It’s the legendary 1943 bronze Lincoln cent – a penny that should never have existed. In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched to steel pennies to save copper for the war… but a handful were accidentally struck on bronze planchets left over from 1942. Only about 15-20 are known today.
The Crazy WWII Mistake That Created It
1943: America needed every ounce of copper for shell casings and wiring. The Mint coated steel blanks in zinc to make “steel war pennies.” Somehow, a few leftover 1942 bronze blanks got mixed in. Mint workers didn’t notice – instant rarity!
Why This Tiny Coin Is Worth Millions Today
Scarcity + history = insane value. The finest known example (PCGS MS-64) sold for a mind-blowing $21 million in 2024. Even lower-grade ones fetch $200,000–$500,000.
| Year & Type | Record Auction Price | Grade | Year Sold |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Bronze (Philadelphia) | $21,000,000 | MS-64 | 2024 |
| 1943-D Bronze | $1,700,000 | MS-64 BN | 2010 |
| 1943-S Bronze | $1,050,000 | MS-63 | 2022 |
| 1944 Steel (error) | $373,750 | MS-64 | 2021 |
| 1955 Doubled Die Obverse | $124,000 | MS-65 RD | Recent |
Could One Still Be in Circulation?
Almost impossible… but not 100% ruled out. In 2019, a teenager in Massachusetts found a 1943 bronze in his school lunch change! Certified real, sold for $204,000. Miracles happen.
How to Spot a Real 1943 Bronze Penny at Home
- Look at the date: Must be 1943
- Weigh it: Bronze = 3.11 grams | Steel = 2.7 grams
- Magnet test: Real bronze WON’T stick to a magnet
- Color: Coppery brown/red, not silver-gray
- Check the mint mark (none, D, or S under the date)
Expert Tips for Hunting Rare Wheat Pennies
- Buy old bank-wrapped rolls from 1950s–1970s
- Search “wheat penny” lots on eBay (look for unsearched claims)
- Use a cheap digital scale ($10 on Amazon) for quick weight checks
- Focus on 1943, 1944 steel, 1955 doubled die, and 1909-S VDB
- Never clean coins – it destroys value!
| Quick Value Checker (Average Retail 2025) | Circulated | AU/Unc |
|---|---|---|
| Common wheat penny (1909–1958) | $0.05–$0.50 | $1–$10 |
| 1909-S VDB | $800+ | $2,000+ |
| 1943 Bronze | — | $200k+ |
| 1955 Doubled Die | $1,000+ | $2,500+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are all 1943 pennies valuable?
A: No! 99.9% are steel and worth 10–50 cents.
Q: Can I send my penny to be graded?
A: Yes – PCGS or NGC. Submission starts around $20–$40.
Q: What if my 1943 penny is copper-colored but sticks to a magnet?
A: It’s a common copper-plated steel fake. Sorry!
Final Thoughts – Start Looking Today!
That jar of old pennies on your shelf could literally hold a fortune. The 1943 bronze Lincoln wheat penny proves it: the rarest coins often look exactly like the common ones. Grab a magnet, a scale, and start sorting tonight – because the next $21 million discovery could be yours. Happy hunting, and let me know in the comments if you find anything wild! 🪙
