WHY THIS 1943 PENNY COULD MAKE YOU RICH
A 1943 Lincoln penny recently discovered in a wheat penny roll could be worth over $500,000—but only if it passes these 3 critical tests. Here’s why this coin is so valuable and how to verify if yours is real.
THE STORY BEHIND THE $500K PENNY
- Historical Context: In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched to steel pennies (zinc-coated) to save copper for WWII.
- The Rarity: A handful of copper/bronze pennies were accidentally struck that year. Only 10–15 are confirmed to exist.
- Recent Find: A follower of @TheCoinChannel discovered one in a wheat penny roll from Amityville, NY.
3 WAYS TO TEST IF YOUR 1943 PENNY IS REAL
1. Check the Weight
- Steel Penny: 2.7 grams (magnetic)
- Copper/Bronze Error: 3.11 grams (non-magnetic)
- Test It: Use a precision scale. If it weighs 3.11g, it could be real.
2. Magnet Test
- Steel Penny: Will stick to a magnet.
- Copper Error: Will NOT stick.
- Try It: Hold a magnet over your 1943 penny. If it doesn’t attract, it might be copper.
3. Visual Inspection
- Steel Pennies:
- Silver-gray color (zinc-coated).
- Rust or corrosion common.
- Copper Error:
- Reddish-brown (like normal copper pennies).
- No rust (copper doesn’t corrode like steel).
WHAT IF YOUR PENNY PASSES ALL 3 TESTS?
- Get It Graded IMMEDIATELY:
- Submit to PCGS or NGC (100–100–300 fee for rare coins).
- Authentication is critical—counterfeits exist!
- Insure It:
- A real 1943 copper penny is worth 250,000–250,000–1.7 million at auction.
- Sell Through:
- Heritage Auctions (record sales for error coins).
- Private Collectors (discreet deals for ultra-rarities).
RECORD SALES OF 1943 COPPER PENNIES
| Grade | Sale Price | Year |
|---|---|---|
| MS-62 Brown | $1.7 million | 2010 |
| AU-55 | $840,000 | 2021 |
| XF-40 | $282,000 | 2019 |
Note: Even lower-grade examples sell for $100,000+.
BEWARE OF FAKES!
- Common Scams:
- Copper-plated steel pennies.
- Altered 1948 pennies (the “3” can be doctored).
- How to Spot Fakes:
- Check weight and magnetism (fake copper-plated steel will still stick).
- Look for tool marks under a 10x loupe.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND ONE
- Don’t Clean It! (Rubs away value.)
- Store in a Protective Holder (Avoid PVC flips.)
- Contact an Expert (Like @TheCoinChannel or PennyVerse).
READY TO SEARCH YOUR PENNY ROLLS?
<span style=”color: #ff0000;”>Your spare change could be a life-changing find!</span>
✅ FREE 1943 Penny Guide (download checklist).
💰 Auction Alerts (track record sales).
🔍 Expert Authentication Tips (avoid fakes).
Watch the Full Story:
TikTok: “$500K 1943 Copper Penny Discovery”
