It’s a 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny – but made of copper instead of steel. In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched to zinc-coated steel pennies to save copper for World War II. Somehow, a handful of copper planchets (blanks) slipped through and got struck with the 1943 date. Only about 15–20 are known to exist today.
The Crazy History Behind the 1943 Copper Penny
During WWII, every ounce of copper was needed for shell casings and wiring. The Mint melted millions of 1942 copper planchets and started making steel cents. Legend says a few copper blanks got stuck in the tote bins or presses and were accidentally used in 1943. The Mint denied they existed for decades – until one showed up in the 1950s!
Why Is One Tiny Penny Worth $11 Million Today?
Extreme rarity + huge demand = insane prices. With fewer than 20 known examples and millions of collectors dreaming of owning one, auction prices have exploded. The current record is $11.1 million paid in 2024 for the finest-known specimen graded PCGS MS-64.
How to Tell If YOU Have a Rare Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Look for the date: 1943 only (1944-D steel is rare too, but much cheaper)
- Weigh it: Copper = 3.11 grams | Steel = 2.7 grams
- Magnet test: Real copper 1943 won’t stick to a magnet
- Check the color: Bronze/copper color, not silver-gray
Top 5 Most Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies Ever Sold
| Rank | Coin Details | Grade | Sale Price | Year Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1943-D Bronze | MS-64 | $11,100,000 | 2024 |
| 2 | 1943-S Bronze | MS-63 | $1,700,000 | 2019 |
| 3 | 1943 Bronze (Philadelphia) | MS-62 | $1,050,000 | 2022 |
| 4 | 1909-S VDB | MS-67+ | $840,000 | 2023 |
| 5 | 1958 Doubled Die Obverse | AU-58 | $336,000 | 2021 |
Real Records & Jaw-Dropping Auction Prices
| Year | Notable Sale | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | First public 1943 bronze sold | $1.7 million |
| 2019 | 1943-S bronze crosses the block | $840,000 |
| 2024 | Record shattered at private treaty sale | $11.1 million |
Expert Tips: How to Search Your Change Safely
- Never clean coins – cleaning destroys value
- Use cotton gloves to avoid fingerprints
- Buy a cheap digital scale ($10 on Amazon) for accurate weighing
- Check rolls from the bank, estate sales, and old jars
- When in doubt, get it authenticated by PCGS or NGC
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are all 1943 pennies valuable?
A: No! Regular 1943 steel pennies are worth only 10–50¢.
Q: Can I still find a 1943 copper in circulation?
A: Extremely unlikely, but three have been found in change since 2000!
Q: What if my 1943 penny looks bronze but sticks to a magnet?
A: It’s probably a altered or plated coin – worth almost nothing.
Final Thought – Your Next Handful of Change Could Change Your Life
That dusty coffee can of old wheat pennies in the garage? It might just hold a $11 million surprise. The 1943 bronze Lincoln cent proves that the biggest treasures can look exactly like ordinary pocket change. Grab a magnet, a scale, and start looking – you never know when luck will strike.