The Lincoln Wheat Penny, also called the Wheat Cent, first appeared in 1909 to celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. It was the first U.S. coin to show a real person instead of a symbol. By 1943, everyone knew this penny, but that year something unusual happened that made history.
Design and Wartime Change
The coin was designed by Victor David Brenner. On the front, you can see Lincoln’s face, the words “IN GOD WE TRUST” on top, “LIBERTY” on the left, and the year below. If you find a small D or S under the date, it means the coin was made in Denver or San Francisco. No mark means Philadelphia.
On the back, there are two wheat stalks around the words “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”, giving it the name Wheat Penny.
Why 1943 Pennies Are So Special
Normally, pennies were made from 95% copper. But in 1943, copper was needed for World War II to make bullets and equipment. So, the U.S. Mint made billions of zinc-coated steel pennies instead.
However, a few copper blanks were used by mistake. These became the famous 1943 Copper or Bronze Pennies — some of the rarest coins ever made. Only 20 to 30 of them exist today.
Why the 1943 Copper Penny Is Worth Over $2 Million
Most 1943 pennies are steel and worth just a few cents. But the bronze ones are worth a fortune because of their rarity and wartime story. Collectors call them “million-dollar coins.”
What Makes Them So Valuable
| Factor | Reason |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Only 20–30 bronze pennies exist |
| Mint Marks | Around 13 from Philadelphia, 7 from San Francisco, and only 1 from Denver |
| Wartime Error | Made during WWII copper shortage |
| Condition | Higher grade and red (RD) color coins are worth more |
| Provenance | Coins from famous collections add extra value |
The Star: The 1943-D Bronze Penny – Worth $2.2 Million
The most famous one is the 1943-D Bronze Penny, made in Denver. Only one is known to exist!
It was found by a teenager in his change and later sold for $1.7 million in 2010 at Heritage Auctions. Today, experts say it could be worth around $2.2 million. The coin has a beautiful copper color and sharp wheat details.
Its story and extreme rarity make it one of the most valuable coins in the world.
Other Rare 1943 Bronze Pennies
Other mints also produced bronze pennies by mistake. Here’s what collectors have discovered so far:
| Variety | Mint Location | Known Examples | Top Sale Price | Auction Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1943-D Bronze | Denver | 1 | $1.7 million | 2010 |
| 1943 Bronze (No Mint Mark) | Philadelphia | ~16 | $402,500 | 2008 |
| 1943-S Bronze | San Francisco | ~7 | $282,000 | 2016 |
| 1943 Bronze (Lower Grade) | Philadelphia | ~16 | $82,250 | 1999 |
| 1944 Steel | Reverse Error | Few | $373,750 | 2008 |
These values show how bronze versions beat steel ones every time.
How to Find a 1943 Copper Penny in 2025
You might still find one in old piggy banks, jars, or family collections. Here’s how to check if your coin is real and valuable:
| Test | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Color | Bronze shines reddish-copper, steel looks silver-gray |
| Magnet Test | Bronze doesn’t stick, steel does |
| Weight | Bronze = 3.1 grams, Steel = 2.7 grams |
| Date | Must say 1943 clearly |
| Expert Check | Send to PCGS or NGC for grading |
Tip: Never clean your coin — it can reduce the value!
Beginner Tips for Coin Collectors
- Always use gloves to handle old coins.
- Do not polish or clean them.
- Get your coin graded by PCGS or NGC — graded coins can sell for more.
- For selling, use trusted platforms like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers.
- Join online coin groups like Reddit’s r/coins to learn and share.
Conclusion
The 1943-D Bronze Penny is not just a coin — it’s a piece of history that turned a simple mistake into a multi-million-dollar treasure. So next time you check your change, look closely. You might just find a coin that could change your life.
Grab a magnet and start searching — your next penny might be worth millions!
FAQs
How much is a 1943 Copper Penny worth?
A real one can be worth between $100,000 and $2.2 million, depending on its condition and mint mark.
How can I tell if my 1943 penny is real?
Use a magnet test. If it doesn’t stick and weighs about 3.1 grams, it could be bronze.
Can I find a 1943 Copper Penny today?
Yes! Some are still found in old jars, rolls, or family coin boxes.
What should I do if I find one?
Get it authenticated by PCGS or NGC before selling — fakes are very common.
Are there other valuable pennies?
Yes, look for 1944 Steel Pennies and 1955 Double Die Pennies — they’re also rare.