The King of Coin Errors
The 1943-D Lincoln Wheat Penny struck in copper is the most famous and valuable U.S. coin error of all time. While over 200 million steel cents were minted in Denver that year (to save copper for WWII), only 10–15 copper examples are known today.
That extreme rarity makes this the “Holy Grail” of pennies — and one of the most coveted coins in the entire numismatic world.
Record-Breaking Sales
- 2010 → Private sale for $1.7 million
- 2021 → Heritage Auctions hammer price of $840,000
- 2004 → Sold at auction for $212,750
Takeaway: Every time one appears, collectors battle fiercely — and the price keeps climbing.
How to Identify a Real 1943-D Copper Penny
Here’s how experts authenticate this rare error:
Date: Must read 1943- Mint Mark: “D” for Denver, just below the date
- Color: Bronze/copper (not the silver-gray steel)
- Weight: 3.11 grams (vs. 2.7 grams for steel)
- Magnetic Test: Should not stick to a magnet
![Side-by-side comparison showing copper vs. steel 1943 pennies]
Why It’s Worth Millions
Historical Context:
- During WWII, copper was needed for ammunition & equipment
- The Mint switched to zinc-coated steel
- A few leftover copper planchets were struck by mistake
Extreme Rarity:
- Only 13 confirmed specimens
- Fewer than 5 known in mint state
Collector Demand:
- Essential to complete a Lincoln cent master set
- Considered the crown jewel of U.S. coin errors
Grading & Value Guide
| Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| AU55 | $500,000 – $750,000 |
| MS60 | $800,000 – $1,000,000 |
| MS63+ | $1,500,000+ |
Note: Values apply only to authenticated specimens.
Where to Find These Rarities
Museum Collections (Smithsonian owns one)
Private Elite Collections
Major Auctions (Heritage, Stack’s Bowers)
Beware of Counterfeits
There are far more fakes than genuine 1943-D copper cents. Protect yourself by:
- Getting PCGS or NGC certification
- Using XRF metal analysis for composition
- Consulting trusted coin authenticators
“I Found a 1943 Copper Penny — Now What?”
Don’t clean it
Handle only by the edges
Take clear, close-up photos
Contact PCGS or NGC immediately
Grading cost starts around $300 — but it’s a no-brainer for a potential million-dollar coin.
