Wartime Error Turns 1943 Penny Into $505,000 Collectible – Here’s How To Identify It

During World War II, the U.S. Mint made a surprising mistake that turned an ordinary penny into one of the most valuable coins in history. While most 1943 pennies were struck in steel coated with zinc, a few were mistakenly struck on leftover bronze planchets from 1942.

These rare errors are now worth up to $505,000 or more, making them some of the most sought-after collectibles in the coin world.

This guide will explain why these pennies are so valuable, how to identify them, and what you should do if you think you have one.

Why Was the 1943 Penny Made of Steel?

In 1943, the United States was heavily involved in World War II. Copper was needed for ammunition, wiring, and military equipment. To conserve copper, the Mint switched to steel cents coated in zinc, which gave the coins a silvery look.

However, a small number of bronze blanks were accidentally left in the machines. When these were struck with the 1943 design, they created the famous bronze error penny.

How Rare Are 1943 Copper Pennies?

The rarity of this error coin makes it extremely valuable. Experts estimate:

• Around 10–15 known from the Philadelphia Mint (no mintmark)
• About 5–6 known from the San Francisco Mint (S mintmark)
• Only 1 known from the Denver Mint (D mintmark)

Because of this scarcity, collectors are willing to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars at auctions for these coins.

Record Auction Sales

Over the years, the 1943 copper penny has broken records at auctions:

• A 1943-S (San Francisco) copper penny sold for $504,000 in 2020.
• A 1943-D (Denver) copper penny, the only known example, sold for $840,000 in 2021.
• Reports suggest a private sale in 2010 for this Denver coin reached $1.7 million.

These numbers prove just how valuable this coin can be.

How to Identify a Real 1943 Copper Penny

Here are some simple tests and checks to help spot the genuine bronze error:

1. Color Test

• Genuine 1943 bronze pennies appear reddish-brown or chocolate brown.
• Common 1943 steel pennies appear silvery or gray, and may darken with age.

2. Magnet Test

• Bronze pennies are not magnetic.
• Steel pennies stick to a magnet.
• If your 1943 penny sticks, it’s steel (or a copper-plated fake).

3. Weight Test

• Bronze pennies weigh about 3.11 grams.
• Steel pennies weigh about 2.70 grams.
• A digital scale can help you measure precisely.

4. Date Check

• Be careful of 1948 pennies altered to look like 1943.
• On a fake, the “3” may look odd or out of place.

Comparison

Feature	1943 Steel Penny (Common)	1943 Copper Penny (Rare Error)
Metal	Steel coated with zinc	Bronze (copper alloy)
Color	Silvery-gray	Brown or reddish
Weight	2.70 grams	3.11 grams
Magnet Test	Sticks to magnet	Does not stick
Value	15¢ to a few dollars	$100,000–$500,000+

Common Fakes to Watch Out For

Because of the huge value, many fake 1943 copper pennies exist. The most common tricks include:

• Copper-plated steel pennies – these will still stick to a magnet.
• Altered 1948 pennies – where the “8” is changed to look like a “3.”
• Reprocessed steel cents – shiny but not bronze.

What To Do If You Think You Have One

If you suspect your 1943 penny might be copper:

1. Don’t clean it – cleaning reduces value.
2. Check color, weight, and magnet response.
3. Take it to a professional grading service such as PCGS or NGC.
4. Consider an auction house if it’s confirmed genuine — that’s where record-breaking sales happen.

The 1943 copper penny is one of the most legendary error coins in U.S. history. Born out of a wartime mix-up, this coin transformed from a humble one-cent piece into a half-million-dollar treasure.

If you ever find a 1943 penny that doesn’t stick to a magnet and weighs around 3.11 grams, you could be holding a small piece of history — and a life-changing payday.

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