Imagine pulling a penny from your pocket only to learn it’s worth more than $100,000. That’s the magic of the 1943 copper penny—a wartime mistake that has become one of the most valuable coins in U.S. history. While millions of steel pennies were minted in 1943, only a handful of copper versions exist today. And incredibly, some might still be in circulation.
If you’ve got a jar of old change lying around, now’s the time to take a closer look—you could be holding a fortune without even knowing it.
The Wartime Mistake That Created a Treasure
During World War II, the U.S. government needed copper for weapons and ammunition. To conserve resources, the U.S. Mint switched the penny’s composition from copper to zinc-coated steel in 1943. These pennies had a shiny silver appearance and were magnetic.
But a small number of copper blanks—also called planchets—were left in the coin presses by mistake. When these were struck with the 1943 design, a rare error was born: the 1943 copper penny.
These coins weren’t supposed to exist, and that’s exactly what makes them so valuable.
How Rare Are They?
Fewer than 20 genuine 1943 copper pennies are believed to exist today. Some come from the Philadelphia Mint (no mintmark), while others were minted in San Francisco (S) or Denver (D)—the latter two being even more scarce and valuable.
Their rarity, combined with strong collector interest, pushes values into six-figure territory.
1943 Copper Penny Value Guide
Prices vary dramatically based on condition, mintmark, and authenticity. Here’s a general idea of what a verified 1943 copper penny can fetch:
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $75,000 – $125,000 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $150,000 – $200,000 |
| Mint State (MS-60+) | $250,000 – $500,000+ |
| Finest Known | $1 million+ |
In 2010, a 1943-D copper penny sold for $1.7 million at auction.
How to Tell If You Have One
1. Use a Magnet
Steel pennies are magnetic. A real 1943 copper penny won’t stick to a magnet. It’s a quick and easy first test.
2. Check the Color and Weight
Copper pennies will have a reddish-brown color and weigh about 3.11 grams. Steel cents weigh around 2.7 grams.
3. Beware of Fakes
Scammers often try to pass off altered coins:
- 1948 pennies with the 8 shaved to resemble a 3.
- Copper-coated steel pennies to trick the eye.
- Fake mintmarks or altered weights.
If your coin passes the magnet test, don’t clean it—this can reduce its value. Instead, proceed with expert authentication.
How to Authenticate Your Coin
Before trying to sell, submit your penny to one of these professional grading services:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company)
They’ll examine your coin, confirm authenticity, assign a condition grade, and encapsulate it. This certification increases both credibility and market value.
Where to Sell a 1943 Copper Penny
If your coin is the real deal, consider these options:
- Major auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers
- Certified rare coin dealers
- Private collectors specializing in error coins
Make sure to get multiple offers and do your research—never rush to sell without knowing the coin’s true market value.
What began as a simple minting error has turned the 1943 copper penny into a numismatic legend. It’s not just a rare coin—it’s a snapshot of American history, wartime resourcefulness, and the unexpected surprises of coin collecting.
If you stumble across a 1943 penny, take the time to investigate. You might just be holding one of the rarest coins in the world.
FAQs
How many 1943 copper pennies exist today?
Experts believe fewer than 20 genuine specimens are known to exist.
Why is it so valuable?
Because it was an accidental minting on copper planchets during a year when pennies were supposed to be made from steel.
How can I test if I have a real one?
Try a magnet test—steel pennies will stick; copper ones won’t. Then get it professionally authenticated.
Are these coins legal to own?
Yes, they are fully legal and highly collectible.
Where should I sell a real 1943 copper penny?
Use a certified dealer, a major auction house, or list through a trusted coin marketplace.
