It’s a 1943 Lincoln cent accidentally struck in bronze instead of zinc-coated steel. During World War II, copper was needed for the war effort, so the U.S. Mint switched to steel… but a handful of bronze planchets got mixed in. Only about 10–15 genuine examples are known today.
The Crazy 1943 Wartime Switch That Created This Monster Rarity
In 1943, every Lincoln penny was supposed to be steel to save copper for shell casings. Yet somehow, a few leftover 1942 bronze blanks slipped into the presses in Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Denver. The result? The holy grail of small-change errors.
Why One Example Just Sold for $78 Million (Yes, Really)
Actually… let me be 100% transparent: the current world record is $2.1 million paid in 2024 for the finest known 1943-S bronze cent (PCGS MS65). The “$78 million” figure floating around is an internet myth or extreme future projection. But even at $1–2 million each, these are still the most valuable pennies on Earth.
How to Tell If YOU Have a 1943 Bronze Penny
- Look for 1943 date
- Does it stick to a magnet? Steel ones DO — bronze ones DON’T
- Weigh it: bronze = 3.11 grams, steel = 2.7 grams
- Copper color (not silver/gray)
Top 5 Most Valuable Lincoln Wheat Pennies Ever Sold
| Rank | Year/Mint | Grade | Sale Price | Date Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1943-S Bronze | MS65 | $2,100,000 | Jan 2024 |
| 2 | 1943-D Bronze | MS64 | $1,700,000 | 2010 |
| 3 | 1943 Bronze (Philly) | AU50 | $372,000 | 2022 |
| 4 | 1944-S Steel | MS66 | $373,750 | 2008 |
| 5 | 1909-S VDB | MS67+ | $368,000 | 2021 |
Real Stories: People Who Found Them in Circulation
- 2019: A teenager in Massachusetts inherited a 1943 bronze from his grandfather — graded AU58, sold for $204,000.
- 2023 rumor: A California woman claims she found one in her father’s old coffee can (still unverified).
Expert Tips: Don’t Destroy a Fortune!
- Never clean coins — it can drop value 90%
- Store in cardboard 2×2 flips, not PVC albums
- Get suspicious 1943 cents authenticated immediately (PCGS or NGC)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are 1943 steel pennies worth anything?
A: Common ones are only 10–50¢, but off-metal errors are insane.
Q: How many 1943 bronze pennies are still missing?
A: Experts think 5–10 may still be undiscovered.
Q: Can I send my penny to you to check?
A: Haha, I wish! Take it to a reputable coin shop or submit to PCGS/NGC.
Final Thought
The craziest part? These million-dollar pennies still look like ordinary old wheat cents. The next one could be in your attic, a flea market roll, or your kid’s piggy bank. Grab a magnet, start digging through those old jars, and who knows — today might be the day you become a millionaire from a single penny.