It’s the legendary 1943 bronze (copper) Lincoln cent – a one-year-only error that was never supposed to exist. In 1943, pennies were made of steel because copper was needed for the war… except a handful were accidentally struck on bronze planchets left over from 1942.
The Crazy WWII Mistake That Created It
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to zinc-coated steel pennies to save copper. But a few bronze blanks got mixed in. Only about 10–20 genuine examples are known today from Philadelphia (no mint mark), with single examples confirmed from Denver and San Francisco.
Why This Tiny Penny Is Worth Millions Today
Rarity + history = insane value. The finest known example (PCGS MS-64) sold for $1.7 million in 2010, but experts say a perfect specimen could easily hit $77 million or more at today’s market (adjusted for inflation and demand). It’s the “holy grail” of Lincoln wheat pennies.
Quick Value Comparison Table
| Year & Type | Common Value | Top Grade Record Sale |
|---|---|---|
| 1943 Steel Penny | $0.10–$5 | $10,000+ (errors) |
| 1943 Bronze (Philly) | $100,000–$1.7M+ | $1.7M (2010) |
| 1909-S VDB Wheat Penny | $700–$2,000 | $372,000 |
| 1955 Doubled Die Obverse | $1,000–$2,000 | $125,000 |
How to Spot a Real 1943 Bronze Penny in Circulation
- Weigh it – bronze = 3.11 grams, steel = 2.7 grams
- Magnet test – steel sticks, bronze does NOT
- Look for 1943 date with NO mint mark (or rare D or S)
- Copper color (not silver/gray)
Famous Examples Table
| Owner/Auction | Grade | Sale Price | Year Sold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private collector (2010) | MS-64 | $1.7 million | 2010 |
| “Walton” specimen | MS-61 | $204,000 | 2013 |
| Anonymous buyer (2019) | AU-58 | $840,000 | 2019 |
Expert Tips: Don’t Destroy a Fortune!
- Never clean coins – it destroys value instantly
- Store in a plastic flip or album
- Get suspicious 1943 pennies authenticated by PCGS or NGC
- Check rolls, jars, and old cash registers – they still turn up!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are all 1943 copper pennies real?
A: No! Thousands of fakes exist (steel pennies copper-plated). Authentication is crucial.
Q: Has one been found in circulation recently?
A: Yes – as recently as 2022 a family found one in an old jar worth over $200,000.
Q: What’s the current record price?
A: $1.7 million in 2010, but the market has exploded since then.
Conclusion
The 1943 bronze Lincoln wheat penny proves that fortunes can hide in plain sight. While a $77 million example is a dream, even “lower grade” ones bring six figures. So grab that old jar of pennies, break out the scale and magnet, and start hunting – your pocket change might just change your life. Happy hunting, and tell us in the comments if you find anything wild! 🪙