A Historic Error with Incredible Value
Among the rarest and most coveted coins in U.S. history is the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent, often referred to as the 1943 Copper Penny. Struck in error during a year when pennies were supposed to be made from steel, this coin has captured the attention of collectors, historians, and numismatists for generations. With only a handful confirmed, this accidental issue has reached legendary status - frequently selling for hundreds of thousands at auction.
In this guide, we’ll explore the coin’s background, what makes it so rare, how to authenticate one, and how much it could be worth today.
The Origin of the Lincoln Wheat Penny
When the U.S. Mint introduced the Lincoln Cent in 1909, it marked the first time a real historical figure - President Abraham Lincoln - graced American coinage. Sculptor Victor David Brenner designed the coin’s portrait using a famous 1864 photograph of Lincoln as inspiration. The reverse displayed two wheat ears flanking “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” symbolizing agricultural prosperity and national strength.
This coin was produced until 1958, when the wheat design was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial reverse. Over the decades, the Lincoln Wheat Cent series has remained a favorite among coin collectors, with rare examples like the 1943 bronze cent commanding sky-high prices.
Why the 1943 Penny Wasn't Supposed to Be Copper
The Switch to Steel Cents
In 1943, during World War II, copper was considered a critical resource for military equipment - especially ammunition casings and communication wires. To preserve this metal for the war effort, the U.S. Mint transitioned to using zinc-coated steel planchets for pennies.
Despite the change, a few copper blanks from the previous year remained in the minting presses. These bronze planchets were accidentally struck with the 1943 design, resulting in a tiny batch of error coins - each one now an extraordinary collectible.
How Rare Is the 1943 Bronze Cent?
While millions of steel pennies were struck in 1943, fewer than 20 authentic 1943 copper pennies are known to exist today. Each mint - Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco - produced at least one, though most known specimens originated from the Philadelphia Mint.
Known Authentic Examples:
- Philadelphia Mint: Approximately 10 verified pieces
- Denver Mint: 1 confirmed
- San Francisco Mint: 3–5 known
Collectors continue to hope that additional undiscovered examples may still be hidden in long-forgotten collections or old jars of change.
What Is a 1943 Copper Penny Worth?
Due to its extreme rarity and notoriety, the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent regularly sells for six figures - and sometimes more - at public auctions.
Notable Auction Results:
- $840,000 – A 1943-D bronze penny (graded MS64BN) sold in 2021, setting a record.
- $504,000 – A San Francisco Mint example (MS63BN) fetched this amount in 2020.
- $372,000 – A Philadelphia specimen (MS62BN) was auctioned in 2021.
Even well-worn, authenticated versions of the 1943 copper cent have been known to sell for $100,000 or more.
How to Tell If You Have a 1943 Bronze Penny
Due to its high value, this coin is one of the most counterfeited in the U.S. Rare coin experts and grading services advise checking a few key attributes before considering professional authentication.
Basic Identification Tips:
1. Magnet Test: Steel cents will stick to a magnet. Real 1943 bronze pennies won’t.
2. Weight Check: Genuine bronze cents weigh around 3.11 grams. Steel cents are lighter, around 2.7 grams.
3. Date Examination: Some fakes are 1948 pennies with altered numerals. Look closely at the shape of the “3.”
4. Mintmark Clues:
- Philadelphia: No mint mark
- Denver: "D" under the date
- San Francisco: "S" under the date
Professional Grading is a Must
If your 1943 cent passes these tests, submit it to PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company). These top-tier services will verify authenticity, assign a grade, and encapsulate the coin in a protective case - dramatically increasing its market value.
Other Scarce Lincoln Wheat Cents to Know
While the 1943 bronze penny is king, several other Lincoln Wheat Cents also hold substantial value:
- 1944 Steel Cent: Another wartime error; worth over $300,000
- 1909-S VDB: The iconic first-year issue with designer initials; up to $168,000
- 1922 “No D”: Missing mint mark error; some fetch over $90,000 in high grade
Why the 1943 Bronze Penny Still Captivates Collectors
The story of the 1943 bronze cent is more than just a mint error - it’s a symbol of how even the smallest oversight can create a lasting legacy. With its roots in wartime resource conservation and its meteoric rise in value, this rare Lincoln Wheat Cent remains one of the most exciting finds in numismatic history.
If you suspect you’ve stumbled upon one, don’t let the opportunity slip away. Test it, verify it, and consider having it graded. You might just be holding one of the most valuable pennies in the world.
Explore another iconic U.S. Mint coin series:
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