Imagine finding a penny and learning it’s worth more than a brand-new sports car. Sounds unreal, right? But that’s exactly what happened when a rare U.S. penny sold for $200,000 at a recent auction. This tiny copper coin turned into a massive payday. So, what makes this penny so valuable—and could you have one in your collection?
Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What Penny Sold for $200,000?
The penny that sold for $200,000 was a 1943 copper Lincoln cent. While most 1943 pennies were made of steel, a few were mistakenly struck in copper. These copper pennies are extremely rare. Experts believe only about 20 to 40 of them exist today.
This specific coin, graded by PCGS as MS62 Brown, was in excellent shape for its age. Because of its rarity, condition, and history, collectors were willing to pay big bucks—$200,000 to be exact—to own it.
Why Were 1943 Pennies Usually Steel?
During World War II, the U.S. needed copper for military supplies like bullets and wires. To save copper, the U.S. Mint made 1943 pennies out of zinc-coated steel instead.
But by accident, a small number of copper blanks (called planchets) were still in the machines when the 1943 pennies were made. These accidents led to a few copper 1943 pennies being produced. That mistake turned into one of the most famous and valuable coin errors in U.S. history.
How Can You Tell If You Have One?
You don’t need fancy equipment to check your 1943 penny. Here are simple steps you can try:
- Look at the color: If it’s gray and shiny, it’s probably steel. If it’s brown or red like a normal penny, it could be copper.
- Use a magnet: Steel pennies stick to magnets. Copper ones do not. If your 1943 penny doesn’t stick, take a closer look!
- Check the weight: A copper penny weighs about 3.11 grams, while a steel penny weighs about 2.7 grams. A digital coin scale can help.
If you think you’ve found a rare copper 1943 penny, don’t clean it—that can lower its value. Instead, get it checked by a trusted coin grading service like PCGS or NGC.
1943 Pennies and Their Value
| Coin Type | Description | Value Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 1943 Steel Penny | Gray, magnetic, common | $0.10 – $5 |
| 1943 Copper Penny | Brown/red, non-magnetic, rare | $100,000 – $500,000+ |
| 1943-D Copper Penny | Copper, Denver mint (D) | Up to $1,000,000 |
| 1943-S Copper Penny | Copper, San Francisco mint (S) | $300,000 – $500,000 |
Why Do Collectors Pay So Much?
Coins like the 1943 copper penny are famous error coins, and coin collectors love rare items with an interesting story. The fact that this coin was made by mistake during wartime adds to its value.
Also, many of these rare pennies have already been found and are in private collections. That makes it even harder to find one today, increasing demand and price.
Can You Still Find One?
Yes, but it’s very rare. People have discovered valuable pennies in:
- Coin jars
- Inherited collections
- Flea markets or garage sales
- Old rolls of coins from banks
So, if you ever see a 1943 penny that looks like a regular copper one—check it carefully. It could be worth more than you think.
Conclusion
One lucky seller just earned $200,000 from a tiny coin that most people would overlook. The 1943 copper penny is a great example of how a simple mistake at the U.S. Mint can create a coin worth a fortune.
So before you toss out that old penny, take a closer look—it could be the one that changes your life. After all, a penny saved might be a penny worth $200,000!
FAQ’s
Q: What is the difference between a steel and copper 1943 penny?
A: Steel pennies are silver-gray and magnetic. Copper ones are brown or red and not magnetic.
Q: Is every 1943 penny valuable?
A: No. Most 1943 pennies are steel and only worth a few cents. The rare copper ones are the valuable ones.
Q: Where can I get my penny checked?
A: You can send it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication and value assessment.
