How a Minting Mistake Created a Half-Million Dollar Penny
This extraordinary 1943 bronze Lincoln cent represents one of the most valuable coin errors in U.S. history, with record sales reaching $504,000. Here’s why this accidental copper penny commands such astronomical value and how to authenticate one.
Key Identification Features
Diagnostic Checklist
| Feature | 1943 Bronze Cent | Regular 1943 Steel Cent |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 3.11g (±0.05g) | 2.70g |
| Magnetism | Non-magnetic | Strongly magnetic |
| Color | Reddish-brown | Silvery-gray |
| Sound Test | Dull “clink” | High-pitched “ping” |
| Edge | Solid copper | Zinc coating visible |
Mintmark Varieties
All three mints produced accidental copper cents:
- Philadelphia (no mintmark)
- Denver (D)
- San Francisco (S)
Grading & Value Spectrum
| Grade | Description | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| MS64BN | Premium quality | 350,000−350,000−504,000 |
| AU55BN | Light wear | 150,000−150,000−250,000 |
| XF40BN | Moderate wear | 75,000−75,000−125,000 |
Record Sale: $504,000 (PCGS MS64BN, 2024)
Where to Search for This Rarity
Best Hunting Methods
- Original 1940s Coin Rolls (especially Philadelphia batches)
- Estate Collections (check old wheat cent albums)
- European Holdings (where U.S. coins circulated post-WWII)
Recent Discovery:
A 1943 bronze cent surfaced in 2022 in a Massachusetts attic – certified and sold for $365,000
Professional Authentication
Critical Steps:
- Magnet Test: Must NOT stick
- Weigh Precisely: 3.11g (±0.05g tolerance)
- XRF Analysis: Confirm 95% copper composition
- PCGS/NGC Submission: Essential for marketability
Red Flags:
❌ Wrong weight
❌ Partial magnetism (indicates plating)
❌ Casting seams
Free Expert Evaluation
Think you’ve found a 1943 copper cent? Email clear photos to:
Subject: “1943 COPPER CHECK”
We’ll provide:
✔ Free preliminary assessment
✔ Current market valuation
✔ Next-step recommendations
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