If you’re sifting through old coins in your drawer, attic, or garage, don’t overlook that humble-looking penny. A rare error coin from 1943 — the copper Lincoln penny — could be worth over $400,000 today. This seemingly ordinary piece of pocket change has become one of the most coveted collectibles in American numismatics.
Why the 1943 copper penny is so valuable
During World War II, copper demand was high for use in military equipment and ammunition. In a bid to save this precious metal, the U.S. Mint struck most pennies of 1943 with zinc-coated steel, giving them a very silver-like appearance. Nevertheless, some pennies — said to be unintended strikings on excess 1942 copper planchets — were made out of copper.
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Fewer than a dozen genuine 1943 copper pennies are reportedly in existence. Because they were produced by mistake, they are extremely valuable to collectors because they are so rare. Coin professionals indicate that these coins have been sold for between $100,000 and more than $400,000, depending on condition and auction demand.
How to spot a 1943 copper penny
Many people have mistaken steel pennies that have changed color over time for copper versions. But there’s a way to find out if your penny is the real deal:
- Magnet test: A genuine 1943 copper penny won’t stick to a magnet, while the steel ones will.
- Weight check: A copper penny weighs about 3.11 grams, while steel versions are lighter, at 2.7 grams.
- Color: Copper has a reddish-brown tone; steel is gray or silver unless it has rusted or tarnished.
For those who suspect they’ve struck gold — or copper — it’s crucial to have the coin authenticated by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Big money at auction
These rare pennies have turned up in unlikely places — from pocket change to inherited coin jars. In 2019, a teenager sold an authenticated 1943 copper penny for $204,000. In earlier auctions, mint condition specimens have sold for more than $400,000. Experts estimate the few known examples are likely only a fraction of what’s still in private homes, forgotten collections, or dusty coin jars.
Don’t throw that change away yet
With the hobby of coin collecting increasing in popularity and the market for such finds on the boil, the time is now ideal to dig out your loose change. Even if you don’t find a 1943 copper penny, you may be surprised to find that other valuable coins in your possession have gained immense value over time.
As numismatic historian Q. David Bowers once said, “The great treasures are still out there — waiting for someone who knows what to look for.”
So go ahead — open that dusty drawer, lift the lid on that jar of coins in the garage. Your little Lincoln might just be worth a small fortune.
