One of the most special and expensive coins in American history is the 1943 copper penny. It has been sold for as high as $1.7 million in auctions and can fetch over $100,000. This penny is very valuable because it was accidentally made of copper during World War II, it is very rare, and has a interesting history.
The 1943 Copper Penny: How Rare Is It?
It’s estimated that forty copper pennies were inadvertently minted at the mints in Denver, San Francisco, and Philadelphia. Just 27 have been verified as existing as of right now; 20 come from Philadelphia, six from San Francisco, and one from Denver. As there is only one known example of the 1943-D Copper Penny from the Denver mint, it is extremely rare.
Why the 1943 Copper Penny Is Worth So Much
- Rarity: The 1943 copper penny is an exceptionally uncommon mistake coin. There are very few of these in the world, and their rarity alone makes them extremely valuable. To be exact, one of the “holy grails” of coin collecting is frequently regarded as the copper penny.
- Mint Error: The mistake in making the coin, where they used copper instead of steel by accident, is a big reason why it is worth a lot. This mix-up makes the copper penny unique in American history.
- Historical Significance: The 1943 copper penny has additional historical significance because it was made during World War II. These rare copper pennies have a special place in history because they were made when steel pennies were being used because of the war.
Auction Prices and Notable Sales
A 1943 copper penny’s worth varies according to its condition, mint mark, and other elements. Here are a few noteworthy transactions:
- A 1943-D Copper Penny brought a record-breaking $1.75 million at auction in 2010.
- A 1943-S Copper Penny brought almost $500,000 at a Heritage Auction in 2019.
- In 2014, a 1943 copper penny struck in Philadelphia went for $327,000.
The greatest price ever paid for a copper penny was $1.75 million, but experts think that if higher-grade examples are found in the future, future sales may break this record.
How to Recognize a Copper Penny from 1943
The 1943 copper penny is very valuable and hard to find, so making sure it’s real is important. Here are some key things to check for:
- Weight: The steel version of the 1943 copper cent weighs 2.7 grams, but the real thing weighs 3.11 grams.
- Test with a Magnet: The 1943 steel pennies exhibit magnetic properties, whereas the copper penny does not. Your penny might be a valuable copper version if it doesn’t attract attention like a magnet.
- Mint Mark: The mint marks (“S” for San Francisco, “D” for Denver, or no mint mark for Philadelphia) should be looked for. Each mint mark makes the coin more distinctive.
- Authentication: Due to their high value, many fake copper pennies are in circulation. The coin must be authenticated and graded by a reputable organization such as PCGS or NGC.
| Mint Mark | Good Condition | Fine Condition | Extremely Fine Condition | Uncirculated Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Copper Penny (No Mint Mark) | $100,000 | $150,000 | $200,000 | $250,000 |
| 1943-D Copper Penny | $100,000 | $150,000 | $200,000 | $1.75 million |
| 1943-S Copper Penny | $100,000 | $150,000 | $200,000 | $500,000 |
Notable Discoveries
A 14-year-old child found a rare penny from 1943 in 1957. It was checked and then sold for $40,000 in 1959. Since then, more of these special pennies have been found by collectors in different places like sales of belongings and everyday coins.
The 1943 copper penny is very valuable because it is rare and has a lot of history. If you find one, it could be worth a lot of money, maybe even $100,000. The 1943 copper penny is unquestionably a gem that coin collectors who are serious about their hobby must have.