Most pennies from 1943 are made of steel, but a few rare ones were accidentally struck on copper blanks. These 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Pennies are some of the rarest and most valuable coins in the world — worth millions of dollars! The highest known sale price for one is around $3.2 million. Could you have one in your pocket change right now? Let’s dive into what makes this penny so special and how you can spot it.
What Makes the 1943 Copper Penny So Rare?
During World War II, copper was needed for the war effort, so the U.S. Mint switched to making pennies from zinc-coated steel in 1943. However, some copper blanks from 1942 accidentally got mixed in and were stamped with the 1943 date. This mistake created a very rare coin — the 1943 Copper Penny.
Because only a small number were made this way, they are extremely rare and highly prized by collectors.
Why Is It Worth $3.2 Million?
The value of this penny comes from its rarity and the story behind it. In 2010, a 1943 Copper Penny sold at auction for about $1.7 million. Since then, values have risen, and some experts estimate these pennies could be worth around $3.2 million today, depending on condition and authenticity.
How to Spot a 1943 Copper Penny
- Date: It will have “1943” on the front.
- Material: Unlike the normal 1943 steel pennies, the copper penny is magnetic — not attracted to magnets.
- Color: Copper pennies look brownish, not silver-gray like steel.
- Weight: Copper pennies weigh more than steel pennies (about 3.11 grams vs. 2.7 grams).
A simple test with a magnet is the easiest way to tell if your penny is steel or copper.
What To Do If You Think You Have One
If you believe you found a 1943 Copper Penny:
- Don’t clean or polish it. Cleaning can reduce its value.
- Get it professionally checked. Take it to a trusted coin dealer or grading service to confirm authenticity.
- Keep it safe. Store it in a protective holder to avoid damage.
How Likely Is It That You Have One?
The truth is, finding a 1943 Copper Penny in everyday change is extremely unlikely. Only about 20 are known to exist, and most are in private collections or museums. Still, the possibility adds a fun excitement to checking your pennies.
Final Thoughts
The 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny is a rare treasure from American history. Worth millions, it represents a fascinating mix of war-era changes and minting errors. While it’s a long shot that you have one, it’s always worth a quick check of your pocket change — you never know what hidden gems you might find!
