent years, a 1943-S bronze penny has sold for over $1 million, making it one of the most expensive pennies ever. But how did this coin come to exist? Why is it so rare? Let’s dig into the fascinating story of the 1943-S bronze penny.
Coin Name: The 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Wheat Cent
During World War II, the U.S. Mint made a major change in how pennies were produced. Because copper was needed for war supplies like ammunition, the Mint started producing pennies made of zinc-coated steel in 1943. These pennies looked silver in color and were made in large numbers at all three main mints: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.
However, by accident, a few leftover bronze blanks from 1942 were still in the coin presses. These bronze planchets—made from 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc—were mistakenly used to mint a small number of 1943 pennies.
One of the rarest of these error coins is the 1943-S Bronze Cent, struck at the San Francisco Mint. Experts believe that only one or two authentic examples of this coin exist today, making it not just rare—but almost impossible to find. One such coin sold at auction for $1,000,000 in 2012.
Why Is the 1943-S Bronze Penny So Rare?
There are a few key reasons this coin is considered one of the rarest and most valuable:
- It was a minting error: The U.S. Mint had fully switched to steel for pennies in 1943, so any bronze version is a mistake.
- It was made at the San Francisco Mint, which had lower production numbers than Philadelphia or Denver.
- Only one or two real examples are confirmed.
- Collectors are willing to pay millions for coins this rare.
This penny is not just a coin—it’s a piece of history, a minting mystery, and a collector’s dream.
How to Tell If You Have a 1943-S Bronze Penny
Finding a coin like this would be like winning the jackpot. If you think you might have one, here’s what to look for:
- Check the Date and Mint Mark: It should read “1943” with a small “S” under it.
- Color and Metal: The coin should be brown or reddish, not silver. Steel pennies are silver-colored, while bronze has a coppery tone.
- Magnet Test: Steel pennies stick to magnets. Bronze ones do not.
- Weight: A real bronze penny weighs around 3.11 grams, while steel pennies weigh only about 2.7 grams.
- Professional Grading: If you suspect your coin is real, send it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication.
Be careful—there are many fakes and altered coins, especially ones where the date or mint mark has been changed.
Table: 1943-S Bronze Penny Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 1943 |
| Metal | Bronze (95% copper) |
| Mint | San Francisco (S) |
| Known Examples | 1–2 confirmed |
| Color | Brown or Reddish (not silver) |
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
| Sale Price Range | Up to $1,000,000+ |
The 1943-S Bronze Penny is one of the rarest and most fascinating coins in American history. Born from a wartime mistake and hidden for decades, it represents a perfect storm of scarcity, historical value, and collector interest. Whether you’re a serious coin collector or someone with an old jar of pennies at home, it’s worth checking your change—you never know when a million-dollar coin might be sitting in your hand. If you ever come across a brown 1943-S penny, don’t rush to spend it. It might be the find of a lifetime.
FAQ’s:
Q1: Why were most 1943 pennies made of steel instead of bronze?
A1: During World War II, copper was needed for military use, so the U.S. Mint switched to zinc-coated steel to save copper.
Q2: How many 1943-S bronze pennies are known to exist?
A2: Only one or two genuine examples of the 1943-S bronze penny have been confirmed by experts.
Q3: How can I check if I have a real 1943-S bronze penny?
A3: First, check if it’s not magnetic and weighs about 3.11 grams. Then, get it professionally graded to confirm its authenticity.
Q4: What is the value of a 1943-S bronze penny?
A4: One sold for $1 million in 2012. The value depends on condition and authenticity.
Q5: Where can I sell a rare penny like this?
A5: You can sell it through rare coin auctions or to high-end collectors, but it must first be graded by PCGS or NGC.