In 1943, during World War II, the United States Mint made a significant change in penny production, switching from copper to zinc-coated steel to conserve copper for the war effort.
During World War II, the U.S. Mint changed the composition of the penny in 1943. Instead of using copper, which was needed for military supplies, they began making pennies out of steel coated with zinc.
Yet, by mistake, a few pennies were struck using leftover copper blanks, making these coins among the rarest and most valuable U.S. coins ever made.
The Accidental Rarity: How the 1943 Copper Penny Came to Be
To help the war effort, the Mint stopped using copper for pennies in 1943 and switched to steel. However, a small number of copper blanks from 1942 were still in the machines when production changed. These leftovers were unintentionally used, creating the rare 1943 copper pennies.
These coins quietly entered circulation and went unnoticed at the time. Today, they are extremely rare and highly prized by collectors.
Notable Sales and Their Values
Several of these rare coins have shown up at auctions over the years, selling for impressive amounts:
- 1943-D Copper Penny: The only known Denver example sold for $1.7 million in 2010.
- 1943-S Copper Penny: A coin from the San Francisco Mint fetched $282,000 in 2016.
- 1943 No Mint Mark Copper Penny: A Philadelphia version was sold for $372,000 in 2021.
Identifying a Genuine 1943 Copper Penny
To find out whether your 1943 penny is made of copper, check the following:
- Magnet Test: Copper is not attracted to magnets. If your coin sticks to a magnet, it’s likely made of steel.
- Weight: A copper penny weighs about 3.11 grams. Steel versions weigh around 2.7 grams.
- Color: Genuine 1943 copper pennies have a reddish-brown color, while the steel ones look silver or gray.
Value Comparison
Below is a comparison of estimated values for different 1943 copper penny types:
| Mint Location | Estimated Value Range | Notable Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia (No Mint Mark) | $100,000 – $372,000 | $372,000 (2021) |
| Denver (D) | $1.7 million | $1.7 million (2010) |
| San Francisco (S) | $175,000 – $282,000 | $282,000 (2016) |
These values show just how valuable a minting error can become.
The 1943 copper penny stands as a testament to the intriguing anomalies in minting history.
What began as a simple production mistake is now one of the most fascinating finds in coin collecting. It’s a powerful reminder that even everyday coins can carry immense value. If you think you’ve found one, it’s worth taking a closer look—it might be a life-changing discovery.
FAQs
How many 1943 copper pennies exist?
It’s estimated that about 20 were made in Philadelphia, around 5 in San Francisco, and just 1 in Denver—totaling approximately 26 known examples.
How can I verify if my 1943 penny is copper?
Use a magnet and a precise scale. A true copper penny won’t stick to a magnet and should weigh about 3.11 grams.
Where can I sell a 1943 copper penny?
You can contact trusted coin auction houses like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections, both of which specialize in selling rare coins like this one.
