Most people think of pennies as pocket change, but one rare version of the 1943 Lincoln penny has become one of the most valuable coins in U.S. history. Some examples of this penny have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars, making it a dream find for collectors and everyday Americans alike.
Why the 1943 Penny Is So Special
In 1943, during World War II, the U.S. Mint stopped using copper to conserve metal for the war effort. Instead, pennies were made from zinc-coated steel. However, a small number of pennies were mistakenly struck on bronze (copper) planchets left over from 1942.
These accidental copper strikes are what make the 1943 bronze Lincoln penny extremely rare and valuable.
How Much Is It Worth?
The value of a genuine 1943 bronze Lincoln penny depends on condition and authenticity, but confirmed examples have sold for:
- $100,000+
- $250,000+
- Over $1 million in exceptional cases
Even worn examples can be worth a fortune if they are authentic.
How to Tell If You Have One
There are a few simple checks you can do at home:
- Magnet test: Steel pennies stick to magnets. Bronze ones do not.
- Color: Copper pennies have a brown or reddish tone, not silver-gray.
- Weight: Bronze pennies weigh more than steel versions.
- Date: The coin must clearly show the year 1943.
If your penny passes these checks, professional authentication is critical.
Get It Authenticated
Because of its high value, many fakes exist. If you believe you have a real 1943 bronze penny:
- Do not clean the coin
- Have it graded by a professional coin grading service
- Store it safely until verified
Authentication is the only way to confirm value.
Where These Pennies Are Found
Authentic examples have been discovered in:
- Old coin collections
- Inherited jars of change
- Estate sales
- Bank rolls decades ago
Although rare, some remain unaccounted for, which keeps hope alive for collectors.
Why Collectors Want It So Badly
The 1943 bronze Lincoln penny combines:
- Extreme rarity
- A famous minting error
- Strong historical importance
- Record-breaking auction prices
Few U.S. coins check all these boxes, which is why demand remains incredibly high.
Final Thoughts
The idea that a simple penny could be worth a fortune continues to capture the imagination of Americans. While most 1943 pennies are steel and worth little, the rare bronze version is a legendary coin. Checking your old change may not make you rich—but if you find this penny, it could change your life.