Among the rarest coins in American history lies a true treasure: the 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny. While millions of 1943 pennies were struck in steel due to wartime metal needs, a few were accidentally minted in copper. One of these elusive coins is now believed to be worth up to $99.99 million, making it not only a numismatic marvel but possibly the most valuable penny in the world.
Why the 1943 Copper Penny Is So Rare
In 1943, the U.S. Mint transitioned from using copper to steel in penny production to conserve copper for World War II efforts. That year, over a billion steel cents were minted. However, due to a minting error, a few copper planchets left over from 1942 were mistakenly used to strike a small number of 1943 pennies.
Experts estimate that only 15 to 20 genuine 1943 copper pennies exist today across all U.S. Mint locations. The rarity of this coin has driven collectors to pay staggering amounts when one surfaces.
Record-Breaking Sale and Estimated Value
In recent years, a verified 1943 Copper Wheat Penny has sold at auction for $1.7 million. However, experts believe that if another example surfaces in perfect mint condition or with a particularly rare mint mark, it could fetch as much as $99.99 million in the right private sale or auction scenario.
How to Identify a 1943 Copper Penny
If you think you’ve stumbled upon one of these coins, here’s what to look for:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | Should NOT be magnetic (steel coins are) |
| Weight | ~3.11 grams (copper); steel cents weigh ~2.7 grams |
| Color | Reddish-brown or chocolate tone typical of copper |
| Date | Clearly reads “1943” |
| Mint Marks | May have “D” (Denver), “S” (San Francisco), or none |
Important: Steel pennies from 1943 will stick to a magnet. Copper ones will not.
Where These Coins Might Appear
Despite their extreme rarity, 1943 copper pennies have been discovered in unexpected places:
- Inherited coin collections
- Old piggy banks
- Estate sales or flea markets
- Loose change jars from past decades
This means the $99.99 million penny could still be hiding in plain sight—possibly even in your own home.
The 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny is more than just currency—it’s a piece of American history and a dream come true for collectors. With an estimated value of up to $99.99 million, this tiny treasure remains one of the greatest mysteries and thrills in coin collecting. If you’re lucky enough to find one, you might just be holding a fortune in your hand.
FAQs
How can I confirm if I have a 1943 copper penny?
Use a magnet. If the penny does not stick, it could be copper. Then have it authenticated by a reputable coin grading service.
How many 1943 copper pennies exist?
Estimates suggest only 15–20 genuine coins exist, making them one of the rarest and most valuable coins ever produced.
Can I sell a 1943 copper penny?
Yes. If authenticated, you can auction it or sell to private collectors, dealers, or through high-end coin sales platforms.