That little coin might not be what you think — and if it’s the ultra-rare copper version, it could be worth over $1.7 MILLION! 
Here’s how to tell if you’ve struck gold (or copper, in this case).
The Truth About the 1943 Penny
During World War II, copper was needed for bullets and shell casings, so the U.S. Mint made pennies from steel coated with zinc instead of copper. That’s why most 1943 pennies look silver!
However… a few copper planchets (blanks) accidentally got mixed in. Those rare errors became some of the most valuable coins in American history.
Key Facts:
Not actually silver — they’re zinc-coated steel
Over 1 billion were made, but only about 20 are known in copper
One sold for $1.7 million at auction! 
Collectors hated the steel cents at the time because they rusted easily, looked like dimes, and felt “cheap.”
How to Spot the $100,000–$1.7 Million Penny
Step 1: The Magnet Test
- Sticks to a magnet? ➜ Common steel penny (worth only $0.10–$5)
- Does NOT stick? ➜ Possible rare copper penny ($10,000–$1.7M!)
Step 2: Check Color, Weight & Sound
- Color: Real copper tone (not silvery gray)
- Weight: Around 3.11g (steel weighs 2.7g)
- Sound: A soft “clink” (not the high “ping” of steel)
1943 Penny Value Chart
| Type | Condition | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| Common Steel | Circulated | $0.05 – $0.50 |
| Common Steel | Uncirculated | $1 – $100 |
| Rare Copper | Any Grade | $10,000 – $1,700,000+ |
Fun fact: the 1943 copper penny is over 100,000× rarer than the steel one!
Watch Out for Fakes
Unfortunately, scammers love this coin. Here’s how to protect yourself:
Fake copper-plated steel pennies — always check the weight
Altered 1948 coins — the “8” is reshaped into a “3” under magnification
eBay listings that seem too good to be true
Only trust certified coins from:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company)
Where These Treasures Hide
Still searching? Try your luck here:
- Old coin jars or family collections
- Bank-wrapped penny rolls (especially older ones)
- Estate sales or flea markets — hidden gems often appear there
True story: In 2017, a man found a 1943 copper penny in his lunch money jar — it sold for tens of thousands!
Found One? Here’s What to Do!
Don’t clean it! (You’ll wipe away its value)
Handle only by the edges — or use cotton gloves
Take clear photos (front & back)
Send it for authentication to PCGS or NGC
If it’s genuine, congratulations — you might be holding a $100,000+ piece of American history! 
