The Lincoln Wheat Cent is already a favorite among coin collectors, but one year stands out more than most—1943. That’s the year a rare mistake created one of the most valuable coins in U.S. history: the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Cent. With individual coins selling for over $1 million, this small piece of copper is a giant in the numismatic world. If you’ve ever wanted to know why this penny is so special, or how to tell if you might have one, this guide breaks it all down.
History
In 1943, copper was in short supply due to World War II. To save resources, the U.S. Mint switched from using bronze to steel for its pennies. These new coins had a shiny, silver look and were magnetic. But a few leftover bronze blanks—called planchets—were accidentally used at the mints. These rare bronze pennies weren’t discovered until years later and have since become prized collector items.
Features
Here’s a quick overview of the 1943 bronze penny:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Name | 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Cent |
| Estimated Value | Up to $1.1 million or more |
| Error | Struck on bronze planchet |
| Color | Reddish-brown (not silvery) |
| Weight | ~3.11 grams (steel is ~2.70g) |
| Magnetic? | No |
| Notable Sales | $1.7M (1943-D), $1M (1943-S) |
Rarity
Only a handful of these coins are known to exist, with fewer than 20 authenticated examples from the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints. The rarest? A single known coin from the Denver mint, the 1943-D bronze cent.
How-To
Think you might have one in your change jar? Here’s what to do:
1. Check the Year
It must say “1943.” Watch out for altered coins—some people turn 1948 pennies into fakes by shaving the “8” to look like a “3.”
2. Look at the Color
Steel pennies are gray and shiny. The rare bronze version has a warm, reddish tone.
3. Try a Magnet
Steel sticks to a magnet. Bronze doesn’t. No pull? Keep going.
4. Weigh It
Use a digital scale.
- Bronze: ~3.11g
- Steel: ~2.70g
5. Check the Mint Mark
No mark = Philadelphia
“D” = Denver (only one known!)
“S” = San Francisco
6. Look for Forgery Signs
Fake coins often have odd shapes, scratches, or inconsistent rims. If anything looks off, get it checked out.
Sales
Here are some jaw-dropping prices these coins have fetched:
| Coin Type | Sale Price |
|---|---|
| 1943-D Bronze Cent | $1.7 million |
| 1943-S Bronze Cent | $1 million |
| 1943 (no mint mark) | $300,000 – $500,000 |
Authentication
Don’t take chances. If you think you’ve found one, send it to a professional service:
- PCGS: www.pcgs.com
- NGC: www.ngccoin.com
These companies will verify authenticity and assign a grade, increasing your coin’s value and credibility.
Tips
Worried about scams? Keep these in mind:
- Don’t judge by color alone
- Use a magnet and weigh your coin
- Inspect the number “3” for tampering
- Always seek expert help before selling
Other Valuable Lincoln Cents
Even if you don’t find a 1943 bronze cent, other Lincoln Wheat pennies can still be worth thousands.
1909-S VDB
- First Lincoln cent
- VDB initials on back
- Worth $1,000+ in average condition
1955 Double Die
- Letters and date appear doubled
- Worth $1,000 to $15,000+
1922 No D
- Minted in Denver, but some have no “D”
- Die error
- Worth up to $10,000
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent isn’t just rare—it’s legendary. If you ever find one, you’re holding a piece of history and a major payday. But even if you don’t, Lincoln cents offer many fun and valuable discoveries. So keep checking your pocket change—you never know when you might find treasure.
FAQs
How many 1943 bronze pennies exist?
Fewer than 20 across all mint marks.
Are 1943 bronze cents magnetic?
No, they are not attracted to magnets.
Can I sell one without grading it?
You can, but grading increases value and trust.
What does a real 1943 bronze cent weigh?
Around 3.11 grams.
How much is a 1943-D bronze cent worth?
It sold for $1.7 million at auction.
