. That’s exactly what happened when a rare 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent sold for $504,000, making it one of the most legendary U.S. coins in existence.
With only 10–15 confirmed survivors, this wartime minting mistake is often called the “Crown Jewel of U.S. coin errors.” Here’s how you can spot one and why it’s so valuable.
5 Ways to Identify an Authentic 1943 Copper Penny
Magnet Test 
- Real Copper:
Does not stick to a magnet - Fake Steel:
Strongly magnetic
Weight Verification 
- Authentic: 3.11 grams
- Fake: Around 2.7 grams (steel weight)
Visual Inspection 
- Color: Rich reddish-brown, not silvery
- Edge: Solid copper — no zinc coating
Sound Test 
- Copper: Soft, dull “clink”
- Steel: High-pitched “ping”
Mintmark Check 
Possible varieties:
- Philadelphia: No mintmark
- Denver: “D”
- San Francisco: “S”
1943 Copper Penny Value Guide (2025)
| Grade | Description | Value |
|---|---|---|
| MS64BN | Premium quality | $504,000 |
| AU55BN | Light wear | $250,000 |
| XF40BN | Circulated | $125,000 |
Fun Fact: In 2022, one was discovered in an attic and sold for $365,000.
Why This Penny Is Worth So Much
Historical Significance – Accidentally struck in copper during WWII (when steel cents were standard)
Extreme Rarity – Fewer than 20 known examples exist
Museum Status – One proudly displayed in the Smithsonian
High Collector Demand – Regarded as the ultimate “Holy Grail” coin
3 Costly Mistakes to Avoid
Cleaning the coin – Destroys collector value
Falling for altered dates – Example: a 1948 changed to look like 1943
Selling raw (uncertified) – Only PCGS/NGC-certified coins bring top dollar
Professional Authentication Steps
- XRF Metal Analysis → Confirms 95% copper content
- 60x Microscopy → Matches known die markers
- Edge Examination → Ensures no plating fraud
- PCGS/NGC Grading → Required for serious buyers
Where to Search for One
- Old 1940s coin rolls, especially from Philadelphia
- Estate sales & vintage coin albums
- European collections – many WWII cents circulated abroad
Think You Found One?
If you suspect you’ve uncovered a 1943 Copper Penny, here’s how to start:
Email: copper@pennyverse.info with:
- Macro photos of both sides
- Short video of weight measurement
- Close-up of mintmark
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 72-hour evaluation.
