The 1943 Bronze Lincoln cent is one of the rarest and most valuable coins in American history. Struck during World War II, this coin became a treasure due to a minting error when the U.S. government transitioned from bronze to steel pennies to conserve copper for the war effort.
Today, these bronze coins are worth millions, with collectors competing to get their hands on these rare artifacts.
In this article, we will delve into the story of the 1943 Bronze Lincoln pennies, how to identify them, and why they are worth a fortune.
The Historical Context of 1943 Pennies
In 1943, the U.S. Mint began producing steel pennies coated with zinc due to the nation’s copper shortage during World War II. Copper was redirected toward manufacturing ammunition and military equipment, which led to the production of these steel pennies.
However, a small number of pennies from the previous year’s bronze planchets (metal blanks used for coin production) were mistakenly struck in 1943. This error resulted in the creation of some of the rarest U.S. coins ever minted.
The Rarity of the 1943 Bronze Pennies
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln cents were produced at three different U.S. Mints: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Only a few of these bronze pennies were struck at each mint, making them extremely scarce and highly sought after by collectors.
- Philadelphia Mint: Approximately 10–15 examples of the 1943 bronze penny were produced.
- Denver Mint: Only one known 1943 bronze penny exists, making it the rarest of all.
- San Francisco Mint: There are around 6–7 known bronze pennies from this mint.
Why Are They So Valuable?
The value of these pennies stems from their rarity and the historical context in which they were produced. A genuine 1943 bronze penny can fetch prices ranging from hundreds of thousands to over a million dollars. For example, a 1943-D Bronze Lincoln cent from the Denver Mint sold for $1.7 million in a private sale.
The Five Most Notable 1943 Bronze Lincoln Pennies
1. 1943-D Bronze Lincoln Cent
- Mint: Denver
- Number Known: 1
- Notable Sale: $1.7 million
- Details: This unique penny is the only known 1943 Bronze Lincoln cent struck at the Denver Mint. It sold for $1.7 million in 2010, making it the most expensive Lincoln cent ever sold. This coin is prized not only for its rarity but also for its excellent condition, graded as MS-64BN by PCGS.
2. 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Cent
- Mint: San Francisco
- Number Known: 6–7
- Notable Sale: $504,000
- Details: The San Francisco Mint produced between six and seven known examples of the 1943 Bronze Lincoln cent. One of these coins sold at auction in 2019 for over $500,000. The rarity of this coin makes it a centerpiece for many collectors.
3. 1943 Philadelphia Mint Bronze Cent
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Number Known: 10–15
- Notable Sale: $204,000
- Details: The Philadelphia Mint struck the largest number of 1943 Bronze Lincoln cents, with around 10 to 15 known examples. Despite this, they remain incredibly valuable. One of these pennies was sold for $204,000 at a Heritage Auction in 2019.
4. Marvin Beyer Jr.’s Discovery
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Number Known: 1 (part of the overall Philadelphia count)
- Notable Sale: Turned down a $20,000 offer in the 1950s
- Details: In 1957, a 14-year-old named Marvin Beyer Jr. found a 1943 Bronze Lincoln cent in his change and reportedly turned down a $20,000 offer for it. The coin was later valued much higher and became a key part of one of the most famous stories in numismatic history.
5. The “Dazzling Red Collection” 1943 Bronze Cent
- Mint: Philadelphia
- Number Known: 1 (part of the overall Philadelphia count)
- Notable Sale: $1 million
- Details: One of the most eye-catching 1943 bronze pennies, this coin is part of the “Dazzling Red Collection.” Graded as Mint State 63 Red, it sold for over $1 million in a private transaction. It remains one of the most stunning examples due to its color and excellent condition.
How to Identify a 1943 Bronze Penny
Since steel was the primary material for 1943 pennies, differentiating a steel penny from a bronze one is relatively simple if you know what to look for:
- Magnet Test: A 1943 steel penny will stick to a magnet, whereas a bronze penny will not.
- Weight Test: Bronze pennies weigh around 3.11 grams, while steel pennies are lighter, around 2.7 grams.
The Most Famous 1943 Bronze Pennies
| Mint | Number Known | Notable Sale | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 10-15 | Sold at Heritage Auctions | $204,000 |
| Denver | 1 | Sold in a private sale | $1.7 million |
| San Francisco | 6-7 | Sold in 2019 | $504,000 |
The Appeal for Collectors
Collectors worldwide covet these coins not just for their value but for their historical significance. As World War II artifacts, the 1943 bronze pennies symbolize the war efforts and the challenges faced by the U.S. during a time of resource scarcity. Owning such a rare coin is considered a significant achievement for any numismatist.
Counterfeits and Scams
Due to their high value, many counterfeit 1943 bronze pennies exist. Some unscrupulous sellers have altered common steel pennies to resemble the bronze version by coating them with copper.
Always verify a penny through professional coin grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) to ensure its authenticity.
The Future Value of 1943 Bronze Pennies
The value of these pennies is expected to continue rising as fewer of them become available on the market. As of 2024, the rarest and highest-graded examples can easily surpass $1 million, with some experts predicting even higher prices in the coming decades.
Conclusion
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln pennies are a remarkable piece of American history and numismatic treasure. With only a few examples in existence, these coins are worth a fortune and continue to capture the imagination of collectors around the world.
If you ever come across what you believe to be a 1943 bronze penny, it could be worth your while to have it authenticated—it might just be one of the rarest coins in U.S. history.
FAQs
1. How many 1943 bronze pennies are known to exist?
There are approximately 20–25 known examples of the 1943 bronze penny across all mints, with the Denver Mint producing only one known example.
2. How can I tell if I have a 1943 bronze penny?
To identify a 1943 bronze penny, you can conduct a magnet test (it won’t stick if it’s bronze) and weigh the penny (bronze pennies weigh 3.11 grams.
3. What makes the 1943-D bronze penny so special?
The 1943-D bronze penny is the only known example struck at the Denver Mint, making it the rarest of the 1943 bronze pennies.
4. What is the most a 1943 bronze penny has sold for?
The highest price paid for a 1943 bronze penny is $1.7 million for the Denver Mint example, sold in 2010.
5. Are there counterfeit 1943 bronze pennies?
Yes, due to their high value, there are many counterfeits. It’s essential to verify the authenticity of any 1943 bronze penny through professional grading services like PCGS or NGC.
References
- PCGS: History and Auctions of 1943 Bronze Pennies
- PCGS-Graded Bronze 1943 Lincoln Cent Sells for Over $1 Million
- Coin World: 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent Auction Results
- Work and Money: 1943 Bronze Penny Valuation
