Every few months, a headline goes viral claiming that an ordinary-looking penny in your pocket could be worth tens of thousands of dollars. While most of those claims are exaggerated, there is a real coin behind the hype: the rare 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat penny.
Here’s what you need to know — and how to tell if you’ve struck copper gold.
Why the 1943 Penny Is Special
In 1943, during World War II, the U.S. Mint needed copper for wartime supplies like ammunition and electrical wiring. To conserve metal, pennies were struck in zinc-coated steel instead of the usual bronze (copper alloy).
These steel cents look silver or gray and are very common today.
However, a small number of leftover copper planchets (coin blanks) from 1942 were accidentally used in 1943 production. The result? A tiny batch of 1943 pennies made from copper instead of steel.
Those error coins are extremely rare — and that’s what makes them valuable.
How Much Is It Worth?
A genuine 1943 copper penny has sold at auction for:
- $60,000
- $85,000
- Over $100,000 in high-grade condition
The exact value depends on condition and mint mark (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco). Only a few dozen authentic examples are known to exist.
How to Spot One
If you think you may have found something unusual, here’s how to check:
1. Look at the Date
The coin must clearly read 1943.
2. Check the Color
- Copper penny → Reddish-brown or dark brown
- Steel penny → Silver/gray (may appear dull or rusty)
If your 1943 penny looks like a normal copper cent, that’s the first clue.
3. Use a Magnet
This is the easiest test.
- Sticks to a magnet → It’s steel (common).
- Does NOT stick → It could be copper.
Almost all 1943 pennies are magnetic because they’re steel.
4. Weigh the Coin
- Copper penny weighs about 3.11 grams
- Steel penny weighs about 2.7 grams
A small digital scale can help confirm.
Be Careful — There Are Fakes
Many altered coins exist. Some people:
- Plate steel pennies with copper
- Alter 1948 pennies to look like 1943
- Modify dates
If your coin passes the magnet and weight tests, the next step is professional authentication through a reputable coin grading service.
The Odds
Finding one in circulation today is extremely unlikely — but not impossible. Most examples have already been discovered by collectors. Still, coins occasionally resurface from old jars, inherited collections, or estate sales.
Final Thoughts
Most 1943 pennies are worth only a few cents. But the rare copper error version is one of the most famous and valuable U.S. coins ever made.
So the next time you check your change, don’t ignore that old penny. It’s probably just one cent — but in very rare cases, it could be worth a small fortune.
