During World War II, America needed large quantities of copper to make war-related materials and weapons. As a measure to save copper, the U.S. Mint started issuing one-cent coins (pennies) using steel coated with zinc. In the process, some of the leftover 1942 copper blanks were inadvertently used to create some 1943 pennies. These are the most prized coins in US history—some are worth lakhs of rupees today!
Why the 1943 Copper Penny is So Rare
Most pennies in 1943 were manufactured with steel due to the fact that copper was being saved for the war effort. A couple of copper blanks did get included in the minting machines accidentally. These copper 1943 coins were not meant to be made, and that is the reason why they are so scarce.
Fewer than 20 certified 1943 copper pennies can be found today. Because of this, collectors and investors across the globe are willing to pay hundreds of dollars for them.
How to Identify a Real 1943 Copper Penny
Below are some easy tests and signs to check if your 1943 penny belongs to the copper type:
Date: Look for if the coin displays the year 1943 in clear sight.
Color: Genuine copper pennies will be brownish-red, the same color as normal one-cent coins made before 1943. Steel pennies will normally be grey or silver.
Magnet Test: Remove a magnet. If the coin sticks to the magnet, it’s steel and not an expensive coin. If it does not, there is a good chance it may be copper.
Weight Test:
- Remove a very small digital scale.
- Copper penny: about 3.11 grams
- Steel penny: about 2.7 grams
Sound Test:
- Let the coin fall gently onto a hard surface.
- Copper pennies produce a different sound than steel pennies—a less loud “clink” instead of a ring.
How Much is a 1943 Copper Penny Worth?
Because it is so rare, an authentic 1943 copper penny can be extremely valuable:
- A copper 1943 penny in 2019 sold for $204,000
- A record $840,000 was paid for a 1943-D edition (milled in Denver)
- Less than 20 authentic copper 1943 pennies are believed to remain
Expert Tip for Coin Collectors
Don’t clean or try to improve what you think is a 1943 copper penny—otherwise, it could lose value. Instead:
Conduct simple testing with a magnet and scale
If it passes, have it submitted to a professional coin grading service like PCGS or NGC to have it authenticated and officially graded
The copper 1943 penny is not just a coin—it’s a piece of history that can cost lakhs. If you happen to come across an old penny with the year 1943, examine it carefully. A magnet test and weighing might help you identify a treasure that can transform your life. And if luck favors you and you happen to possess one, professional grading is your next step to unlock its true potential.
FAQ’s
Q. Why is that penny from 1943 that was made of copper so valuable?
A. The pennies from 1943 were now made of steel too from this year. The stamps were missing copper in this year due to metals that would otherwise diverge from the priced items. Few copper rounds were in reality struck on the presses.
Q. What is the actual way to confirm if the 1943 penny is copper?
A. The penny would fail on a magnet test, hence sticking does not happen with it. Then check the color – either brown or reddish – and weight, proportionally weighing nearly 3.11 grams.
Q. How much is a real 1943 copper penny valued?
A. The authenticity of a 1943 copper penny might be valued between $200,000 and as much as $800,000 or even more, according to its condition and mint mark on it.
Q. Should I clean my 1943 penny before selling it?
A. Definitely not. The only thing cleaning will do is decrease the value of the coin. Leave that to the professionals-they will grade it for you.
Q. How do I get my 1943 copper penny authenticated?
A. Send it to a professional grading company, such as PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company).
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