Imagine finding a penny in your pocket that looks normal but is actually worth $5 million. It sounds like a dream, but it’s real. A very rare penny from 1943 recently sold for a jaw-dropping $5 million to a private collector.
So why is this ordinary-looking coin so valuable? The answer lies in a mistake made over 80 years ago.
What Makes the 1943 Copper Penny So Special?
During World War II, copper was needed to make weapons and supplies. To save copper, the U.S. Mint decided to make pennies out of steel in 1943. These new coins looked silver, not brown.
However, a small number of 1943 Lincoln pennies were made using copper by mistake. Only a few of these copper pennies slipped through the system—and that’s what makes them so rare and valuable.
How Rare Are These Pennies?
Only about 20 genuine 1943 copper pennies are known to exist. Most of them were made at the Philadelphia Mint, but a couple were also struck at the San Francisco and Denver Mints.
Because so few were made and even fewer have survived in good condition, collectors are willing to pay huge sums for one. One of the best-known examples just sold for $5 million in a private sale in 2024.
What Does It Look Like?
Here’s what makes this coin special:
- Year: 1943
- Color: Brown like normal pennies (not silver)
- Metal: Copper (instead of steel)
- Design: Lincoln’s face on the front, wheat ears on the back
- Weight: About 3.11 grams (heavier than steel ones)
If you find a 1943 penny and it’s brown instead of gray, it might be worth checking out!
Real vs Fake: Be Careful
Because of the high value, many fake 1943 copper pennies exist. Some people try to trick buyers by:
- Coating steel pennies with copper
- Changing the date on 1945 or 1948 coins to look like 1943
- Using real 1943 steel pennies and altering them
How to tell if it’s real:
- A magnet won’t stick to a real 1943 copper penny
- It should weigh about 3.11 grams
- Experts at NGC or PCGS can confirm if it’s real
Never trust just your eyes—always get help from a trusted coin expert.
Why Did It Sell for $5 Million?
The penny that sold was in amazing condition—almost perfect. It was graded by a professional coin service as MS-63 Red-Brown, which means it still has much of its original color and shine.
But the biggest reason it sold for so much? Demand. There are more collectors than coins. The 1943 copper penny is known as one of the “Holy Grails” of coin collecting. When one becomes available, the price skyrockets.
1943 Penny Comparison
| Feature | 1943 Steel Penny | 1943 Copper Penny |
|---|---|---|
| Metal | Steel with zinc coating | Copper |
| Color | Silver | Brown |
| Weight | 2.7 grams | 3.11 grams |
| Magnetic | Yes | No |
| Estimated Value | 5 to 50 cents | Up to $5 million |
| Mintage (estimated) | Over 1 billion | Around 20 known examples |
Could You Find One?
It’s rare, but it has happened. People have found valuable coins in their change, old jars, and coin collections passed down from grandparents. If you think you’ve found a 1943 copper penny:
- Check the date
- See if a magnet sticks
- Weigh it
- Get it certified
Even if it’s not a 1943 copper penny, it might still be valuable.
Conclusion
It’s amazing to think that a penny—something most people don’t even pick up off the ground—could be worth millions. But that’s the magic of coin collecting. A small mistake in 1943 created one of the most wanted coins in American history.
So next time you get change, don’t overlook the pennies. One of them might just change your life.
FAQ’s
Q1: How do I know if my 1943 penny is copper?
Use a magnet. If the magnet doesn’t stick, and the coin looks brown, it might be copper. Weighing it and getting expert help is the best way to know for sure.
Q2: How many 1943 copper pennies exist?
About 20 authentic ones are known to exist today. Most are from the Philadelphia Mint, with fewer from Denver and San Francisco.
Q3: Can I sell a rare penny on my own?
You can, but it’s best to go through a coin dealer or auction house. You’ll get the best price and make sure the sale is safe.
