If you’ve ever heard stories about a penny worth a small fortune, they’re likely talking about the 1943 copper (bronze) Lincoln cent. During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc-coated steel to conserve copper for the war effort.
A handful of leftover bronze planchets accidentally slipped through, creating one of America’s most famous mint errors—the 1943 Copper Penny.
Because so few exist, authenticated examples can sell for well over $100,000, and the finest pieces have reached six- and even seven-figure prices at major auctions.
What Exactly Is the “1943 Copper Penny”?
- Official 1943 Copper Pennies zinc-coated steel (magnetic), about 2.70 g
- Error 1943 copper/bronze cents: traditional bronze alloy (about 95% copper, 5% tin & zinc) and 3.11 g, non-magnetic
- Why it happened: a few leftover bronze planchets from 1942 were mistakenly fed into presses in 1943 at different mints.
Only a tiny number escaped into circulation, which is why collectors prize them so highly today.
Rarity & Values at a Glance
- Values fluctuate with grade, eye appeal, certification, and market demand. The ranges below reflect recent-era market behavior for certified, genuine pieces.
| Variety | Mint Mark | Estimated Known | Composition & Weight | Typical Certified Value Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Bronze (Philadelphia) | No mint mark | ~20 | Bronze, ~3.11 g, non-magnetic | $100,000–$500,000+ (higher in AU/MS) |
| 1943-D Bronze (Denver) | D | 1 (unique) | Bronze, ~3.11 g, non-magnetic | $1,000,000+ in high grade |
| 1943-S Bronze (San Francisco) | S | ~6 | Bronze, ~3.11 g, non-magnetic | $200,000–$600,000+ depending on grade |
Keywords: 1943 copper penny, 1943 bronze cent, wartime steel penny, Lincoln cent error, rare penny value
How to Tell if Yours Might Be Real
Because fakes are common, start with simple, non-invasive checks:
- Magnet test
A genuine steel 1943 cent sticks to a magnet. A genuine bronze 1943 error does not.- Sticks? Likely a common 1943 steel cent or a copper-plated steel fake.
- Doesn’t stick? Continue testing—this is not proof of authenticity by itself.
- Weight test
Use a scale accurate to 0.01 g.- ~2.70 g = standard 1943 steel cent.
- ~3.11 g = bronze planchet (promising, but still not conclusive).
- Look closely at the date & mint mark
Many counterfeits are made by altering the date (e.g., turning a 1948 into 1943 by trimming the “8”), or by adding a mint mark. Under magnification, tool marks, shape inconsistencies, or surface bubbling from plating are red flags. - Color & surface
Bronze 1943 cents typically show brown to reddish-brown toning. Steel cents show silver-gray (or dull gray if circulated). Copper-plated steel fakes often have a patchy, unnatural look. - Certification is essential
Serious buyers expect third-party authentication and grading (e.g., PCGS/NGC). Certification confirms the planchet metal and greatly reduces the risk for both buyer and seller—often adding substantial value.
What Drives the Price Above $100,000?
- Extreme rarity: With only dozens known across all mints—and a unique 1943-D—demand far outstrips supply.
- High collector demand: The 1943 Copper Penny is a marquee U.S. error, sought by top Lincoln cent and mint-error specialists.
- Grade & eye appeal: Well-struck, problem-free coins with attractive color and higher numeric grades (AU/MS) command multiples over lower-grade examples.
- Provenance & certification: Coins with documented histories and top-tier slabbed grades often realize record results.
Common Fakes to Watch Out For
- Copper-plated 1943 steel cents (magnetic; weight ~2.70 g)
- Altered dates (e.g., 1948 reshaped to 1943)
- Wrong planchet errors misrepresented as bronze
- Cast counterfeits with soft details and seam lines
If your coin fails the magnet or weight check—or the date looks suspect—don’t rely on DIY judgments. Seek a professional opinion before selling or insuring.
The 1943 copper penny is the ultimate pocket-change dream: a once-in-a-lifetime error coin created by a wartime transition and preserved in vanishingly small numbers.
If you suspect you’ve found one, rely on simple preliminary tests, then fast-track to professional certification.
In today’s market, a genuine example can realistically bring $100,000+, and the finest pieces have proven they can reach headline-grabbing prices. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious finder, this is one coin where due diligence can literally pay off.
FAQs
Start with a magnet test. If it sticks, it’s almost certainly steel (and not the valuable bronze error). If it doesn’t, weigh it; ~3.11 g suggests bronze. Then pursue professional certification.
No. Some fakes are copper-plated steel or altered-date cents that won’t pass expert analysis. Only certified genuine bronze examples carry the six-figure premiums.
Yes. Even circulated, authenticated pieces can surpass $100,000, with higher-grade examples climbing dramatically above that.