This Lincoln Wheat Penny Could Be Worth $250,000 – And It Might Be in Your Pocket

During World War II, the United States found itself in urgent need of copper to produce ammunition, communication wires, and countless military supplies. To conserve this precious metal, the U.S. Mint switched the material for one-cent coins in 1943 from copper to zinc-coated steel.

But by a stroke of luck, a few leftover copper blanks from 1942 accidentally made it into the coin presses. The result was a tiny number of 1943 copper pennies that were never supposed to exist — and today, those coins are worth a fortune.

Curious about how rare these coins are or how you might identify one? Let’s dig in.

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Rarity

What makes the 1943 copper penny such a valuable prize is simply how few were ever made. While millions of steel pennies rolled off the mint’s presses that year, only about 20 copper versions have ever been confirmed. These rare coins were the result of a simple oversight — leftover copper blanks from 1942 mixed into the minting process.

This accidental creation turned these modest-looking coins into some of the most prized collectibles in American coin history. Even after eight decades, coin enthusiasts and investors around the world continue to hunt for them.

Value

The value of a real 1943 copper penny can be staggering. In recent years, these rare coins have fetched amounts that would shock anyone. For instance, in 2019, one regular 1943 copper penny was sold for $204,000 at auction.

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Even more astounding, a 1943-D copper penny, struck at the Denver Mint, sold for a record-breaking $840,000. The table below gives a quick look at their incredible market value.

Year	Type	Sale Price
2019	Regular 1943 Copper Penny	$204,000
2019	1943-D (Denver Mint) Copper Penny	$840,000

Considering that fewer than 20 examples are known to exist today, these figures make sense to collectors eager to own a piece of numismatic legend.

Detection

If you have an old jar of coins lying around, you might wonder if a 1943 penny you find could be one of these rare copper ones. First, look at the date stamped on the coin. If it reads 1943, you’re off to a good start.

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Next, check the color. A real copper penny will have a natural brownish-red tone, like most older one-cent coins. In contrast, a steel penny appears grey or silver in color.

You can also perform a simple magnet test. Steel pennies stick to a magnet, while copper pennies do not. So if your 1943 penny doesn’t cling to a magnet, there’s a chance it could be copper.

Another reliable method is to use a small digital scale. A copper penny should weigh around 3.11 grams, while a steel one will be lighter at about 2.7 grams. Lastly, even the sound can give it away.

If you gently drop the coin on a hard surface, a copper penny produces a softer, dull clink, while a steel penny makes a higher-pitched ring.

Authentication

If your 1943 penny passes these initial tests, it’s crucial not to clean or polish the coin. Doing so can damage its surface and drastically reduce its value.

The next step is to send it to a reputable professional coin grading service, such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC).

These experts can officially verify and grade the coin, giving it a certification that adds credibility and market value if you decide to sell it.

Treasure

The 1943 copper penny is more than a collector’s item; it’s a remarkable piece of history and, for a lucky few, a potential life-changing finding.

Every old coin jar or attic box might be hiding one of these tiny treasures. So the next time you come across a 1943 penny, don’t brush it aside.

A simple magnet test and a quick weight check could turn a forgotten coin into a six-figure payout.

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