The 1943 Copper Penny: A Rare Coin Causing a Big Stir
Hidden in old jars and dusty attics, a rare coin is creating a buzz among collectors—the 1943 copper penny. This coin was never meant to exist, yet a few of them slipped through by accident, making them some of the most valuable and mysterious coins in American history.
A Rare Mistake from World War II
During World War II, copper was needed for weapons and military supplies. So in 1943, the U.S. Mint stopped using copper to make pennies and started using steel coated in zinc instead. These steel pennies looked silver and were easy to spot.
But somehow, a few leftover copper blanks from 1942 were still in the machines and accidentally got stamped with the 1943 date. Only around 40 of these rare copper pennies are believed to exist, making them one of the biggest mistakes—and most exciting finds—in U.S. coin history.
When a Penny Is Worth a Fortune
The value of these coins is jaw-dropping. In 2010, one 1943 copper penny sold for $1.7 million. Another sold more recently for $840,000 in a private sale. Because of this, people across the country are checking their old change, hoping they might have one of these hidden treasures.
Coin collecting groups online are full of posts from people looking through their pennies, dreaming of striking it rich with a lucky find.
Beware of Fakes
With high value comes high risk. Many fake 1943 copper pennies have shown up. Some are steel pennies coated in copper, and others are copper coins with altered dates.
To spot a real 1943 copper penny, try this:
- It won’t stick to a magnet (steel ones will).
- It should weigh about 3.11 grams.
Still, the only way to be sure is to have it checked by a trusted grading service like PCGS or NGC.
A Piece of American History
What makes the 1943 copper penny special isn’t just its value—it’s the story it tells. These coins come from a time when the entire country was focused on the war effort, even down to the materials used in coins. Owning one is like holding a tiny piece of World War II history.
Collectors continue to search, hoping that another rare copper penny might be found in an old piggy bank or forgotten drawer. This coin proves that even something as small as a penny can carry a powerful story—and a huge reward.
