1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny: Among all American coins, few create as much excitement as the 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat penny. What looks like an ordinary one-cent coin can actually be worth more than a luxury house if it turns out to be genuine. Only a tiny number were ever made, and collectors worldwide compete fiercely to own one.
Why This Penny Is So Valuable
During World War II, the U.S. Mint needed copper for military equipment such as ammunition and wiring. Because of this shortage, pennies in 1943 were produced using zinc-coated steel instead of copper.
However, a small number of leftover copper planchets from 1942 accidentally remained in the minting machines. These blanks were struck into 1943 pennies — creating one of the biggest minting errors in coin history.
Only a few dozen genuine examples are believed to exist today. One verified specimen has sold for $576,000, and high-grade pieces can reach even higher prices in private auctions.
Quick Identification Guide
Here’s how you can check whether your coin might be the rare copper version:
1. Magnet Test
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Steel penny → sticks to a magnet
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Rare copper penny → does NOT stick
This is the fastest first test collectors use.
2. Color & Surface
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Steel coins appear gray or silvery
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Real copper pieces show brown or reddish tones similar to older pennies
3. Date Check
Look carefully at the year:
1943
If the number looks altered or scratched, it may be a modified 1948 penny (a common fake).
4. Weight Test
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Steel penny: ~2.7 grams
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Copper penny: ~3.11 grams
A small digital scale helps here.
Mint Marks That Increase Value
Check under the year for a mint letter:
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No mark — Philadelphia
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D — Denver
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S — San Francisco
All are valuable, but some mint versions are rarer and command higher prices.
Beware of Counterfeits
Because the coin is so famous, many fake versions exist. Common tricks include:
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Copper plating a steel penny
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Altering the date from 1948 to 1943
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Using replica blanks
Never sell or insure the coin before professional authentication. Always submit it to a certified grading service.
What To Do If You Think You Found One
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Do NOT clean the coin
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Store it in a soft holder
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Avoid touching the surface
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Get it authenticated immediately
Cleaning alone can destroy tens of thousands of dollars in value.
Final Thought
The 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat penny pro
