Imagine finding a simple penny in your pocket change that’s worth millions of dollars! That’s exactly what could happen with the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent, one of the rarest and most valuable coins in U.S. history. This penny wasn’t supposed to exist—but a few accidentally slipped out of the U.S. Mint during World War II. Today, they’re worth a fortune. Here’s the incredible story behind this multi-million-dollar mistake.
Why Is the 1943 Bronze Penny So Valuable?
During World War II, the U.S. needed copper for bullets and weapons, so pennies were made from steel instead. But a few bronze (copper) pennies were accidentally struck in 1943—making them ultra-rare.
- Only 10-15 are known to exist today.
- One sold for $1.7 million in 2010, and another for $2.3 million in 2023.
- The finest-known example could be worth $11.5 million!
How Did This Rare Coin Happen?
The mistake likely happened when a few bronze planchets (coin blanks) got mixed in with the steel ones. Workers didn’t notice, and the coins entered circulation.
- Most were found by accident—some in pocket change!
- The U.S. Mint tried to recall them, but a few slipped through.
- Today, they’re the holy grail of coin collecting.
How to Spot a Real 1943 Bronze Penny
Since fake 1943 bronze pennies exist, here’s how to check if yours is real:
✔ Use a magnet – A real steel 1943 penny will stick; a bronze one won’t.
✔ Check the color – Bronze pennies look copper, not silver-gray.
✔ Weigh it – A bronze penny weighs 3.1 grams (steel ones weigh 2.7 grams).
If you think you have one, get it certified by a coin expert!
The Most Expensive 1943 Bronze Penny Ever Sold
The highest-graded 1943 bronze penny (MS-62) is owned by a private collector and could be worth $11.5 million.
- In 2010, one sold for $1.7 million.
- In 2023, another fetched $2.3 million.
- If the finest one ever auctions, it could break records.
Could You Find One Today?
It’s very unlikely, but not impossible!
- A boy in 1947 found one in his school lunch money.
- A man in 2018 discovered one in his grandfather’s coin collection.
- Most are already in museums or private collections.
If you ever check your old coins, look closely—you might be holding a fortune!
The Coin That Shouldn’t Exist
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent is one of the rarest and most valuable coins ever made. It’s a mistake from World War II that turned into a multi-million-dollar treasure.
Could there be more hidden in attics or piggy banks? Maybe! But one thing’s for sure—if you ever find one, don’t clean it, don’t scratch it, and get it appraised fast!
