During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from the traditional 95% copper planchet to zinc-coated steel for pennies, to conserve copper for military use.
However, a very small number of pennies were accidentally struck on leftover copper (or bronze) planchets. These “off-metal” errors are extremely rare.
Why These Coins Fetch Huge Prices
| Feature | Key Details | What Makes It Valuable |
|---|---|---|
| Rarity | Only about 10-15 genuine examples total, across all three mints (Philadelphia, San Francisco, Denver). Some sources say 20-30 are confirmed. | Very few exist; high demand from collectors. |
| Mint Mark & Condition | The Denver (D) 1943 copper penny is unique — only 1 confirmed specimen. San Francisco (S) and Philadelphia (no mint mark) examples are rarer than many numismatic errors. Higher grades (e.g. “mint state”) dramatically increase value. | A mint state 1943-D error can command millions; circulated ones still hundreds of thousands. |
| Authentication & Errors | Many counterfeits exist (copper plating, date changes, etc.). Real ones are non-magnetic, weigh ~3.11 grams, and show strong strike details. | Certification from reputable grading services (NGC, PCGS) and condition grading are crucial for value. |
| Auction Records | Some coins have sold for over $300,000-$800,000+ depending on grade and provenance. | An example: A MS-64BN 1943-D copper penny fetched about $840,000 in a 2021 auction. |
Could a Penny in Your Change Be This Valuable?
- Yes, though highly unlikely. Due to the extreme rarity, most of this supply is already in private collections or under professional care.
- If you have a 1943 penny, check whether it’s steel or possibly copper: use a magnet test (copper = no magnetic attraction), weight it (~3.11g), and inspect the mint mark.
- If you suspect you might have one, submit it to a grading/authentication service for verification. Without professional verification, value is speculative.
Values: From Circulated to Mint State
Even circulated 1943 copper error pennies (if genuine) are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. In mint or near-mint condition, they can go into the millions.
The 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny copper error is one of the most legendary rare coins in American numismatics. With only a few genuine examples known, its value ranges from hundreds of thousands up to over a million dollars, depending on condition and mint mark.
While it’s extremely unlikely you’ll find one in your pocket change, knowing the signs — non-magnetic, correct weight, mint mark, error-free design — helps you recognize whether your penny could be a hidden treasure.
FAQs
What does “off-metal error” mean for a coin?
It means the coin was struck on a blank (planchet) of a different metal than intended. In 1943, pennies were supposed to be steel, but copper planchets left over from 1942 accidentally got used.
How do I tell if my 1943 penny is real or a fake?
Key checks include: using a magnet (real copper = not magnetic), weighing it (real ~3.11 grams; steel ~2.7 grams), examining mint marks carefully, seeing if there’s evidence of tampering (date-altered coins). And ideally, get third-party authentication.
Could the value really be $95,000, or is that too low/high?
$95,000 could be realistic for a circulated, lower-grade example. But many genuine 1943 copper pennies have sold for $300,000, $500,000, even up to $1 million+, especially mint state or for very rare mint marks.
