Found a 1943 Copper Penny: This Lincoln Wheat Penny Could Be Worth More Than a House!

If you've just stumbled upon a 1943 copper penny, you might want to pause and look again. That small coin in your hand could be worth more than a luxury car—even a house!

If you've just discovered a 1943 copper penny, take a moment to admire it. This small coin could be worth more than a luxury car—perhaps even a house.

If you’re reading this article, chances are you’ve heard the rumors. Legends abound about a 1943 copper penny that's sold for over $677,000 at auction, with one variant reportedly fetching a record $1.7 million. But are these pennies really worth so much, and how can you tell if you have one?

We'll explore the steps to verifying a 1943 copper penny, the fascinating history behind this rare coin, and tips on spotting counterfeits. Plus, we'll provide real-world advice from experts in numismatics.

Before you rush to your coin jar, let’s dig into the story behind this fascinating piece of U.S. coin history.

Found a 1943 Copper Penny?

The 1943 copper penny is a remarkable coin in American numismatics. It’s also one of the most valuable, with specimens selling for as much as $1.7 million.

Whether you’re a casual coin collector, a curious hobbyist, or an experienced investor, knowing what to look for could pay off. From performing simple tests to seeking out professional advice, the steps to verify a 1943 copper penny are well worth taking.

So, next time you’re sifting through change, don’t overlook the humble penny. It might just be a slice of history—and a potential fortune.

What Makes the 1943 Copper Penny So Valuable?

To understand the value of the 1943 copper penny, we need a quick trip back to World War II. In 1943, the U.S. needed copper for wartime manufacturing—specifically for shell casings, telecommunication wires, and other military essentials. As a result, the U.S. Mint switched the composition of the penny from copper to zinc-coated steel to conserve copper.

However, a few copper planchets—the blank discs used to make pennies—were accidentally left in the coin presses during the changeover. These planchets were struck with the 1943 date, creating what we now know as the ultra-rare 1943 copper penny.

Only about 20 to 40 of these coins are known to exist today, making them some of the most valuable and sought-after coins in the world. Even seasoned coin collectors often go their entire lives without ever seeing one in person.

The rarity of these pennies, combined with their backstory rooted in American history, gives them immense value. And because they were created accidentally, each surviving specimen is a numismatic treasure.

How to Identify a Real 1943 Copper Penny

Not all 1943 pennies are valuable. In fact, over a billion steel pennies were minted that year. These coins are silver-gray in color and easy to find. But how can you tell if your coin is one of the incredibly rare copper versions?

Step 1: Perform A Magnet Test

Steel is magnetic, but copper is not. One of the easiest ways to start checking your coin is with a basic magnet test.

Step 2: Weigh Your Coin

Use a high-precision digital scale to weigh your penny:

Make sure to calibrate your scale before testing to ensure accurate results. Even slight weight differences can be crucial.

Step 3: Inspect The Coin Closely

Counterfeiters have been altering pennies for decades. A common scam involves changing the “8” in a 1948 penny to look like a “3.” Use a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe to carefully inspect the date. Look for signs of tampering, such as tool marks or inconsistent font styles.

Step 4: Get A Professional Appraisal

If your coin passes the above tests, it’s time to call in the experts. Send your coin to a professional grading service like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company). These organizations can authenticate your coin and assign it a grade that helps determine its market value.

Famous 1943 Copper Penny Sales

Some 1943 copper pennies have made headlines thanks to their jaw-dropping sale prices:

These coins are often auctioned through major houses such as Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers, where competition among bidders can push prices sky-high.

Why Are There So Few Of These Pennies?

The 1943 copper pennies exist because of a simple but rare minting error. During the switch from copper to steel blanks, some leftover copper planchets from 1942 were inadvertently mixed into the production line. These planchets were struck, distributed, and eventually ended up in circulation.

Since this was