The 1943 Bronze Penny is one of the most desirable coins in the world of numismatics, enthralling enthusiasts with its unusual mistake and amazing value.
While the 1943 Lincoln Wheat penny is familiar in most collections, a highly rare and expensive variation has developed over time—this piece was erroneously struck on bronze planchets designed for 1942 pennies.
This uncommon mistake coin has become one of the most recognizable in American numismatic history.
The Story of the 1943 Bronze Penny
Due to a scarcity of copper during World War II, the United States Mint changed the composition of the penny in 1943.
In 1943, the United States Mint made the pennies with zinc-coated steel to preserve copper for wartime use. However, a tiny amount of bronze planchets (used for pennies prior to 1943) escaped the transition, and a few coins were accidentally made with them.
The 1943 bronze pennies were not found immediately. In fact, they were first considered to be standard steel pennies, but following closer examination, their bronze content was revealed.
Only a few of these coins are known to survive today, making them among the world’s rarest and most expensive.
Why is the 1943 Bronze Penny so valuable?
The 1943 bronze penny is valued because it is an erroneous coin and extremely uncommon. In 1943, the United States Mint produced almost 1 billion steel pennies, but just 10 to 20 bronze pennies are thought to remain today.
These coins were released into circulation prior to their discovery, and as a result, collectors prize them greatly.
The 1943 bronze penny’s rarity and historical significance have resulted in rising auction values. In fact, one of these rare pennies sold for an incredible $1.7 million in 2018, breaking the global record for the highest price ever paid for a cent.
- Weight: A normal 1943 steel cent weighs around 2.7 grams, but a bronze penny weighs about 3.11 grams, which is the average weight of a pre-1943 penny.
- Color: The bronze penny is reddish-brown, but the steel penny has a silvery tone due to its zinc coating.
- Magnetic Test: Steel pennies are magnetic, but bronze pennies are not. Using a magnet is a quick and straightforward approach to determine whether the coin is a 1943 steel.
Value of the 1943 Bronze Penny
The 1943 bronze penny is among the most costly coins ever created by the United States Mint. The value of these coins varies according to their state, although a mint-condition coin might command millions at auction.
The most expensive 1943 bronze cent ever sold for $1.7 million, breaking the global record for the highest price paid for a penny.
As time passes, the value of these uncommon pennies is projected to rise, especially as fewer and fewer examples survive in great condition. Even pennies in less-than-perfect condition can be worth tens of thousands of dollars, depending on their grade.
The 1943 bronze penny is a piece of history, with a mistake that has elevated it to one of the most expensive coins in American numismatics. Its scarcity, historical relevance, and collector demand make it a valuable asset for any dedicated collector.
If you discover one of these rare pennies in your collection, consider getting it properly validated and appraised—you may be sitting on a small fortune.
FAQs
How many 1943 bronze pennies are known to exist?
Only 10 to 20 of the 1943 bronze pennies are known to exist, making them very rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Why are 1943 bronze pennies so valuable?
The 1943 bronze penny is valued because it contains a rare minting fault. Only a tiny number of these coins were struck on bronze planchets rather than the planned steel planchets, making them exceedingly desirable.
What is the value of a 1943 bronze penny today?
The value of a 1943 bronze penny varies greatly depending on its state, but they have sold for up to $1.7 million at auction, with less-than-perfect examples still fetching tens of thousands of dollars.
