What Is the Rare 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny?
The Rare 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny is an error coin made of bronze or copper that was struck in a year when the U.S. Mint produced pennies in steel. During World War II the Mint switched to zinc-coated steel cents in 1943 to save copper for the war effort.
A 1943 penny struck on bronze planchets is an unusual minting error. Because so few are known, authenticated examples attract strong interest from collectors and dealers.
How to Check If Your Penny Is a 1943 Copper Error
Start with simple, non-destructive tests that you can do at home. These quick checks separate likely fakes from candidates worth professional attention.
- Magnet test: 1943 steel cents are magnetic. An authentic copper 1943 penny is not magnetic.
- Weight check: Standard bronze cents weigh about 3.11 grams. 1943 steel cents weigh roughly 2.7 grams. Use a precise scale for comparison.
- Color and surface: Copper/bronze has a reddish-brown tone. Steel pennies typically show a silver-gray surface that may have rusted or plated areas.
- Edge inspection: Look for signs of plating or brushing that suggest a later alteration to a steel cent.
Quick Example Tests
Place a small magnet near the coin and note whether it’s attracted. Weigh the coin to two decimal places and compare to expected weights. If it passes those two checks, it may merit professional grading.
Why Some People Claim $2.1 Million Values
High valuations come from rarity plus collector demand. A flawless, well-documented 1943 copper penny with strong provenance and a top grade from a major service like PCGS or NGC can command very high prices at auction.
Reports of prices in the seven-figure range reflect exceptional, authenticated pieces sold to wealthy collectors. However, values vary widely by grade, documentation, and the buyer pool.
Realistic Value Ranges and What Affects Price
Values for an authenticated 1943 copper Lincoln penny range from tens of thousands to multiple millions, depending on grade and confirmation of authenticity.
Main factors that affect price include:
- Professional grading and population report (PCGS, NGC)
- Physical grade (surface preservation, strike quality)
- Provenance and documented chain of ownership
- Market conditions and collector demand at time of sale
How to Authenticate and Protect a Potential 1943 Copper Penny
Do not clean the coin. Cleaning can ruin its surface and drastically lower value. Keep the coin in a soft holder away from humidity and corrosion.
- Take clear, high-resolution photos (obverse, reverse, and edge).
- Run the basic magnet and weight tests described above.
- Contact a reputable third-party grading service (PCGS or NGC) for authentication and grading.
- If authenticated, discuss selling options: auction house, specialist dealer, or private sale.
How Third-Party Grading Works
Submit the coin following the service’s guidelines. Expect an evaluation of composition, strike, surface condition, and provenance. Grading adds trust and typically increases sale value, but it also incurs fees.
Where to Sell If Your Coin Is Authentic
Authenticated rarities usually sell best at major auction houses or through established numismatic dealers that specialize in rare U.S. coins.
- Auction houses: They attract wealthy collectors and can drive competitive bidding.
- Specialist dealers: They may provide quicker private sales but often at a negotiated price.
- Consignment with a trusted dealer: This combines market exposure with specialist sales support.
Small Case Study: How One Coin Reached Serious Interest
A private collector found a 1943 penny in an inherited coin jar and noticed its copper tone. The owner ran the magnet and weight tests and then submitted photos to a numismatic forum for initial feedback.
Following the community advice, the owner sent the coin to a third-party grading service. Authentication showed a bronze composition and a high grade, backed by provenance. The coin went to a specialist auction and sold to a private collector for a seven-figure sum—demonstrating how documentation and grading can unlock value.
Practical Checklist: What To Do If You Find a 1943 Penny
- Don’t clean or polish the coin.
- Perform a magnet and weigh test.
- Take clear photos of both sides and the edge.
- Contact a reputable grader for authentication.
- Get multiple opinions from experienced dealers before selling.
Final Thoughts on the Rare 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny
Yes, a genuine 1943 copper Lincoln penny can be extremely valuable, and top examples have sold for large sums. But realistic expectations are important: most discoveries require careful testing and professional authentication before any value claim is verified.
Follow the steps above to protect and verify your find. With the right documentation and grading, your penny might be a rare piece of numismatic history—and possibly worth far more than face value.