1943 copper penny A regular 1943 steel cent even if coated in copper will stick to a magnet. The highest recorded sale was a 1943 copper penny that sold for $1. Sep 19, 2023 · 1943 Copper Pennies Are Insanely Valuable. . Fake pennies are often discolored or have a different hue. Feb 23, 2023 · What Is the 1943 Lincoln Copper Penny Made Of? The 1943 copper Lincoln penny is among the most interesting years for the popular 1-cent coin. Feb 12, 2025 · Learn about the rare and popular Mint error of 1943 copper pennies, which were supposed to be made of zinc-plated steel. The actual identification of 1943 copper pennies is in these aspects. 11 grams. The first example was discovered in 1944, it was a 1943-S Copper Cent discovered by collector Apr 27, 2022 · More Opinions on the 1943-S Copper Penny . 75 Dec 20, 2023 · A real 1943 copper penny will have a smooth, glossy, red/orange copper surface. It has about three times a higher mintage than each of the Denver and San Francisco 1943 steel cents. All 1943 dated cents were struck with fairly new dies. A small number of bronze planchets were nonetheless struck with these 1943-dated dies and escaped the Mint. They are supposed to be made out of zinc-plated steel. coins were made out of zinc-coated steel. S. A small mistake increased the 1943 copper penny value so The 1943 Steel Wheat Penny In 1943, the U. 7 million, underscoring the immense value attributed to these minting errors. Examine the coin under bright light to check for any unnatural coloration or texture. If your 1943 copper-colored penny doesn't stick to a magnet, use a magnifying glass to look at the date. The melt and minimum value of a 1 cent 1943 is $0. Most experts believe that there are still a few yet to be discovered! Beware of fake counterfeits - as this is one of the most counterfeited of all US coins. " The 1943 steel penny has a distinct silvery color due to its zinc coating. However, because the coin is so rare, all 1943 copper pennies are extremely valuable. Sep 15, 2023 · The 1943 copper penny is a coin steeped in numismatic legend, so rare it has made headlines and stirred imaginations. Jan 14, 2024 · The 1943 Lincoln Cent Bronze from the Denver Mint is the rarest and most sought-after of all the mints. With only a few genuine examples known, collectors continue to dream of finding one hidden in an old coin collection or pocket change. Mint altered the composition of the one-cent coin, transitioning from the traditional copper to zinc-coated steel. The 1943 copper penny is one of the US's most charming collectible coins. The 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Cent remains one of the most valuable and legendary U. ” San Francisco versions have an “S” below the “1943. This opinion was put in writing in a June 18, 1957, letter from V. Mar 26, 2024 · Note that the sheaths give it the name “1943 copper wheat penny. If a 1943 cent appears to be copper and it does not stick to a May 3, 2017 · In 1943, the US Mint used zinc-coated steel for Lincoln Cents instead of the usual bronze (or “copper”) composition in an effort to preserve copper for the war effort. Brenner; Composition: 95% copper 5% tin & zinc; Weight: 3. Find out how to identify, authenticate and value these coins, and see examples of genuine and counterfeit specimens. There’s a rare 1943 penny worth $85,000 – do you have it? Most rare pennies are valuable, but few rare coins even come close to rivaling this old 1943 penny worth 6 figures! Here’s the scoop on the 1943 copper penny — including how to tell if you’ve found one and how you can spot other rare pennies in your pocket change, too. In 1943, to conserve copper for World War II efforts, the U. Also, a 1943 copper penny has a diameter of 19 millimeters (mm), or 0. Denver versions have a “D” below the “1943. The 1943 penny is unusual among United States one-cent coins. The Smithsonian felt the 1943 copper penny was genuine. Fraudsters have tried to counterfeit 1943 copper cents by grinding away part of the 8 on a 1948 penny. 1943 Copper Penny Values + Identify Fakes Like This Jan 19, 2025 · In January 2021, a 1943-D (Denver mint) copper penny graded MS64 by PCGS sold for $840,000. The 1943 copper cent was produced at all three mints. 1 cent 1943 prices and values. 04 CAD. Mint produced pennies made of steel coated with zinc. Above Lincoln’s likeness, the phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST” encircles the coin’s edge, symbolizing American unity. ” Sources: 1-6. Find out how many exist, how much they are worth, and how to tell if a 1943 copper penny is real. Oct 5, 2020 · Learn how to identify and authenticate the rare 1943 copper penny, a mint error worth millions of dollars. Feb 10, 2025 · 1943 Copper Penny Value. Feb 12, 2025 · To the uninitiated, a 1943 copper penny is a popular Mint error wherein the United States Mint struck and released one cent coins that were struck on planchets not intended for cent Jan 19, 2025 · In 1943, amidst the throes of World War II, the United States faced a critical copper shortage. Mar 3, 2025 · Here, you will learn how to recognize, grade, and determine the value of the 1943 copper penny. The 1943 bronze Lincoln cent first came to light in the mid-1940s and quickly took the numismatic world by storm. May 16, 2023 · A 1943 copper penny minted in Philadelphia can be worth at least $29,000 in circulated condition. An uncirculated penny can cost $190,000 or more depending on the grade. A premium is placed on all varieties. If you believe you own a 1943 Copper Penny, be sure to test its authenticity and Mar 31, 2025 · Noticing a difference is the beginning to 1943 penny value. Dec 7, 2024 · The 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny is incredibly rare due to a wartime switch to steel pennies, with only a few copper ones mistakenly struck. Another example, a 1943-S (San Francisco mint) copper penny graded MS63, fetched $504,000 in a recent auction. Its legacy is a testament to the enduring appeal of rare and unique coins. A small handful of pennies produced in 1943 were mistakenly made with the normal bronze alloy containing 95% copper and 5% tin. ” Other Feathers of the 1943 Copper Penny. To conserve this essential metal for wartime production, the U. 1943 dies were replaced much quicker than prior dated Lincoln cent dies, primarily, because of the hardness of the steel cent planchets. A Philadelphia 1943 copper penny bears no mint mark. Careful identification and preservation are crucial for the 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny, as it is a valuable and sought-after coin with a fascinating historical context. The Legacy of the 1943 Copper Penny. Due to the high value of a genuine 1943 Copper Cent, tens of thousands of 1943 cents have been re-plated or different cents from the 1940's have been altered to make them appear as a genuine 1943 Copper Cent. Branch mint issues and better than average condition examples stand out on the chart. This article delves into the various aspects of the 1943 Jan 26, 2023 · The 1943 copper penny’s obverse showcases a distinguished profile of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President, dressed in a suit and bow tie, gazing to the right. Only a couple dozen pieces were made and exist today, and each is worth about $100,000. Every 1943 copper penny weighs 3. Find out the details, mint marks, errors, and history of this wheat penny. greatcollections. Dec 6, 2024 · The Legacy of the 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny. Apr 27, 2022 · Finding a 1943 Copper Penny: Luck or Skill? Copper pennies dated 1943 are not supposed to exist. It has been the subject of numerous articles and books. Why is the 1943 Copper Penny so valuable? The 1943 Copper Penny is extremely valuable due to its rarity. In fact, it is a unique specimen. Sep 9, 2024 · Altered 1948 Lincoln Cent . The value of a Canadian coin depends on several factors such as quality and wear, supply and demand, rarity, finish and more. com or call 800-442-6467. coins. Oct 18, 2024 · A small mistake increased the 1943 copper penny value so much that they are worth millions of dollars today. The 1943 copper penny’s reverse side features “One Cent” and “United States Of America” as the centerpieces on the back. A unique alloy to the Wheat series sets these apart. However, some of these pennies exist, and it's a matter of sheer luck if you find one in pocket change. The 1943 copper penny is near the top of every collector's list. Category: Wheat Penny; Mints: Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco; Total Mintage: 26; Obverse Designer: Victor D. coins, the 1943 copper pennies, struck by mistake on copper planchets instead of steel. However - Only 1 single Denver-minted 1943-D Copper Cent is known to exist. Find out how to avoid fakes and counterfeits, and what factors affect the coin's value. Mar 3, 2025 · Learn how to recognize, grade, and determine the value of the 1943 copper penny, one of the rarest and most expensive coins obtainable. Oct 5, 2020 · There are few coins as popular as the 1943 copper penny, an extremely rare mint error that is worth a lot of money. Sep 5, 2024 · Learn about the rarest and most valuable U. The coin is often featured in numismatic exhibitions and museums. 1943 Copper Penny Details. Sep 5, 2024 · 1. A 1943 copper penny with a D mint mark is worth at least $57,000 in circulated condition and at least $360,000 in uncirculated condition. Oct 17, 2024 · How to determine if you’ve got a rare 1943 copper penny; The value of all 1943 pennies; 1943 Penny Facts. How Was the 1943 Copper Penny Made? Back in 1943, almost all of the circulating U. 11g; Diameter Mar 8, 1999 · Because of its collector value, the 1943 copper cent has been counterfeited by coating steel cents with copper or by altering the dates of 1945, 1948, and 1949 pennies. They can fetch over $100,000 at auctions. These steel pennies are sometimes referred to as "steelies. This elusive coin is the epitome of a rarity in coin collecting, and anyone fortunate enough to find one is set for a financial windfall. Unlike the 1943 Philadelphia and San Francisco Mint varieties, which many experts agree were unminted 1942 coin blanks in the hoppers at the time of the 1943 mints; the story of the 1943-D Lincoln Penny Bronze is shrouded in mystery. Like all valuable rare coins, condition is a factor in how much the penny is worth. This is a stark contrast to the typical reddish-brown color of copper pennies. The 1943 copper penny is extremely rare and valuable. Clain-Stefanelli, Curator of the Division of Numismatics at the Smithsonian: "The authenticity of this piece is, in my opinion, beyond doubt. As you may remember, the United States was in the middle of the second World War, and this affected how the Lincoln penny and the rest of the US coins were manufactured. Aug 27, 2024 · Only one 1943 Copper Penny is known to have been released into circulation from this branch mint. The Coin’s Reverse Side. Some scammers will attempt to plate a 1943 steel penny in 1 cent 1943. Mar 8, 1999 · Learn about the 1943 copper penny, one of the most sought-after coins in American numismatics. To view high-quality images and register to bid visit www. Brenner; Reverse Designer: Victor D. Oct 31, 2022 · The 1943 copper cent will be available to view at the Irvine, California, headquarters of GreatCollections by appointment. Find out how to identify it, how much it is worth and how to avoid fake ones. The 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny continues to captivate collectors and historians alike. Find how much these special pennies are worth. 1943 Cent Striking Characteristics . This is because, at the time, most of the country's copper and nickel supplies were directed to support the Allied war effort. The easiest way to determine if a 1943 cent is made of steel, and not copper, is to use a magnet. There are approximately 40 real copper pennies known to exist and in collectors’ hands. Follow the steps of confirming: Date | Mint Mark | Condition. Mint produced pennies from zinc-coated steel instead of the usual bronze (copper and tin). But the weight can reduce because of circulation. yrqtthc gwuy lcgfhm xcjhk gmoh goil zscylhc rcrv yzra fvw dbnoqbj ptqmqet vsvla jaxoqb xhf