$300,000 1943 Copper Penny
💥 A 1943 Copper Penny? That’s a Very Big Deal
The Coin Professor recently shared a compelling story from a viewer named Steve, who inherited a complete collection of Lincoln Wheat pennies from his late brother. One coin immediately stood out — a 1943 Lincoln penny made of copper.
If this coin is authentic, it is not just rare — it is one of the most valuable U.S. pennies ever produced, with confirmed sales reaching $300,000 or more. 💰
Let’s explain why this penny is so rare, how to test it safely, and what to do if you think you’ve found one 👇
🔎 Why the 1943 Copper Penny Is So Rare
During World War II, copper was urgently needed for military equipment and ammunition. As a result:
- In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched to zinc-coated steel pennies
- Nearly all 1943 cents are silver-gray and magnetic
However, a small number of copper planchets from 1942 were accidentally left in the presses and struck with 1943 dies. These mistakes created one of the greatest minting errors in American coin history.
📌 Only a handful of genuine examples are known today.
💰 How Much Is a Real 1943 Copper Penny Worth?
Authentic examples certified by major grading services have sold for:
- $200,000 – $300,000+, depending on:
- Condition (grade)
- Mint mark (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco)
- Market demand
Some high-grade or rare mint-mark examples have sold for even higher prices.
🧠 Step-by-Step: How to Check If a 1943 Copper Penny Is Real
The Coin Professor recommends these three essential tests. Do them carefully and never clean the coin.
⚖️ Step 1: Weight Test
- Genuine copper penny: ~3.1 grams
- Steel penny: ~2.7 grams
- Use a digital scale for accuracy
🧲 Step 2: Magnet Test
- Copper pennies are non-magnetic
- If the coin sticks to a magnet, it is steel and not the rare version
🔍 Step 3: Date Inspection (Critical)
Many fakes are altered 1948 pennies.
How experts tell the difference:
- On a genuine 1943, the curve of the “3” sits slightly below the “4”
- On altered 1948 coins, the “3” often looks misshapen or unnaturally thin
📌 This is one of the most important checks.
⚠️ Beware of Counterfeits
Fake 1943 copper pennies are common and often include:
- Steel pennies plated with copper
- Altered 1948 pennies
- Artificially aged replicas
🚫 Cleaning or polishing the coin can destroy its value instantly.
If your coin passes the basic tests, submit it immediately to:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company)
Only certified coins command full market value.
🎓 Coin Professor’s Final Insight
“If it’s real, it’s worth hundreds of thousands of dollars — and I’m sorry to hear about your brother passing away.”
Beyond its monetary value, this story is a reminder that coins often carry family history and emotional meaning, not just financial worth ❤️.
💬 Final Thoughts: Always Check 1943 Pennies Carefully
The 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny is proof that historic treasures can still surface in old collections, inherited coin sets, and forgotten jars.
So if you ever see a brown or copper-colored 1943 penny…
👀 stop and look again.
It could be a $300,000 wartime rarity hiding in plain sight. 🪙💰
Leave a Reply