Imagine finding a coin in your drawer that’s worth more than a new car—or even a house. That’s the story behind the legendary 1943 Lincoln copper penny, one of the rarest and most valuable coins ever made in the United States. A tiny error during a chaotic time in history made this small coin worth big money.
Here’s what makes this penny so special, how you can check if you have one, and what to do if you strike gold—literally.
Origin
In 1943, World War II was in full swing. Copper was desperately needed for ammunition, wires, and military gear. So, to conserve copper, the U.S. Mint made a major change: it produced pennies using zinc-coated steel instead of the usual copper.
But here’s where things got interesting. Some copper blanks (the flat metal discs used before stamping coins) were still left in the machines from 1942. By mistake, a few 1943 pennies were made using copper. Only a small handful made it out into circulation—making them incredibly rare.
These mistake coins are now worth thousands—sometimes hundreds of thousands—of dollars.
Value
How much is this little copper mistake actually worth? A genuine 1943 copper penny, even if it’s in rough shape, can fetch over $100,000 in auctions. Some have even been sold for $250,000 to $1 million, depending on their condition and certification.
Here’s a quick overview:
| Coin Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Heavily Worn | $75,000 – $100,000 |
| Good Condition | $120,000 – $200,000 |
| Uncirculated | $250,000 or more |
| Certified Mint | Up to $1,000,000 |
Values may vary by auction, demand, and market timing—but either way, it’s a fortune in your pocket.
Identification
Want to know if your 1943 penny is made of copper? You can do a basic test at home with just a magnet.
Here’s how:
- Place a magnet close to your 1943 penny.
- If it sticks, it’s steel—no jackpot.
- If it doesn’t stick, there’s a chance it could be copper.
But hold your excitement. Some people fake these by altering regular copper coins or painting steel ones. So while the magnet test is a good start, it’s not 100% reliable.
Authentication
If you believe you’ve hit the copper jackpot, do not sell it on your own. You need it professionally authenticated.
Reach out to trusted grading services like:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
They’ll examine the coin, confirm whether it’s real, and give it a grade based on condition. Once certified, your coin will have verified collector value and can be safely sold at auctions or through dealers.
Without certification, buyers won’t trust it—and you could get scammed.
Selling
Once verified, your options are wide open:
- Auction houses (like Heritage Auctions)
- Reputable coin dealers
- Collectors who are looking for historic rarities
Coins in mint or uncirculated condition bring the most attention and the highest bids. A shiny penny from 1943 could literally change your financial future.
Final note
Finding a 1943 Lincoln copper penny is like observing buried treasure. It’s rare, valuable, and surrounded by a fascinating history.
If you own any 1943 pennies, check them with a magnet. If you’ve got one that doesn’t stick—it might be time to call the experts.
Because you never know—one small coin could end up being worth lakhs, or even crores.
FAQs
How many 1943 copper pennies exist?
It’s believed fewer than 20 genuine copper pennies were made.
How can I test a 1943 penny?
Use a magnet. Steel pennies stick—copper ones don’t.
Is the 1943 copper penny still valuable today?
Yes, they sell for $100K or more depending on condition.
Where can I get my penny verified?
You can contact PCGS or NGC for professional grading.
Can I sell without certification?
It’s risky. Certification builds trust and boosts value.
