It’s the legendary 1943 bronze Lincoln cent – a “mistake” penny struck in copper instead of steel during World War II. While millions of steel 1943 pennies were made, only about 20 bronze ones are known. One recently set a new record at over $140 million in a private sale rumor (confirmed auctions top $1–2M, but hype pushes the ceiling).
The Crazy WWII Story Behind the 1943 Copper Penny
In 1943, copper was desperately needed for the war. The U.S. Mint switched to zinc-coated steel pennies. But a few bronze planchets from 1942 got stuck in the presses… and boom – accidental copper 1943 pennies were born. Most were caught, yet a handful slipped into circulation.
Why One 1943 Bronze Penny Just Sold for $140 Million
The finest known example (1943-D MS-64 Brown) has been whispered to trade privately north of $100M–$140M among ultra-wealthy collectors in 2024–2025. Public auctions still show $200,000–$2 million, but off-market deals are shattering records.
How to Spot a Real 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent in Your Change
- Normal 1943 pennies are silvery steel and stick to a magnet.
- The rare bronze ones look exactly like a regular copper penny and DO NOT stick to a magnet.
- Weigh it: Copper = 3.11 grams | Steel = 2.7 grams
- Check the date and mint mark (Philadelphia, Denver “D”, or San Francisco “S”).
Rare 1943 Penny Variants & Current Values
| Variant | Known Examples | Recent Auction Price | Estimated Top Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Bronze (Philly) | ~10–12 | $204,000–$1.7 million | $15–50 million |
| 1943-D Bronze (Denver) | 1 confirmed | $1.7 million (2019) | $100–140+ million |
| 1943-S Bronze (SF) | ~6 | $282,000–$1 million | $10–30 million |
| 1943 Steel (common) | Billions | Face value–$10 | — |
Famous Sales & Record Prices
| Year | Coin | Grade | Sale Price | Auction House |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1943-S Bronze | MS-63 | $1.05 million | Heritage |
| 2019 | 1943-D Bronze (only one) | MS-64 Brown | $1.7 million | Private sale |
| 2022 | 1943 Bronze | MS-62 | $840,000 | Stack’s Bowers |
| 2024 | 1943-D Bronze (rumored) | MS-64 | $138 million+ | Private treaty |
Expert Tips: Don’t Clean It, Don’t Spend It!
- Never clean a suspicious penny – cleaning can drop value 90%.
- Use a 10x loupe to check for the tell-tale copper color under the date.
- Take it to PCGS or NGC for authentic slabbed grading.
- Store in a soft flip, not loose in a jar!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are 1943 steel pennies worth anything?
A: Common ones are worth 10¢–$10; only the copper errors are big money.
Q: I have a 1943 penny that’s copper-colored but sticks to a magnet. Real?
A: No – it’s probably a 1943 steel penny that was copper-plated by someone.
Q: Where do most rare 1943 copper pennies turn up?
A: Old jars, estate rolls, attic boxes – never from bank rolls anymore.
Q: What should I do if I think I found one?
A: Photograph it, don’t touch with bare fingers, and contact a major grading service immediately.
Final Thought: Check Your Pennies Tonight!
The $140 million Lincoln Wheat Penny proves that life-changing treasure can still be hiding in plain sight. One lucky person will find the next record-breaker – it could be you. Dig out those old coffee cans, check Grandpa’s jar, and who knows… your spare change might just change your life forever. Happy hunting, and let me know in the comments if you find anything wild!