Most 1943 pennies are steel with a zinc coating. A few rare 1943 pennies were accidentally struck on copper planchets, and those specimens are highly prized. This article explains how to spot a genuine 1943 copper Lincoln wheat cent, what tests experts use, and practical steps to take if you think you’ve found one.
About the 1943 Copper Penny
During World War II the U.S. Mint changed the penny metal from copper to zinc-coated steel to conserve copper for the war effort. A small number of copper planchets from 1942 remained in packaging or the minting process and were struck in 1943 by mistake.
These error coins are extremely rare and valuable because they look like the 1943 bronze cents produced the years before and were mistaken for normal pennies for decades.
How to Identify a 1943 Copper Penny
Identifying a true 1943 copper penny requires careful observation and some basic tests. Many counterfeits are created by altering 1943 steel cents or by chemically treating other coins.
Visual checks
- Color: A genuine copper 1943 cent has the reddish-brown tone of bronze, not silver-gray. Expect natural toning and wear.
- Date and details: Inspect the date, Lincoln profile, and wheat ears for consistent strike quality. Altered steel cents may show damage near the edges or inconsistent surfaces.
- Mintmark: Check the placement of the mintmark (if present); it should match regular 1943 cent strike positions.
Simple non-destructive tests
- Magnet test: A steel 1943 cent will stick to a magnet. A genuine copper 1943 cent will not. This is the quickest initial test.
- Weight check: Copper cents weigh about 3.11 grams. Steel cents with zinc coating weigh about 2.7 grams. A digital scale that measures to 0.01 g helps with this test.
- Professional imaging: High-resolution photos under raking light can reveal tooling or surface alterations that indicate tampering.
Only a handful of authenticated 1943 copper cents are known to collectors. Their rarity and condition determine values that have reached the seven-figure range at auction.
Common Fraud Methods and How to Spot Them
Because of their value, 1943 copper pennies are often counterfeited. Knowing typical fraud methods helps you avoid costly mistakes.
- Electroplating: Some steel cents are plated to appear copper. Look for uneven edges or peeling plating under magnification.
- Mechanical alteration: Removing plating or tooling around the date can be visible under strong light.
- Chemical treatments: Artificial toning can mask a plating job. Natural toning has depth and follows relief lines; fake toning often looks uniform or sits on the surface.
What to Do If You Think You Found a 1943 Copper Penny
If you believe you have a 1943 copper penny, follow methodical steps to preserve value and confirm authenticity.
- Do not clean the coin. Cleaning can destroy the collector value and surface evidence used in authentication.
- Perform a magnet test and, if possible, a precise weight check. Record results and take clear photos from multiple angles.
- Seek professional authentication. Reputable services include third-party grading companies and experienced numismatic experts. Authentication reports add credibility and often increase sale value.
Where to get help
- Local coin shops with a good reputation and long business history.
- Professional grading services from established firms that offer authentication and encapsulation.
- Numismatic organizations and forums where experienced collectors can provide initial guidance.
Case Study: Auction Authentication and Sale
A notable example involved a collector who found an unusual 1943 cent in change. Initial tests showed it was non-magnetic and heavier than a steel cent, so the finder did not clean it and pursued authentication.
After detailed imaging and third-party grading, the coin was authenticated as a copper 1943 Lincoln wheat cent. It later sold at auction for about 1.8 million dollars, demonstrating how authentication and condition drive final value.
Practical Tips for Collectors and the Public
Whether you are a collector or someone who found a coin in circulation, use these practical tips to preserve and verify potential rarities.
- Handle coins by the edges to avoid fingerprints and oils.
- Store uncertain finds in small acid-free holders until authenticated.
- Keep records of where and when you found the coin; provenance can help with sales and authentication.
- Compare suspected coins to high-resolution reference images from trusted numismatic sources.
Finding a genuine 1943 copper penny is rare, but careful handling and prompt professional authentication are essential if you think you’ve discovered one. With the right approach you can protect both the coin and its possible significant value.