That “silver” wheat penny in your change jar might not be silver at all—but it could still make you rich! 
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel-coated zinc to save copper for the war effort. Most of these 1943 pennies are common… but a tiny handful were accidentally struck in copper—and those can sell for $100,000 to $1.7 MILLION! 
The Shocking Truth About the 1943 Penny
Not actually silver – They’re steel with a zinc coating (wartime issue)
Over 40 million were made in steel—but fewer than 20 copper examples exist
Last copper penny auction record: $1.7 million! 
Fun Fact: People disliked these steel pennies because they:
- Rusted quickly
- Were mistaken for dimes
- Felt “cheap” compared to copper
How to Spot the $100,000+ Version
Step 1 – The Magnet Test
Sticks to a magnet? → Common steel penny (worth $0.10–$5)
Does NOT stick? → Rare copper penny (worth $10,000–$1.7M)
Other Signs of a Rare Copper 1943:
- Color: Looks like a normal copper penny, not silver-colored
- Weight: ~3.11g (steel = ~2.7g)
- Sound: Deep, rich “clink” (steel has a higher-pitched “ping”)
1943 Penny Value Breakdown
| Type | Condition | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Common Steel | Circulated | $0.05 – $0.50 |
| Common Steel | Uncirculated | $1 – $100 |
| Rare Copper | Any Grade | $10,000 – $1,700,000 |
Key Insight: A 1943 copper penny is over 100,000× rarer than the steel version!
Beware of Fakes & Scams
Counterfeits are everywhere! Watch for:
Copper-plated steel pennies (check weight)
Altered 1948 pennies (look closely under magnification)
“Too good to be true” eBay listings
Only trust:
PCGS or NGC certification
Professional coin dealers & authenticators
Where These Treasures Might Be Hiding
- Old coin jars from grandparents
- Bank penny rolls (especially customer-wrapped)
- Estate sales & flea markets
True Story: A 1943 copper cent was found in a lunch money jar in 2017!
What to Do If You Find One
Don’t clean it—cleaning destroys value
Handle only by the edges (preferably with cotton gloves)
Take clear photos (front & back)
Submit to PCGS or NGC for authentication
Join the Hunt!
“PennyVerse helped me ID a $25,000 error coin!” – Sarah K., Ohio
Drop a photo in the comments—we’ll help you check it!
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PS: That “weird” penny in your pocket might be worth more than a winning lottery ticket. 
#CoinHunt #RarePennies #WW2Treasure
