Imagine digging through a jar of old pennies and discovering a coin worth millions. That’s the story behind the ultra-rare 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny made of copper. While most 1943 pennies are steel, a handful of copper versions slipped through the U.S. Mint by accident, creating one of the rarest and most valuable coins in American history.
The Fascinating History of the 1943 Copper Penny
During World War II, copper was essential for military equipment like shell casings and wiring. To conserve copper, the U.S. Mint switched to zinc-coated steel pennies in 1943.
- Accidental copper pennies: A few copper blanks (planchets) were mistakenly struck with the 1943 date.
- Discovery: The first confirmed 1943 copper penny surfaced in the 1950s, though the Mint had denied their existence for years.
- Rarity: Only about 15–20 examples are known today, making them extraordinarily scarce.
Why These Pennies Are Worth Millions
Extreme rarity combined with high collector demand drives prices to unbelievable heights.
- Record sale: $11.1 million in 2024 for the finest-known specimen (PCGS MS-64).
- Collector appeal: Fewer than 20 exist, and most are preserved in pristine condition.
- Historical significance: A tangible connection to the WWII era and U.S. Mint history.
Top 5 Most Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies
| Rank | Coin Details | Grade | Sale Price | Year Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1943-D Copper | MS-64 | $11,100,000 | 2024 |
| 2 | 1943-S Copper | MS-63 | $1,700,000 | 2019 |
| 3 | 1943 Copper (Philadelphia) | MS-62 | $1,050,000 | 2022 |
| 4 | 1909-S VDB | MS-67+ | $840,000 | 2023 |
| 5 | 1958 Doubled Die Obverse | AU-58 | $336,000 | 2021 |
How to Identify a 1943 Copper Penny
Checking your pennies is easier than you might think. Focus on these key signs:
Quick Identification Tips
- Date: Must read 1943 only.
- Weight: Copper = 3.11 grams; steel = 2.7 grams.
- Magnet test: Copper pennies are not magnetic.
- Color: Bronze/copper hue instead of silver-gray.
Expert Tips for Searching Safely
- Never clean coins; cleaning destroys value.
- Wear cotton gloves to avoid fingerprints.
- Use a digital scale for accurate measurements.
- Check coin rolls, old jars, and estate sales.
- Authenticate suspected finds with PCGS or NGC.
Real Records & Jaw-Dropping Auction Prices
- 2010: First public 1943 copper sold for $1.7 million.
- 2019: 1943-S copper auctioned for $840,000.
- 2024: Record private sale fetched $11.1 million.
These sales demonstrate why collectors go to great lengths to find even one of these rare coins.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Are all 1943 pennies valuable?
A: No, most 1943 steel pennies are only worth 10–50¢.
Q2: Can I still find a 1943 copper penny in circulation?
A: Extremely unlikely, but a few have appeared since 2000.
Q3: What if my 1943 penny is bronze-colored but sticks to a magnet?
A: It’s likely plated or altered and has no significant value.
Q4: How can I verify a suspected copper penny?
A: Get professional authentication from PCGS or NGC.
Q5: Where are the best places to search for rare pennies?
A: Coin jars, old rolls from banks, estate sales, and family collections.
Final Thoughts – Could Your Change Be a Fortune?
That jar of old pennies in your garage might hold a hidden treasure. The 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny proves that even ordinary pocket change can turn into a multi-million-dollar discovery. Grab a magnet, a scale, and start hunting—you might just find a coin that could change your life.