The Lincoln Wheat Penny of 1943 is generally remembered as being minted on zinc-coated steel planchets as during that period, copper was put to use in World War II. Nevertheless, a very small number, ranging between 20 and 30 coins, were wrongly minted on unused copper (or bronze) planchets in 1942, and this has produced the most sought-after and highly-treasured of all the 1-cent coins, the 1943 copper penny.
Why is it so rare and valuable?
– Restricted Minting (Copper): The number of known and genuine coins of 1943 of the copper type is restricted to no more than 20-30, so it is also a rare specimen.
– Mint Locations: These are copper-pennies which have been discovered at 3 different mints, Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). Nicholson-Delaware (98): Denver is the rarer and the more valuable.
– Market Value: Copper 1943 pennies of the “D” mint mark have fetched as much as $840,000 and San Francisco specimens are fetching around the expenses of nearly 500,000 in uncirculated. Philadelphia copper pennies are selling at six figures even in good grades.
– Material Difference: The weight of copper penny of 1943 is approximately 3.11 grams and is not magnetic as compared to steel pennies of weight lesser than 1.14 grams and are magnetic. This is used to determine authentic copper cents.
– Historical Context: These coins were unintentionally minted in an important shortage of metals during the war period which increases the enigma of the coin in question and its computers.
– Authentication Significance: With the high-value, fakes and modifications are vulnerable, and therefore professional grading and verification are essential in validity.
| Mint Mark | Estimated Mintage | Recent Auction Value Range | Key Identification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia (No mint) | ~20-30 | $100,000 – $400,000+ | Non-magnetic, copper alloy |
| Denver (“D”) | ~1 | $800,000 – $1,000,000+ | Rarest, high demand |
| San Francisco (“S”) | ~5 | $200,000 – $500,000+ | Very scarce |
One of the coins that you may have in your pocket change or collections and are worth more than a $168,000 and probably more is a 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat Penny. With its correct recognition and professional assessment, its value can be opened up and regular change can be turned into exceptional luck.
