During World War II, copper was in high demand for military supplies like bullets and communication wires. To help the war effort, the U.S. Mint made a switch in 1943 from copper to steel coated with zinc for making pennies.
But by mistake, a few copper blanks from 1942 were left in the machines and were used to mint some 1943 pennies. These rare coins are now worth a fortune, and only a handful are known to exist today.
Rarity
The 1943 copper penny is extremely rare because it was never meant to be produced. The U.S. Mint had committed to using steel that year, but a few leftover copper planchets—coin blanks—somehow stayed in the system.
As a result, these copper coins were struck with the 1943 date and accidentally released into circulation. Fewer than 20 of them have been officially confirmed to exist, which is why collectors go crazy over them. It’s a minting mistake that turned into one of the most prized finds in American coin history.
Features
If you happen to come across a 1943 penny, there are a few simple ways to check if it might be one of the valuable copper ones. First, look at the date—it must clearly show 1943. Then, look at the color. Real copper coins appear brownish-red, similar to pennies from before 1943. Steel ones are typically grey or silver in color.
Next, try the magnet test. Steel is magnetic, so if the penny sticks to a magnet, it’s not copper. If it doesn’t stick, there’s a chance it could be the rare copper version. For extra accuracy, use a digital scale. Copper pennies weigh around 3.11 grams, while steel ones are lighter, around 2.7 grams.
Another method is the sound test. Drop the coin gently on a hard surface—copper makes a soft clink, while steel makes a high-pitched ring.
| Type of Penny | Weight |
|---|---|
| Copper | Around 3.11g |
| Steel | Around 2.7g |
Value
The value of a genuine 1943 copper penny is nothing short of astonishing. In 2019, one sold for 204,000 dollars. A version minted in Denver, known as the 1943-D copper penny, fetched a record-breaking 840,000 dollars.
With fewer than 20 known examples in existence, it’s no wonder collectors are willing to pay such high prices. These coins are truly in a league of their own.
Advice
If you suspect you’ve found a 1943 copper penny, don’t rush to clean it or try to make it look shiny. That can actually damage the coin and lower its value significantly. Start with the basic tests like the magnet and weight check.
If the coin passes those, the next step is to send it to a professional grading company like PCGS or NGC. They can authenticate the coin and give it an official grade, which helps determine its market value. Even if your penny turns out not to be copper, it’s still an exciting discovery worth checking.
The 1943 copper penny is one of those rare historical errors that turned into treasure. Just a small mistake during wartime ended up creating one of the most valuable coins in American history.
So the next time you’re looking through an old jar of coins, keep an eye out. That tiny, rusty-looking penny might just change your life.
FAQs
How many 1943 copper pennies exist?
Less than 20 are officially confirmed worldwide.
How to test a 1943 penny at home?
Use a magnet and a digital scale to check metal and weight.
Is a 1943 steel penny valuable?
Steel pennies are common and usually worth under $1.
Can cleaning a rare coin reduce its value?
Yes, cleaning can damage the coin and reduce its worth.
Where to authenticate a rare penny?
Send it to PCGS or NGC for professional grading.
