It sounds unbelievable, but a common looking 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny could actually be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, or even more. That’s right, a single penny. This amazing value comes from a rare minting mistake during World War II, a mistake so rare that only a handful of these coins are known to exist. What makes this story even more exciting is that experts believe some of these valuable pennies might still be out there, maybe even sitting in your own coin jar or lost at the bottom of your purse or backpack.
A wartime accident creates a rare treasure
During World War II, copper was needed for things like making weapons and supplies. So, in 1943, the US Mint decided to make pennies out of steel with a thin zinc coating instead of copper. However, a small number of copper blanks, which are the plain metal discs used to make coins, accidentally got mixed in with the steel ones. These leftover copper blanks from 1942 were then stamped with the 1943 date, creating a penny that should have never been made. This error makes these coins extremely rare and highly prized by collectors.
How to tell if your penny is the real deal
Finding a 1943 penny is not hard since a lot were made. But finding the rare copper one is the challenge. The easiest way to check if your 1943 penny is the valuable copper version is to use a magnet.
- The 1943 steel pennies will stick to a magnet because they are made of steel.
- A genuine 1943 copper penny will NOT stick to a magnet because copper is not magnetic.
Also, a copper penny is a reddish brown color, while the steel ones look more silver or gray. Be careful, though, because some people try to fake these rare coins by coating steel pennies with copper. If you think you might have found a real one, it’s best to have a professional coin expert look at it to make sure it’s authentic.
Here’s a simple guide to identify your 1943 penny:
| Test | Copper Penny | Steel Penny |
|---|
| Magnet Test | Does NOT stick to magnet | Sticks to magnet |
| Color | Reddish-brown | Silvery-gray |
The hunt continues
The fact that some of these rare 1943 copper pennies might still be circulating in everyday change is what keeps the dream alive for many people. Many individuals might have unknowingly spent these valuable coins over the years, not realizing their true worth. This idea sparks a treasure hunt for many, encouraging people to look closely at their pennies, checking the date and testing them with a magnet.
A collector’s dream
For coin collectors, finding a 1943 copper penny is a huge deal. It’s more than just money; it’s a piece of history from a very important time in America. The story of these rare pennies reminds us that even small, everyday items can sometimes hide incredible value and fascinating stories. So, the next time you see a penny from 1943, take a closer look. You never know, you might just be holding a piece of history that could be worth a small fortune.