Most 1943 Lincoln Wheat cents are steel with a zinc coating, produced during World War II to save copper for the war effort. Very rarely, a 1943 cent struck on copper planchets was produced or survived, and these error coins can be worth a great deal to collectors.
How the 1943 Lincoln Wheat Became Valuable
The unusual value behind this coin comes from scarcity and historical interest. Because official mint production switched to steel that year, any genuine 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat is an extreme anomaly.
When a genuine 1943 copper cent is authenticated and graded, collectors pay premium prices. The headline figure of about $1.8 million reflects how much rarity and demand can combine for a single certified piece.
How to Check a 1943 Lincoln Wheat for Copper
If you find a 1943 penny, follow simple, practical steps before assuming it’s valuable. Do these easy checks in order to screen for a possible copper 1943 Lincoln Wheat.
- Visual inspection — Look at the color. Copper cents are brown or reddish; 1943 steel cents are silvery-gray. Tarnish can change color, so use other tests too.
- Magnet test — Use a small magnet. Steel 1943 cents will stick; copper cents will not. This is a quick, noninvasive test.
- Weighing — Use a precise digital scale. Pre-1982 copper pennies weigh about 3.11 grams. Zinc-coated steel 1943 cents weigh about 2.7 grams. Small digital scales accurate to 0.01 g are best.
- Edge and strike — Examine the rim and strike quality. Check for mintmark and any unusual die characteristics. Errors sometimes accompany composition mistakes.
Tools You Need to Test a 1943 Copper Penny
- Small magnet (rare-earth magnet preferred)
- Digital scale accurate to 0.01 grams
- Loupe or magnifying glass (10x or greater)
- Good light source and a soft surface to work on
What Collectors and Dealers Look For
Professional buyers use a combination of physical tests and provenance checks. Key considerations include metallurgical composition, die characteristics, and any history of the coin’s discovery.
Collectors also want the coin graded by a reputable third-party grading service such as PCGS or NGC. Certification reduces uncertainty and typically increases marketability and value.
Things to Avoid If You Think You Have a 1943 Copper Penny
- Do not clean the coin — Cleaning can drastically reduce collector value.
- Avoid unverified quick sales — Get at least two independent opinions before selling.
- Don’t rely on photos alone — Color and surface cues can be misleading in images.
In 1943 the U.S. Mint struck pennies in zinc-coated steel to conserve copper for World War II. That switch is why a genuine 1943 copper penny is so unexpected and valuable.
Steps to Authenticate a Suspected 1943 Copper Penny
Follow a clear process to authenticate any coin that might be a rare 1943 copper cent. This protects you and helps establish provenance for a sale or insurance.
- Do initial tests at home (magnet and weight).
- Photograph the coin front and back under good light, without touching the faces.
- Consult a local reputable coin dealer or numismatist for an in-person inspection.
- If the dealer finds it promising, submit the coin to a third-party grading service (PCGS, NGC) for composition analysis and certification.
- Once certified, get an independent appraisal for insurance and potential sale channels.
How Much Can a Certified 1943 Copper Penny Be Worth?
Value depends on authenticity, grade, and market demand. A certified, high-grade 1943 copper Lincoln Wheat can reach prices in the seven-figure range based on reported sales and auction results for authenticated examples.
Lower grade or questionable provenance examples sell for less, and uncertified coins are risky to value precisely.
Case Study: A Local Authentication Example
A community bank teller noticed a dark-colored 1943 penny in a deposit and set it aside after it failed to attract a magnet. The teller brought the coin to a local coin shop for inspection.
The dealer performed a magnet test and weighed the coin on a precise scale. Finding no magnetic attraction and a weight consistent with copper, the dealer recommended third-party grading. The coin was sent for analysis and grading, and later authenticated as a bronze 1943 cent.
The authenticated coin then entered the collector market, where provenance and certified condition played the largest roles in final sale price. This example shows why initial home tests are useful but professional grading is essential.
Practical Tips if You Find a 1943 Penny
- Keep the coin in a soft, inert holder (Mylar flips are fine) to avoid damage.
- Document how and where you found it — discovery details help provenance.
- Get more than one professional opinion before final sale decisions.
- Understand fees and turnaround times for grading services before submitting.
Discovering what might be a 1943 copper penny is exciting, but careful, methodical steps protect value and reduce risk. Use the simple tests above, seek reputable authentication, and avoid cleaning or hasty sales.
With patience and the right approach, a circulated coin that looks ordinary could turn out to be a remarkable piece of history and a significant find for collectors.