Most pennies dated 1943 are steel with a zinc coating because copper was needed for World War II. A few 1943 pennies were mistakenly struck on bronze planchets, creating extremely rare copper examples. These errors are highly prized by collectors and have sold for millions at auction.
Why the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Copper Penny Is Rare
In 1943 the U.S. Mint switched to zinc-coated steel cents to conserve copper. Bronze planchets were supposed to be removed before striking, but a small number were missed. The resulting 1943 copper pennies are the result of a minting error. Because so few were made, the market treats them as one-of-a-kind rarities.
This rarity comes from three main factors: scarcity, historical context, and collectibility. Scarcity means very few exist. The wartime metal change gives the coins an unusual story. Collectors prize error coins, driving strong demand and high prices.
How to Spot a 1943 Lincoln Wheat Copper Penny
Spotting an authentic 1943 copper penny requires careful examination. Many lookalikes and altered coins circulate. Follow a step-by-step checklist before assuming you found a valuable coin.
Physical Signs
- Color: Genuine copper pennies will have a brown or reddish-brown tone, not the silver-gray of 1943 steel cents.
- Weight: A true copper cent from that era weighs about 3.11 grams. Steel cents weigh about 2.7 grams because of the zinc coating.
- Magnet test: Steel pennies are magnetic; copper pennies are not. Use a small magnet to check—but be cautious, as some forgeries have non-standard coatings.
- Design details: Compare the details to verified 1943 steel cents. Minting characteristics like die wear and strike depth should match Lincoln wheat cent dies from that year.
Authentication Steps
If a coin passes the basic checks, move to professional authentication. Experienced coin graders use non-destructive testing and provenance checks to confirm authenticity.
- Take high-resolution photos of both sides under good lighting.
- Record weight to two decimal places and note whether the coin is magnetic.
- Submit the coin to a reputable grading service such as PCGS or NGC for third-party certification.
What to Do If You Find a 1943 Copper Penny
If you think you found a 1943 copper penny, act carefully. Handling and storage affect value, and improper treatment can reduce the coin’s worth. Follow a conservative approach to preserve condition and prove authenticity.
- Handle by the edges and avoid cleaning the coin.
- Store in a soft, inert holder or coin flip; avoid PVC materials.
- Document where and when you found the coin, and any chain of custody details if it changed hands.
- Contact a reputable coin dealer or grading service for appraisal and authentication.
Pricing and Market Context for the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Copper Penny
Values for genuine 1943 copper pennies vary with condition and provenance. Auction records show multi-million-dollar prices for certified examples in strong condition and clear provenance. Less well-documented examples sell for lower sums, but the market remains strong due to the coin’s fame.
Pricing depends on factors such as:
- Grade and surface condition
- Mintmark and die characteristics
- Documentation and third-party grading
- Market demand at the time of sale
The U.S. Mint produced steel cents in 1943 to conserve copper for the war effort. Only a handful of 1943 copper cents are known to exist because they were struck by mistake on leftover bronze planchets.
Case Study: Auction of a 1943 Copper Penny
One well-known example illustrates the process and potential payoff. A specimen that passed initial visual and magnet checks was submitted to a major grading service. After certification and authenticated provenance, it was sold at auction to a collector for about $1.8 million.
The sale steps were practical and instructive:
- Initial discovery and basic checks (weight and magnetism).
- High-resolution photos and documented chain of custody.
- Third-party grading and certification from a reputable firm.
- Sale through a major auction house with numismatic specialists.
This case shows that careful handling and proper authentication create the conditions for realizing a coin’s full market value.
Practical Tips for Collectors and the Public
Whether you are a hobbyist or someone who simply found an unusual coin in a jar, follow simple rules to protect potential value and avoid scams.
- Do not clean or polish the coin; cleaning can destroy value.
- Get multiple opinions if unsure, and prefer accredited dealers or graders.
- Be wary of quick offers and unsolicited buyers; research auction houses and dealer reputations.
- Ask for documentation and a written appraisal before any sale.
Final Thoughts on the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Copper Penny
The story of the 1943 copper penny combines wartime history, minting error, and modern collecting. If you come across a copper-toned 1943 cent, treat it as potentially valuable and follow authentication steps. With careful handling, documentation, and reputable grading, a single coin can become a landmark sale.
Staying calm and following practical procedures protects both the find and your financial interest. The rare 1943 copper penny remains one of the most fascinating and valuable coins in American numismatics.
