1943 Copper Penny – In the world of rare coins, few have sparked as much excitement as the legendary 1943 Copper Penny. Recently, one of these elusive coins was sold for more than $1 million, sending shockwaves across the internet and reigniting a national treasure hunt. What makes this coin so special? Why is it worth so much? And how can you check if you have one lying around in your house? Let’s dive deep into the story of the 1943 Copper Penny, understand its insane value, and guide you on how to potentially cash in if you’re lucky enough to own one.
What Is the 1943 Copper Penny and Why Is It So Valuable?
Only a handful of 1943 Copper Pennies exist today, making them some of the rarest coins in U.S. history. But their origin is actually a mistake.
- In 1943, due to World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc-coated steel for penny production to conserve copper for the war.
- However, by accident, a few copper blanks from 1942 were left in the machines.
- These mistakenly struck 1943 Copper Pennies were never supposed to exist.
Because of this error:
- Only 20 to 40 authentic 1943 Copper Pennies are known to exist.
- Most were discovered years later in circulation.
- Their extreme rarity and historical mistake make them highly desirable to collectors.
Record-Breaking Sale: Over $1 Million for a Single Penny
In a recent coin auction, a 1943 Copper Penny stunned collectors by fetching over $1 million. Here are some details from the record-breaking sale:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Type | 1943 Lincoln Copper Penny |
| Composition | 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc |
| Mint | Philadelphia |
| Grading Authority | PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) |
| Condition | Mint State (MS) |
| Final Sale Price | $1,050,000 |
| Buyer | Anonymous Collector |
| Auction House | Heritage Auctions |
This sale not only broke previous records but also re-established the 1943 Copper Penny as one of the most valuable coins ever sold.
How to Check If You Have a 1943 Copper Penny
Finding a 1943 Copper Penny is rare but not impossible. Here’s a step-by-step guide to checking if your old pennies could be worth a fortune:
- Check the Date: Look for a penny with the year “1943”.
- Check the Color: Copper pennies are brownish, while steel pennies are silver-colored.
- Use a Magnet: If your 1943 penny sticks to a magnet, it’s steel (not valuable). If it doesn’t, it might be copper.
- Look for the Mint Mark: No mint mark = Philadelphia; “D” = Denver; “S” = San Francisco.
- Weigh the Coin:
- Copper pennies weigh about 3.11 grams.
- Steel pennies weigh about 2.7 grams.
If your 1943 penny is not magnetic and weighs about 3.11 grams, you might be holding one of the rare copper pennies!
Where to Sell or Authenticate a Rare Coin Like This
If you suspect you’ve found a genuine 1943 Copper Penny, don’t try to sell it online right away. You’ll want to get it professionally authenticated and appraised.
Here are trusted places you can visit:
| Authentication Service | Website | Services Offered |
|---|---|---|
| PCGS | www.pcgs.com | Grading, authentication, certification |
| NGC | www.ngccoin.com | Grading, coin conservation, valuation |
| Heritage Auctions | www.ha.com | High-value coin auctions |
| Stack’s Bowers Galleries | www.stacksbowers.com | Rare coin experts and auctions |
These companies can verify if your coin is authentic, assign it a grade, and even help you list it for auction to serious collectors.
How Many 1943 Copper Pennies Exist Today?
While exact numbers vary, here’s what experts estimate about the survival of these coins:
| Mint Location | Estimated Number in Existence | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 10–15 | Extremely Rare |
| Denver | 1–2 | Almost Mythical |
| San Francisco | 5–7 | Super Rare |
| Total | Around 20–40 | Ultra-Rare Overall |
Given how few are believed to exist, even finding one is like winning a treasure lottery.
Common Myths and Fakes to Avoid
As interest in this coin grows, so do scams. Here’s what you should be careful about:
Watch Out for These Common Fakes
Fake or altered coins can fool even experienced collectors. Beware of:
- 1948 pennies altered to look like 1943 (by shaving the “8”).
- Steel pennies coated in copper.
- eBay listings claiming to sell “rare” 1943 copper coins for a few hundred dollars — they’re likely fake.
Tips to Avoid Getting Scammed
- Never buy from an unverified seller without third-party grading.
- Use a magnet to check first.
- Get a second opinion from a professional grader.
- Don’t fall for “too good to be true” deals.
If you have old pennies stored away in jars, albums, or boxes, now might be the time to inspect them closely. The 1943 Copper Penny has gone from rare curiosity to internet-breaking legend. And the best part? It might be in your house right now, waiting to change your life. Take out that old coin stash and get started — because one small penny could mean one giant payday.
FAQs of 1943 Copper Penny
Q1. How much is a 1943 Copper Penny worth today?
A verified 1943 Copper Penny can be worth over $1 million depending on its condition and mint mark.
Q2. How can I tell if my 1943 penny is copper?
Use a magnet — copper pennies are non-magnetic. Also, weigh the coin (should be ~3.11 grams).
Q3. Are all 1943 pennies valuable?
No. Most 1943 pennies were made from steel and are worth only a few cents. Only the copper ones are valuable.
Q4. Where can I get my coin authenticated?
Send it to professional grading services like PCGS or NGC for verification.
Q5. Can I sell the coin online?
Yes, but only after professional authentication. Use trusted auction houses for high-value sales.
How rare is a 1943 copper penny worth over $1 million?
Extremely rare due to being mistakenly minted in steel.
