The story of a 1943 copper Lincoln wheat penny worth about 1.8 million dollars has renewed interest in coins that still pass through everyday transactions. This article explains why that specific 1943 penny is so valuable, how it came to exist, and practical steps to identify and handle such a coin.
Why the 1943 Copper Penny Attracts Attention
During World War II, the US Mint switched the penny composition from copper to zinc coated steel to save copper for the war effort. Most 1943 pennies are steel with a thin zinc coating, giving them a silver look. A small number of 1943 pennies were struck on copper planchets by mistake, creating a rare and highly sought error coin.
Because the mistake is so rare, certified copper 1943 pennies command very high prices at auction. Collectors prize them for their scarcity and for the clear story tied to wartime metal changes.
How 1943 Lincoln Wheat Coins Were Made
Normally, 1943 cents were made from a steel core with a thin zinc coating. The error copper cents likely resulted from leftover copper planchets being used accidentally at one of the Mint facilities. Coin production lines process thousands of planchets, so a mix up can lead to a few copper strikes.
Mint records show only a handful of confirmed copper 1943 pennies exist. Each certified example helps establish provenance and market value for subsequent finds.
Key differences between steel and copper 1943 pennies
- Copper pennies are brown or reddish in color. Steel cents are silver and magnetic.
- Steel pennies will attract a magnet. Genuine copper examples will not.
- Copper has a different weight and sound when dropped, but these tests are not definitive for authentication.
How to Spot a 1943 Copper Penny
Start with visual inspection and simple noninvasive tests. Many fakes are made by plating steel cents or altering dates, so careful checks are essential before assuming a coin is genuine.
Follow these steps to evaluate a suspect 1943 penny:
- Look at the color. A true copper 1943 will appear like a regular brown cent, not silver.
- Use a magnet. If the coin is magnetic it is steel and not a genuine copper 1943 cent.
- Check weight. Copper cents weigh about 3.11 grams, while steel cents are slightly lighter when coated.
- Examine the date closely for signs of alteration. Look for overheating, tool marks, or mismatched surfaces around the digits.
- Compare with certified images from reputable grading services to spot differences in strike, die marks, and surface texture.
Common red flags
- Uniform silver color with brown spots often indicates plating on a steel cent.
- Soft edges around the date or inconsistent wear can suggest tampering.
- Extremely low asking prices from unknown sellers, given the coin rarity.
What to Do If You Find a Suspect 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny
If you believe you have a copper 1943 penny, avoid cleaning or trying home fixes. Cleaning can destroy surfaces and reduce value drastically. Preserve the coin in a dry holder and document where and how it was found.
Next, seek professional authentication. Use an accredited coin grading service or a reputable dealer with experience in error coins. Authentication involves physical inspection, weight measurement, and sometimes X-ray fluorescence or other non destructive tests.
- Contact a recognized grading service such as PCGS or NGC for submission options.
- Ask local coin clubs or public numismatic bodies for referrals to trusted dealers.
- Get multiple opinions if needed before any sale or insurance appraisal.
Most 1943 pennies are steel and worth only face value. Only a tiny number struck on copper planchets are extremely valuable and must be authenticated to confirm they are not altered or plated.
Case Study: Auction of a Certified 1943 Copper Penny
In a recent high profile auction a certified 1943 copper Lincoln wheat penny drew media attention after it sold for more than 1.8 million dollars. The coin entered the market after professional grading confirmed its copper composition and authentic strike characteristics.
The auction emphasized these selling points for bidders:
- Professional certification from a respected grading service.
- Clear provenance and previous ownership history.
- High grade condition with minimal corrosion or damage.
This sale demonstrates how certification, provenance, and condition combine to produce extreme values for rare error coins. It also shows why everyday cash can sometimes hide unexpected treasures.
Practical Tips for Collectors and Finders
If you want to search for rare coins or handle a suspect 1943 penny, follow practical steps to protect value and reduce risk.
- Keep coins in their found condition. Avoid cleaning or polishing.
- Use gloves or handle by the edges to prevent oils from your fingers affecting the surface.
- Document discovery details and take clear photographs before submitting for grading.
- Buy insurance when transporting high value coins or consigning to auction.
Whether you are a casual finder or a serious collector, cautious handling and prompt professional assessment preserve both the coin and its potential value.
Final Notes on the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny
The 1943 copper penny is a notable example of how a wartime metal change created a modern numismatic rarity. While most 1943 cents are common, a tiny fraction are genuine copper errors and can reach extraordinary prices when authenticated.
Use the steps in this guide to evaluate any suspect coin and rely on certified experts to confirm authenticity. That approach protects you and helps ensure that a true find receives fair market recognition.
