Did you know a single penny could be worth over half a million dollars?
In 2023, a 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent sold for an incredible $504,000, making it one of the most valuable coins in U.S. history.
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel for penny production to save copper for the war effort. But by mistake, a few copper blanks were struck — creating the legendary 1943 Copper Penny.
With only 10–15 examples known worldwide, this coin is considered the Crown Jewel of American coin collecting. And yes — one could still be sitting unnoticed in a collection or coin jar today.
How to Identify a Real 1943 Copper Penny
Think you’ve struck gold (or copper 
)? Here are 5 foolproof tests:
The Magnet Test 
- Real Copper → Does not stick to a magnet
- Steel Penny (common 1943) → Strongly magnetic
Weight Verification 
- Authentic Copper → Exactly 3.11 grams
- Steel/Fake → About 2.7 grams
Use a jewelry scale with 0.01g accuracy for best results.
Visual Inspection 
- Color → Rich reddish-brown, not silver-colored
- Edge → Solid copper with no zinc coating
The Sound Test 
- Copper → Soft, dull “clink”
- Steel → High-pitched metallic “ping”
Mintmark Check 
Genuine 1943 copper cents can have:
- No mintmark → Philadelphia
- “D” → Denver
- “S” → San Francisco
2025 Value Guide – PCGS/NGC Certified
| Grade | Description | Value |
|---|---|---|
| MS64BN | Premium Quality | $504,000 |
| AU55BN | Light Circulation | $250,000 |
| XF40BN | Circulated | $125,000 |
Fun Fact: In 2022, one attic discovery sold for $365,000.
Why This Coin Is Worth So Much
WWII History – Minted in error during the steel penny transition
Ultra-Rare – Fewer than 20 confirmed worldwide
Museum Piece – One is displayed at the Smithsonian
Collector Demand – Widely called the “Holy Grail of U.S. Pennies”
Mistakes That Can Destroy Value
Cleaning the Coin – Even gentle cleaning erases thousands in value
Falling for Fakes – Many 1948 cents are altered to look like 1943
Skipping Certification – Only PCGS/NGC grading earns top-dollar sales
Professional Authentication Steps
- XRF Metal Analysis → Confirms 95% copper content
- 60x Microscopy → Matches known die markers
- Edge Examination → Ensures no plating or alterations
- PCGS/NGC Certification → Required for serious collectors & auctions
Where to Look for a 1943 Copper Penny
Coin Rolls → Especially from the 1940s
Estate Sales → Old wheat cent collections often hide treasures
European Collections → WWII coins sometimes circulated overseas
Think You Found One?
If you believe you’ve discovered a 1943 Copper Penny, send:
Email: copper@pennyverse.info with:
- Macro photos (front & back)
- Video of weight test
- Close-up of the mintmark
Free With Submission:
1943 Copper Authentication Guide
Auction Strategy Consultation
“Fewer than 20 exist — could yours be next?”
— The PennyVerse Authentication Team
Reply “1943COPPER” for VIP Evaluation (72-hour priority)
