The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent is one of the most famous U.S. coin errors ever struck — with single examples selling for over half a million dollars at auction.
Why It’s So Rare
- World War II Minting Change – In 1943, all cents were struck on zinc-coated steel planchets to save copper for the war effort.
- Accidental Leftovers – A few leftover bronze planchets from 1942 were mistakenly struck with the 1943 date.
- Tiny Population – Fewer than 20 confirmed examples exist from both Philadelphia and Denver Mints combined.
Key Identification Features
Color:
- Bronze (reddish-brown) rather than the usual silver-gray steel color
Metal Composition:
- Bronze: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc
- Weight: ~3.11g (steel cents weigh ~2.70g)
Magnet Test:
- Bronze cents will not stick to a magnet
- Steel cents will
Date:
- Must read 1943
Recent Sales
| Grade | Auction Price |
|---|---|
| AU58 BN | $282,000 |
| MS62 BN | $372,000 |
| MS63 BN | $504,000 (record) |
Beware of Fakes
- Plated Steel Cents – Many normal 1943 steel cents are copper-plated to mimic bronze; weight test reveals them.
- Altered Dates – 1945, 1948, or 1949 cents sometimes altered to look like “1943.”
- Counterfeit Planchets – Wrong metal content detectable with XRF analysis.
Historical Significance
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent is more than just a valuable error — it’s a minting mishap tied directly to World War II. It reflects the U.S. government’s urgent need to redirect copper for ammunition and equipment production, and the extraordinary rarity caused by a few stray planchets slipping through the presses.
What to Do If You Find One
- Handle only by the edges with gloves
- Verify weight and magnetic properties
- Submit to PCGS or NGC for authentication
- Insure for six figures immediately
Free Preliminary Check
Email clear, high-resolution photos to: Bronze1943@CoinVerify.com
24/7 Rare Coin Hotline: 1-888-43-BRONZE
