March 8, 1999
According to the American Numismatic Association, the 1943 copper–alloy cent is one of the most idealized and potentially one of the most sought–after items in American numismatics. Nearly all circulating pennies at that time were struck in zinc–coated steel because copper and nickel were needed for the Allied war effort.
Approximately 40 1943 copper–alloy cents are known to remain in existence. Coin experts speculate that they were struck by accident when copper–alloy 1–cent blanks remained in the press hopper when production began on the new steel pennies.
A 1943 copper cent was first offered for sale in 1958, bringing more than $40,000. A subsequent piece sold for $10,000 at an ANA convention in 1981. The highest amount paid for a 1943 copper cent was $82,500 in 1996.
Because of its collector value, the 1943 copper cent has been counterfeited by coating steel cents with copper or by altering the dates of 1945, 1948, and 1949 pennies.
The easiest way to determine if a 1943 cent is made of steel, and not copper, is to use a magnet. If it sticks to the magnet, it is not copper. If it does not stick, the coin might be of copper and should be authenticated by an expert.
To find out about coin experts in your area, you may call the American Numismatic Association at (719) 632–2646.
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FAQs
The Mint Mistake That Changed History
Why is the 1943 copper penny so valuable? ›
Coin experts speculate that they were struck by accident when copper–alloy 1–cent blanks remained in the press hopper when production began on the new steel pennies. A 1943 copper cent was first offered for sale in 1958, bringing more than $40,000. A subsequent piece sold for $10,000 at an ANA convention in 1981.
How many 1943 copper pennies are still missing? ›
It is estimated that there were 40 1943 copper pennies produced, and of those 40, there are 27 known surviving coins. Their rarity makes them one of the most coveted and sought-after items in American numismatics.
What are the odds of finding a 1943 copper penny? ›
As of April 2023, there are approximately 20 to 30 known examples of the 1943 copper penny. However, this number could vary as new discoveries are made or as existing estimates are refined. The exact number remains uncertain due to the rarity and the possibility of undiscovered pennies still out there.
How much is a 1943 penny worth without mint mark? ›
| 1943 steel Penny Value Chart |
|---|
| Condition | 1943 No mint mark steel penny | 1943 S steel penny |
|---|
| Fine | $0.34 | $0.46 |
| Very fine | $0.40 | $0.75 |
| Extra fine | $0,46 | $0.87 |
5 more rowsJan 22, 2024
1943 Copper Pennies (officially, 1943 copper cents) have been found in cafeterias, gum ball machines, and circulating in change. One was even held privately by a Mint Chief Engraver. Another is said to have been spirited out by a Denver Mint employee.
How can you tell if a 1943 penny is rare? ›
If you have a 1943 penny that appears to be made of copper, test it with a magnet. If it sticks, then it's a normal steel penny that's been plated and is not worth much of anything. If it does not stick, you might have an extremely rare error specimen.
What year of penny is 100% copper? ›
History of composition
| Years | Material | Weight (grams) |
|---|
| 1795–1857 † | ~100% copper | 10.89 |
| 1856–1864 | 88% copper, 12% nickel (also known as NS-12) | 4.67 |
| 1864–1942 | bronze (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc) | 3.11 |
| 1943 | zinc-coated steel (also known as 1943 steel cent) | 2.72 |
5 more rowsIt is believed that only around 20 bronze 1943-D pennies were released from each of the San Francisco and Philadelphia Mints. Even more scarce, the Denver Mint allegedly only produced one bronze 1943-D penny, which makes it the rarest known one-cent coin across the globe.
How can you tell if a 1943 penny is steel or silver? ›
The easiest way to determine whether or not your 1943 Cent has collectible value—to see if it is possibly bronze rather than steel—is simply to test it with a magnet. If the coin is magnetic, then it is, unfortunately, the common steel version and is not valuable in most cases.
The 1943 copper penny is worth more than its face value. Due to its rarity and unique composition, this coin can fetch a high price of $100,000 to $250,000.
How much can I sell a 1943 penny for? ›
Most 1943 Lincoln pennies in worn grades (average condition) trade for around 10 cents to 25 cents apiece. Typical examples in uncirculated condition usually realize $1 to $5.
Is there a 1943 copper penny with no mint mark? ›
1943 Copper Cent from the Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark)
There is one known specimen graded MS63 still showing most of its original reddish coloration that is priced at $1,000,000!
What if a 1943 penny sticks to a magnet? ›
If you have a 1943 penny that appears to be made of copper, test it with a magnet. If it sticks, then it's a normal steel penny that's been plated and is not worth much of anything. If it does not stick, you might have an extremely rare error specimen.
What does a fake 1943 penny look like? ›
If the tail of the last digit in the date, the number 3, does not extend well below the bottom of the other numbers in the date, it is probably a cut-in-half 8 (see the photo above). If the 3 in your date looks like half of an 8, your coin is not a genuine 1943 copper penny.
How many 1943 bronze pennies have been found? ›
According to Lukes, there are 17 1943 Bronze Cents known (10 from Philadelphia, six from San Francisco, and one from Denver); this conflicts with another census that lists 12 from Philadelphia.
How much is a 1943 steel penny worth if it sticks to a magnet? ›
In 1943 the government made nearly a billion cents made from zinc plated steel and ALL of these steel cents are magnetic. Depending on mintmark and condition they would have a RETAIL value from around 5 cents to $10 each. MOST of the ones you see will be in the 5 to 15 cent range.
How much is a 1943 penny worth today? ›
According to the NGC Price Guide, as of April 2024, a Wheat Penny from 1943 in circulated condition is worth between $0.05 and $0.90. However, on the open market 1943 Pennies in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $3200.
