The 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most legendary and valuable error coins in American history. Created during the chaos of World War II, this penny wasn’t supposed to exist—but a simple minting mistake turned it into a collector’s dream.
In a time when copper was crucial for the war effort, the U.S. Mint shifted to using zinc-coated steel for pennies. Still, a few bronze planchets slipped through, resulting in one of the rarest coins ever struck.
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Background
In 1943, the U.S. government ordered a switch from copper to steel for penny production to conserve copper for military use. As a result, nearly all pennies from that year were made from zinc-coated steel and have a silver-gray appearance.
But a few leftover bronze blanks from 1942 remained in the coining presses at the San Francisco Mint. The result? A tiny number of 1943-S pennies were accidentally struck in bronze.
Why It’s Special
What makes this coin so special is its composition. While millions of steel cents were produced, only a handful of bronze ones were created by mistake. These few coins were never meant to enter circulation. Because they blend in with earlier bronze coins, many went unnoticed for decades.
Their accidental creation during wartime, combined with their rarity and historic value, makes the 1943-S bronze penny one of the most desirable error coins in numismatics.
Rarity
Only a few examples of the 1943-S bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny are known to exist. Unlike the 1943 bronze pennies from the Philadelphia and Denver Mints, the San Francisco version is significantly scarcer. Most estimates suggest fewer than 10 authentic examples have ever been confirmed.
Each one is considered a true rarity, and serious collectors will pay six figures to get their hands on one.
Auction
In 2023, one of these coins sold for an incredible $282,000 at a public auction. It was graded MS-62 (Mint State) by a reputable grading service, meaning it was in near-perfect condition with only minor imperfections.
This sale highlights how a small minting error from more than 80 years ago can still create shockwaves in the coin collecting world. As long as demand remains strong and supply stays low, these coins will continue to command extraordinary prices.
Collector’s Dream
If you’re lucky enough to find a 1943 penny that looks bronze instead of silver, don’t spend it. It could be one of these ultra-rare error coins. A quick way to check is with a magnet—steel cents will stick, but bronze ones won’t.
Collectors love this coin not just because of its rarity, but because of the story it tells—a wartime America where even coins had to adapt to the nation’s needs. Its value lies in history, mystery, and pure chance.
Final Thoughts
The 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny is more than just pocket change—it’s a historical treasure. Minted in error during a time of global crisis, it has become one of the most iconic and valuable error coins in the world.
If one turns up in your collection, you might just be holding a six-figure piece of U.S. history.
FAQs
Why is the 1943-S penny bronze rare?
It was mistakenly struck on leftover bronze planchets during WWII.
How much is a 1943-S bronze penny worth?
It sold for $282,000 in 2023 depending on condition.
How can I tell if my 1943 penny is bronze?
Use a magnet—bronze won’t stick, steel will.
How many 1943-S bronze pennies exist?
Fewer than 10 are confirmed to exist.
Where was the 1943-S bronze penny made?
At the San Francisco Mint by mistake.
