In 1943, during World War II, the United States Mint made a significant change in penny production, switching from copper to zinc-coated steel to conserve copper for the war effort.
However, a few 1943 pennies were mistakenly minted using copper, creating one of the most sought-after coins in American numismatic history.
The Accidental Rarity: How the 1943 Copper Penny Came to Be
The U.S. Mint’s transition to steel pennies in 1943 was a wartime necessity. Yet, due to leftover copper planchets from 1942, a small number of 1943 copper pennies were inadvertently produced.
These error coins were released into circulation unnoticed, making them exceedingly rare and valuable today.
Notable Sales and Their Values
Over the years, several 1943 copper pennies have surfaced, fetching impressive sums at auctions:
- 1943-D Copper Penny: The only known specimen from the Denver Mint sold for $1.7 million in 2010.
- 1943-S Copper Penny: A San Francisco mint version sold for $282,000 in 2016.
- 1943 No Mint Mark Copper Penny: A Philadelphia mint coin sold for $372,000 in 2021.
Identifying a Genuine 1943 Copper Penny
To determine if you possess a genuine 1943 copper penny, consider the following:
- Magnet Test: Copper is non-magnetic. If the coin sticks to a magnet, it’s likely steel.
- Weight: A genuine copper penny weighs approximately 3.11 grams, whereas a steel penny weighs about 2.7 grams.
- Appearance: Authentic 1943 copper pennies have a distinct reddish-brown hue, unlike the silver-gray of steel pennies.
Value Comparison
Here’s a comparison of the estimated values for different 1943 copper penny variants:
| Mint Location | Estimated Value Range | Notable Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia (No Mint Mark) | $100,000 – $372,000 | $372,000 (2021) |
| Denver (D) | $1.7 million | $1.7 million (2010) |
| San Francisco (S) | $175,000 – $282,000 | $282,000 (2016) |
The 1943 copper penny stands as a testament to the intriguing anomalies in minting history.
From an unintended error to a collector’s dream, its journey underscores the value of attention to detail and the potential treasures hidden in everyday items. If you suspect you have one, it’s worth investigating—it could be a fortune waiting to be discovered.
FAQs
How many 1943 copper pennies exist?
Approximately 20 are known from the Philadelphia Mint, 5 from San Francisco, and only 1 from Denver, totaling around 26 confirmed specimens.
How can I verify if my 1943 penny is copper?
Use a magnet to test for magnetism and weigh the coin. A non-magnetic coin weighing about 3.11 grams may be a genuine copper penny.
Where can I sell a 1943 copper penny?
Reputable auction houses, such as Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections, specialize in rare coins and can assist in selling a 1943 copper penny.