The 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most famous and valuable error coins in U.S. history. Minted during the height of World War II, this coin wasn’t supposed to exist—but a small mistake turned it into a collector’s dream.
Struck by accident on a bronze planchet instead of steel, this penny is now worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Here’s the full story behind this legendary coin and why collectors go crazy for it.
Table of Contents
History
In 1943, the U.S. Mint needed copper for the war effort, so it stopped using bronze for pennies and switched to zinc-coated steel. These steel pennies were produced in large numbers at all three major mints: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.
But here’s where things got interesting. Some leftover bronze planchets—used before 1943—were still in the minting machines. A few of these accidentally got stamped with the 1943 penny design, creating a rare and valuable error: the 1943 bronze penny. When this happened at the San Francisco Mint, the result was the 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny.
Rarity
The 1943-S bronze penny is incredibly rare. Experts believe only a handful were made, and even fewer have survived. Most are now locked away in private collections or have been auctioned off for eye-watering sums. Since nearly all 1943 pennies were made of steel, finding one in bronze is like discovering buried treasure.
That’s what makes it so special. It’s not just the metal—it’s the combination of a wartime error, low quantity, and historical timing. This coin is a genuine mistake that turned into a masterpiece.
Value
One of the most jaw-dropping moments in recent auction history came in 2023, when a 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny graded MS-62 sold for $282,000.
Here’s why it fetched so much:
- It was minted during a critical time in U.S. history
- It was made of bronze instead of steel—by mistake
- Only a few exist in the world
- It was preserved in good condition
Auction houses and private collectors view this coin as a crown jewel of U.S. coin errors. If one ever appears on the market, the bidding gets fierce.
Comparison
| Feature | Common 1943 Penny | 1943-S Bronze Penny |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Zinc-coated steel | Bronze (copper alloy) |
| Weight | 2.7 grams | 3.1 grams |
| Mint Mark | S (San Francisco) | S (San Francisco) |
| Estimated Count | Over 1 billion | Less than 10 known |
| Value | A few cents | $100,000+ |
Collectible
The 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny isn’t just a collector’s item—it’s a slice of history. Whether it’s featured in a museum or sitting in a coin safe, this penny carries a story of war, scarcity, and minting error that fascinates numismatists everywhere.
If you ever think you’ve found one, get it authenticated by a professional grading service. You might be holding a six-figure piece of metal that’s been waiting decades to be observed.
The 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny is more than just rare—it’s iconic. Born from a wartime mistake and preserved by chance, it’s now one of the most valuable error coins in the world. If you’re lucky enough to find one, you won’t just own a coin—you’ll own a piece of American history.
FAQs
Why is the 1943-S penny so valuable?
It was mistakenly struck in bronze during a time when steel was used.
How many 1943-S bronze pennies exist?
Only a few are known to exist, possibly less than 10.
How much did one sell for?
One sold for $282,000 in 2023 at auction.
How can I tell if I have one?
Check the weight and color, then get it professionally authenticated.
Is the 1943-S bronze penny a mint error?
Yes, it’s a famous and rare minting error from World War II.
