1943 Copper Penny Value and Price Chart

How much is a 1943 copper penny worth? It depends on whether it is circulated or uncirculated and what the mint mark is. A circulated coin can be worth anywhere from $29,000 to more than a million. The most valuable 1943 copper penny was sold for $1.7 million in 2010.

In 1943, the United States was in the midst of World War II. The country was focused on winning the war, and the economy was booming. Businesses were thriving, and jobs were plentiful. Prices were controlled by the government, and wages were stable. Inflation was low, and the stock market was strong. The war effort had also brought about an increase in productivity, as factories were working around the clock to produce goods for the troops.

If you’re a collector, then you know that 1943 copper pennies are worth a lot of money. In fact, they’re worth so much that it’s important to keep track of their value and price chart. This way, you can be sure that you’re getting the best deal when selling or buying these coins. So, what is the current value of a 1943 copper penny? Keep reading to find out!

A Brief History of 1943 Pennies

The Lincoln penny is a one-cent coin that has been produced by the United States Mint since 1909. The obverse of the coin features a profile of President Abraham Lincoln, while the reverse depicts the Lincoln Memorial. More than 27 billion Lincoln pennies have been minted since 1909, making it one of the most widely circulated coins in the world.

The year 1943 was a landmark one for the United States Mint and Lincoln cents. In an effort to save copper for the war effort, the Mint began making pennies from steel with a thin coating of zinc. This change resulted in a coin that was significantly lighter in color than the traditional copper penny.

However, the public wasn’t thrilled with the change in material, as the new pennies quickly began to oxidize and turn a dull, dark gray color. This was made even worse by the fact that the 1943 penny is nearly identical in size to a dime, leading many people to mistakenly discard them.

While some people were initially confused by the new design, others found it to be quite appealing. In fact, many people began hoarders of the new 1943 pennies as collector’s items. Today, 1943 pennies are highly sought-after by both collectors and numismatists alike. Thanks to their unique history and beautiful design, these coins are truly one-of-a-kind.

What is a 1943 Copper Penny?

In 1943, the United States minted pennies out of zinc-plated steel instead of the usual copper. This was done due to a shortage of copper during World War II. However, a few copper coins were mistakenly made and released into circulation. As a result, 1943 copper pennies are now very rare and highly sought after by collectors.

But how did this error coin come to exist? Coin experts believe that a few copper blanks may have been left in the coin stamping machinery from the previous run and were stamped along with the steel blanks. These copper coins were then mixed in with the millions of steel pennies and circulated.

How Many 1943 Copper Pennies are in Existence?

It’s estimated that there are only 40 1943 copper pennies in existence and each one is worth upwards of $29,000. If you have a 1943 copper penny, you could be sitting on a small fortune. So dig through your change jar and see if you can find one of these rare treasures.

What Does a 1943 Copper Penny Look Like?

If you found a 1943 copper penny in your change, you might think you hit the jackpot. But before you start counting your money, it’s important to know a little bit about this coin.

The design of the 1943 copper penny is nearly identical to the design of the classic Lincoln penny. On the obverse or heads side, you’ll see a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, as well as the words “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “LIBERTY,” and the date. The reverse of the coin depicts two stalks of wheat, with the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “ONE CENT,” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”

So what makes this penny so special? The answer lies in its metal content. Unlike most pennies minted that year, which are made mostly of zinc with a thin copper coating, the 1943 penny is composed almost entirely of copper. Over time, the copper will begin to show through the surface of the coin, giving it a characteristic reddish hue. This process is known as oxidation, and it’s the same reason why copper pipes often turn green over time.

For collectors, the mint mark on a coin can be an important piece of information. The mint mark tells you where the coin was minted, and can sometimes affect the value of the coin. On a 1943 penny, the mint mark is located on the obverse, under the date. If there is no mint mark, that means the coin was minted in Philadelphia. A “D” mint mark indicates that the coin was minted in Denver, while an “S” mint mark indicates that it was minted in San Francisco.

How Much Is a 1943 Copper Penny Worth

Type	Circulated condition	Uncirculated condition
1943 no mint mark	$18,000-$29,000	$140,000-$190,000
1943 D	$38,000-$57,000	$260,000-$360,000
1943 S	$62,000-$92,000	$400,000-$590,000

1943 copper penny price chart

The most important factor in determining the value of a 1943 copper penny is its condition. A well-preserved penny will be worth more than one that has been circulated. In addition, the location of the mint mark also plays a role in determining the value of a 1943 copper penny.

A 1943 copper penny minted in Philadelphia can be worth at least $29,000 in circulated condition. An uncirculated penny can cost $190,000 or more depending on the grade.

A 1943 copper penny with a D mint mark is worth at least $57,000 in circulated condition and at least $360,000 in uncirculated condition. The D mint mark on the penny indicates that it was made at the Denver Mint.

A 1943 copper penny with an S mint mark (indicating that it was minted in San Francisco Mint) in circulated condition is worth about $92,000. In uncirculated condition, it is worth at least $590,000. This makes it the rarest of all 1943 copper pennies.

What is the Most Expensive 1943 Copper Penny Ever Sold?

In 2010, an anonymous collector paid $1.7 million for a 1943 copper penny, making it the most expensive 1943 copper penny ever sold. The penny, which was minted at the Denver Mint, was the only known example from that mint at the time. The proceeds from the sale were given to charity. In addition to its great monetary value, the historic significance of this coin makes it a truly priceless treasure.

Factors That Influence the 1943 Copper Penny Value

Is your 1943 copper penny valuable? It might be, depending on a number of factors. Let’s take a look at them:

Condition

When it comes to 1943 copper pennies, condition is everything. A circulating coin is one that has been used in everyday transactions and shows wear as a result. An uncirculated coin, on the other hand, has never been used and is in mint condition.

To determine the exact value of a 1943 copper penny, numismatists use the Sheldon scale. This scale goes from 1 to 70, with 1 being the lowest grade (poor condition) and 70 being the highest grade (perfect condition). A 1943 copper penny that falls somewhere in the middle of the Sheldon scale (say, around 40 or 50) would be considered to be in fine or very fine condition and would be worth tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

So, if you happen to come across a 1943 copper penny, be sure to check its condition before spending anything!

Mint Mark

A Mint Mark is a small letter or symbol that indicates which Mint produced a particular coin. For example, coins from the Philadelphia Mint will have no mint mark, while coins from the Denver Mint will have a “D” mint mark, and coins from San Francisco will have a “S” mint mark.

The value of a coin can be affected by its mint mark, as some mint marks are more rare than others. For instance, the 1943 copper penny is more valuable if it has an “S” mint mark, as this indicates that it was produced at the San Francisco Mint. Coins with no mint mark are generally less valuable, as they were produced at the Philadelphia Mint, which produced the most coins during that year. Thus, the mint mark on a 1943 copper penny can have a significant impact on its value.

Current Market Trends

The current market trends are greatly affecting the value of 1943 copper pennies. The economy is in a rocky state right now, and many people are selling their unwanted items in order to make some extra money. This includes coins, which are often seen as valuable collectibles. As a result, the supply of 1943 copper pennies on the market has increased, driving down prices.

In addition, the recent outbreak of COVID-19 has made people more hesitant to spend money on non-essentials. Collectors are holding onto their pennies until the market stabilizes, which could take months or even years. For these reasons, the value of 1943 copper pennies has decreased significantly in recent months. However, there are still some collectors who are willing to pay top dollar for these rare coins. If you have a 1943 copper penny, it is important to research the current market conditions before selling it.

How to Know if You Have a Real 1943 Copper Penny

It’s every coin collector’s dream to find a rare 1943 copper penny. But these coins are so valuable that they’re often faked. So how can you tell if you have a real 1943 copper penny?

Use Magnifying Glass

One of the easiest ways to spot a fake is to examine the date with a magnifying glass. On a genuine 1943 copper penny, the 3 will be sharply struck and have well-defined edges. If the 3 looks blurry or appears to be missing any detail, it’s likely that the coin has been altered.

Another telltale sign of a counterfeit is an abraded edge. On a real 1943 copper penny, the edges will be smooth and even. If the edges look worn or uneven, it’s probably best to avoid purchasing the coin.

The Magnet Test

These steel pennies are attracted to magnets, but genuine copper pennies are not. So, if you suspect that you have a 1943 copper penny, try testing it with a magnet. If the coin is attracted to the magnet, then it’s a fake. But if the coin is not attracted to the magnet, then there’s a good chance it’s the real deal.

Weigh the Coin

Here’s another way to tell if you have a real 1943 copper penny: weigh it. A common 1943 steel cent weighs 2.7 grams, while a copper penny weighs approximately 3.1 grams. So if your penny weighs more than 2.7 grams, it’s probably made of copper.

Have it Examined by a Professional

One of the best ways to know if you have a genuine 1943 copper penny is to have it examined by a professional. A professional numismatist will be able to tell if your coin is genuine simply by looking at it. While it may cost you a bit of money to have your penny evaluated, it is worth it to ensure that you have a genuine collector’s item.

What To Do If You Think You Have A Real 1943 Copper Cent

Finding a 1943 copper cent is like finding a needle in a haystack. There were only a handful of these coins minted, and most of them were destroyed. So what do you do if you’re lucky enough to find one?

First, it’s important to have the coin authenticated. There are many counterfeit coins in circulation, and you don’t want to waste your time with a fake. Once you’ve confirmed that you have a genuine 1943 copper cent, there are a few things you can do.

You can keep it as a collector’s item, or you can sell it to a numismatist (coin expert) for a hefty profit. So whatever you do, don’t spend your 1943 copper cent – it could be worth a lot more than its face value!

How to Properly Store a 1943 Copper Cent

If you’re a coin collector, then you know the importance of properly storing your coins. Not only does this help to preserve their value, but it also helps to prevent damage. When it comes to storing a 1943 copper cent, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:

• It’s important to keep the coin in a cool, dry place. Extreme temperature changes can cause the coin to develop cracks or discoloration.
• Make sure the coin is stored in a padded envelope or cloth bag. This will help to protect it from scratches and dents. The best way to store a copper coin is in an individual plastic flip. This will help to protect the coin from being scratched or otherwise damaged.
• Avoid storing the coin in an airtight container. This can cause the coin to tarnish over time.
• Avoid handling the coin too much. The oils from your skin can damage the coin’s surface, so it is best to handle it only when necessary.

By following these simple steps, you can help ensure that your 1943 copper cent remains in pristine condition for years to come!

Finding the Value of Your 1943 Copper Penny

If you have a 1943 copper penny, you may be wondering how much it’s worth. After all, it’s not every day that you come across an error coin that was minted over 75 years ago. The first step in determining the value of your penny is to find comparable coins that have recently been sold. This will give you a good idea of what collectors are willing to pay for a coin like yours. For example:

• A 1943 S penny struck on a bronze planchet graded AU 50 (About Uncirculated) sold for $211,500 on Heritage Auctions.
• A 1943 no mint mark pennys truck on a bronze planchet graded MS 62 sold for $348,000.
• A similar penny graded AU 50 sold for $336,000 this summer.
• A 1943 D penny struck on a bronze planchet graded MS 64 by PCGS sold for $840,000 on Heritage Auctions last year.

Once you have an idea of the market value, you can then assess your own coin to see if it is in mint condition, which would increase its value. With a little research, you should be able to get a good sense of how much your 1943 copper penny is worth.

FAQ

Is a 1943 copper penny worth $1000000?

A 1943 copper penny is worth $1000000 if it’s in uncirculated condition with high grade. In order to achieve this level of condition, the coin must have been well-preserved and not tampered with in any way.

While there are a handful of 1943 copper pennies known to exist, the vast majority have been significantly devalued by wear and tear. As a result, it is estimated that only a handful of 1943 copper pennies are worth $1000000. While the chances of finding one of these coins are slim, the reward for doing so is significant.

What are the odds of finding a 1943 copper penny?

The odds of finding a 1943 copper penny are about one in fifteen million. This is because most of the 1943 pennies were minted with steel instead of copper due to wartime production restrictions. However, a small number of copper pennies were accidentally made during the war, and these coins are now quite valuable.

If you come across a 1943 penny, it’s definitely worth taking a closer look to see if it’s made of copper. With such rarity, finding one of these coins would be an amazing feat!

Are steel wheat pennies worth anything?

In circulated condition, it is worth about 10 to 13 cents each. In uncirculated condition, it can be worth 50 cents or more.

The steel wheat penny is a unique piece of American currency. Unlike most pennies, which are made of copper, the steel wheat penny is made of steel. The steel wheat penny was first minted in 1943, during the Second World War. The war effort had created a shortage of copper, so the US government decided to use steel instead.

Final Thoughts

If you’re lucky enough to have a 1943 copper penny, you may be wondering how much it’s worth. The answer depends on a few factors, including the condition of the coin and the mint mark. A circulated coin is typically worth between $29,000 and $1 million, while an uncirculated coin can be worth even more. So, if you have a 1943 copper penny, be sure to take good care of it – it could be worth a small fortune!

If you think you may have a 1943 copper penny, it’s important to have it authenticated by a professional before attempting to sell it. There are many fakes on the market, and you don’t want to risk selling your coin for far less than it’s actually worth. With that said, a genuine 1943 copper penny is an extremely valuable coin, and it’s definitely worth taking the time to get it appraised. Thank you for reading!