How a WWII Minting Error Created the Holy Grail of US Coins
A single 1943 bronze Lincoln cent recently sold for $504,000 – making it one of the most valuable pennies in existence. With only 10-15 known survivors, this accidental copper treasure could be hiding in your collection right now. Here’s how to identify it.
5 Ways to Spot the Real Deal
Magnet Test (Instant Check)
Real Copper: Won’t stick
Fake Steel: Strongly magnetic
Weight Verification 
Authentic: 3.11 grams (must be exact)
Fake: ~2.7 grams (steel weight)
Visual Inspection 
- Color: Rich reddish-brown (not silvery)
- Edge: Solid copper (no zinc coating)
Sound Test 
- Copper: Dull “clink”
- Steel: High-pitched “ping”
Mintmark Check 
Can appear on:
- Philadelphia (no mark)
- Denver (“D”)
- San Francisco (“S”)
2025 Value Guide (PCGS/NGC Certified)
| Grade | Description | Value |
|---|---|---|
| MS64BN | Premium quality | $504,000 |
| AU55BN | Light wear | $250,000 |
| XF40BN | Circulated | $125,000 |
Recent Find: 2022 attic discovery sold for $365,000
Why This Error is So Valuable
Historical Significance: Mistake during WWII steel transition
Extreme Rarity: Fewer than 20 confirmed
Museum-Quality: Smithsonian displays one
Collector Demand: “Crown Jewel” of US numismatics
3 Deadly Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t Clean It! (Destroys value)
- Beware Altered Coins (1948→1943 scams)
- Never Sell Uncertified (PCGS/NGC only)
Professional Authentication
- XRF Metal Analysis (95% copper)
- 60x Microscopy (Die markers)
- Edge Examination (No plating)
- PCGS/NGC Grading (Mandatory)
Where to Search
- 1940s coin rolls (Especially Philly batches)
- Estate sales (Check old wheat cent albums)
- European collections (WWII circulation)
Think You Found One?
Email copper@pennyverse.info with:
- Macro photos of both sides
- Weight measurement video
- Mintmark close-up
Free With Submission:
1943 Copper Authentication Guide
Auction Strategy Consultation
*”Fewer than 20 exist – could yours be next?”*
– The PennyVerse Authentication Team
Reply “1943COPPER” for VIP Evaluation
