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A record-breaking error penny has recently captivated collectors and casual coin-stirrers alike. A 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny, struck on a bronze planchet instead of the official zinc-coated steel, just sold for an astounding $2.7 million—making it one of the most valuable pennies ever circulated.
Even more astonishing: experts warn that others might still be hiding in everyday change.
What Was Discovered?
- Date & Design: 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny (regular wartime design)
- Planchet Error: Struck on bronze (95% copper + alloy) rather than zinc-steel
- Surface Appearance: Reddish-brown copper hue, unlike common gray steel cents
- Sale Price: $2.7 million in a private sale (reported April/May 2025)
- Circulating Risk: Could still be in pocket change, savings jars or collectors’ drawers
Why Is It Worth So Much?
- Extremely rare minting error: Fewer than 20 confirmed 1943 bronze cents exist—approximately 10–15 Philadelphia issues, ~5 from San Francisco, and the famed single Denver “D” coin
- Historical wartime context: During WWII, copper was redirected to military use. Official cents were made of steel; this accidental bronze penny represents a unique anomaly
- Top condition specimens: High-grade examples (e.g., AU50, MS‑graded) can fetch six- to seven-figure sums
- Collector frenzy: Known as the “holy grail” of error coins, it’s hotly sought after at auctions and by private collectors
Key Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Year & Type | 1943 Lincoln Wheat Penny |
| Composition | Bronze (95 % Cu + alloy) instead of zinc-coated steel |
| Rarity | 10–15 known total; 1 Denver; ~5 San Francisco; ~10 Philadelphia |
| Notable Sales | $2.7 M (2025), $1.7 M (2010 Denver), $840K (2021 Denver), $970K (2019) |
| Condition Grades | AU50 to MS (Mint State) drive major premiums |
| Identification Tests | Non-magnetic; weigh ~3.11 g; copper color; date/mintmark check |
| Authentication | Must be slabbed by PCGS/NGC or equivalent before sale |
Record-breaking Sales History
- 2025: Private sale for $2.7 million—world’s highest documented price
- 2010: Only Denver-minted bronze example sold for $1.7 million; graded PCGS MS‑64BN
- 2021: That same Denver “D” variant sold publicly for $840,000, labeled “finest known”
- 2019: A public auction fetched $970,000, confirming existence of fewer than 15 verified coins
How to Spot One in Your Change
Look for these telltale signs:
- Date & Mint mark: 1943, possibly with “D” or “S” under the date
- Planchet color: Warm copper-red or brown—not gray
- Magnet test: Steel cents are magnetic; bronze ones aren’t
- Weight: ~3.11 g (steel cents weigh ~2.7 g)
- Detailed strike: Sharp details and raised rims suggest genuineness
If you suspect a find, do not clean it, then submit for grading with services like PCGS or NGC.
Why Some Are Still in Circulation
Due to their normal appearance, these penny errors often slipped through estimation and melted metals circulation.
They could be hiding in coin rolls, piggy banks or jarred collections—potentially worth hundreds of thousands or millions. Experts emphasize that while extremely unlikely, finding one is not impossible
The discovery of a $2.7 million 1943 bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny underscores that historic treasures might still be hiding among everyday coins.
If you’ve got a 1943 penny that looks like copper, treat it carefully—it could change your life.
FAQs
How many 1943 bronze pennies still exist?
Around 10–15 total: ~10 Philadelphia, ~5 San Francisco, and the one Denver-minted piece
Could one still be in spending change?
Yes. Though rare, it’s possible—many remain unrecognized in jars or pocket change .
What’s the first thing to do if you find one?
Perform a magnet test and weigh it. If it passes, don’t clean it—contact a grading service like PCGS or NGC for authentication.