The 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most talked-about coins among collectors because of unusual variations created during World War II. This guide explains how to identify rare examples, understand their value, and protect yourself from counterfeits.
How to Identify a Rare 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny
Most 1943 pennies were struck in zinc-coated steel to save copper for the war effort. Rare examples in copper or coins with mint errors are what collectors seek. Identifying these begins with close visual and weight checks.
Start by checking color and weight. Steel cents are silver-gray and weigh about 2.70 grams. Copper cents are brown and weigh around 3.11 grams. Any deviation can indicate a different alloy or an altered coin.
Physical checks for the Rare 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny
- Color: Copper vs silver-gray helps narrow whether it’s steel or copper.
- Weight: Use a precise digital scale to compare to standard weights.
- Magnet test: Steel cents are magnetic; copper cents are not. Use a small magnet to test gently.
- Date and mintmark: Examine the 1943 date and any mintmark (D or S) near the date.
Common Rare Varieties of the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny
There are two main rare categories collectors focus on: genuine copper 1943 cents and error strikes on different planchets. Both are scarce and valuable when authenticated.
- 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent: Extremely rare and usually struck from leftover copper planchets. Genuine examples are worth thousands to hundreds of thousands depending on condition.
- 1943 Bronze on Steel or Overstrikes: Coins struck on the wrong planchet or with partial copper plating. These are error coins and can attract strong collector interest.
- Mint errors: Broadstrikes, double dies, and clipped planchets occur occasionally and affect value.
How to spot a copper 1943 penny
Look for consistent copper color across the coin surface and non-magnetic behavior. Beware of coins that show a copper appearance only on superficial areas — such coins might be plated steel.
Magnification will help. Check the edges and rim for plating lines or inconsistencies that indicate a plated steel penny rather than a genuine copper example.
Authentication and Grading for a Rare 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny
Authentication is critical. Many modern fakes and plated coins are offered as genuine. Use an accredited third-party grading service for high-value items.
Follow these steps for reliable authentication:
- Preliminary tests: color, weight, and magnetism at home.
- High-resolution photographs under good lighting to show obverse, reverse, and rim details.
- Send to a reputable grading service such as PCGS or NGC for third-party verification and encapsulation.
Grading notes for collectors
Grade affects value dramatically. Uncirculated (MS) condition coins and those with original luster fetch the highest prices. Even certified lower-grade rare 1943 copper cents remain valuable due to scarcity.
Value Ranges and What Affects Price
Values vary widely based on authenticity and grade. A genuine 1943 copper cent in circulated condition may sell for tens of thousands of dollars. Higher graded coins can reach six figures at auction.
Error coins and plated pieces also have value, though generally lower than verified copper rarities. Market demand, provenance, and the certification service will affect pricing.
Factors that influence value
- Authenticity and certification
- Grade and eye appeal
- Type of error or rarity (copper vs plated vs mint error)
- Provenance and market interest at time of sale
Where to Sell or Buy a Rare 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny
Use reputable auction houses, coin dealers, or established online marketplaces that accept graded encapsulated coins. Avoid private sales without authentication for high-value coins.
When buying, insist on certification and high-resolution photos. When selling, obtain multiple price opinions and consider auction placement if the coin is high-end.
Trusted routes
- Third-party grading houses (PCGS, NGC)
- Major auction houses with numismatic specialists
- Reputable coin dealers with strong references
- Online marketplaces for certified coins
The U.S. Mint made most 1943 cents from zinc-plated steel to conserve copper for World War II. Genuine 1943 copper cents are exceptionally rare because the Mint had already switched planchets.
Brief Case Study: A Real-World Example
A collector purchased a 1943 penny at a flea market for $5. The coin looked copper-colored but was slightly discolored on the rim. After basic magnet and weight tests, the collector suspected plating and took the coin to a dealer.
The dealer used magnification and noted plating lines on the edge. The coin was confirmed as copper-plated steel, not a genuine copper 1943 cent. The coin later sold as an error/plated piece for a modest premium to a novelty collector.
Lesson: Simple tests and expert review saved the buyer from assuming high value. Certification would have been necessary before any high-value transaction.
Final Practical Tips for Collectors
- Always perform magnet and weight tests before assuming rarity.
- Use trusted certification for high-value items.
- Document provenance and obtain multiple opinions before selling.
- Keep coins in safe, labeled holders to preserve condition.
By following these steps you can confidently identify, authenticate, and trade a Rare 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny. Careful testing and reliance on reputable services protect both buyers and sellers in the numismatic market.