What's So Special About 1943 Copper Penny? | U.S. Mint (2024)

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What's So Special About 1943 Copper Penny? | U.S. Mint? ›

The Mint Mistake That Changed History

Coin experts speculate that they were struck by accident when copper–alloy 1–cent blanks remained in the press hopper when production began on the new steel pennies. A 1943 copper cent was first offered for sale in 1958, bringing more than $40,000. A subsequent piece sold for $10,000 at an ANA convention in 1981.

It is estimated that there were 40 1943 copper pennies produced, and of those 40, there are 27 known surviving coins. Their rarity makes them one of the most coveted and sought-after items in American numismatics.

As of April 2023, there are approximately 20 to 30 known examples of the 1943 copper penny. However, this number could vary as new discoveries are made or as existing estimates are refined. The exact number remains uncertain due to the rarity and the possibility of undiscovered pennies still out there.

1943 Copper Pennies (officially, 1943 copper cents) have been found in cafeterias, gum ball machines, and circulating in change. One was even held privately by a Mint Chief Engraver. Another is said to have been spirited out by a Denver Mint employee.

If you have a 1943 penny that appears to be made of copper, test it with a magnet. If it sticks, then it's a normal steel penny that's been plated and is not worth much of anything. If it does not stick, you might have an extremely rare error specimen.

It is believed that only around 20 bronze 1943-D pennies were released from each of the San Francisco and Philadelphia Mints. Even more scarce, the Denver Mint allegedly only produced one bronze 1943-D penny, which makes it the rarest known one-cent coin across the globe.

The easiest way to determine whether or not your 1943 Cent has collectible value—to see if it is possibly bronze rather than steel—is simply to test it with a magnet. If the coin is magnetic, then it is, unfortunately, the common steel version and is not valuable in most cases.

Are all 1943 copper pennies worth money? ›

The 1943 copper penny is worth more than its face value. Due to its rarity and unique composition, this coin can fetch a high price of $100,000 to $250,000.

Most 1943 Lincoln pennies in worn grades (average condition) trade for around 10 cents to 25 cents apiece. Typical examples in uncirculated condition usually realize $1 to $5.

1943 Copper Cent from the Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark)

There is one known specimen graded MS63 still showing most of its original reddish coloration that is priced at $1,000,000!

If you have a 1943 penny that appears to be made of copper, test it with a magnet. If it sticks, then it's a normal steel penny that's been plated and is not worth much of anything. If it does not stick, you might have an extremely rare error specimen.

If the tail of the last digit in the date, the number 3, does not extend well below the bottom of the other numbers in the date, it is probably a cut-in-half 8 (see the photo above). If the 3 in your date looks like half of an 8, your coin is not a genuine 1943 copper penny.

According to Lukes, there are 17 1943 Bronze Cents known (10 from Philadelphia, six from San Francisco, and one from Denver); this conflicts with another census that lists 12 from Philadelphia.

In 1943 the government made nearly a billion cents made from zinc plated steel and ALL of these steel cents are magnetic. Depending on mintmark and condition they would have a RETAIL value from around 5 cents to $10 each. MOST of the ones you see will be in the 5 to 15 cent range.

According to the NGC Price Guide, as of April 2024, a Wheat Penny from 1943 in circulated condition is worth between $0.05 and $0.90. However, on the open market 1943 Pennies in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $3200.