1943 Copper Penny Value
1943 | Philadelphia | Mintage: Unknown | 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc (bronze planchet error)
$100,000 – $1,500,000 Key Date
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The 1943 Copper Penny was minted at the Philadelphia Mint. Values range from $100,000 in lower grades to $1,500,000 in top condition. This is a key date, making it especially sought-after by collectors.
CoinValueDB Value Estimate
$100,000 – $1,500,000
Price History
SoldHigh BidFor SaleLast Asking PriceMoving Average
Avg: $405,556 High: $1,500,000 Low: $100,000 9 total data points
CoinValueDB Price Guide by Grade
| Grade | Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $100,000 |
| Very Good (VG-8) | $125,000 |
| Fine (F-12) | $150,000 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $175,000 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $200,000 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $250,000 |
| Mint State (MS-60) | $400,000 |
| Choice Mint State (MS-63) | $750,000 |
| Gem Mint State (MS-65) | $1,500,000 |
Coin Details
- Designer
- Victor D. Brenner
- Composition
- 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc (bronze planchet error)
- Weight
- 3.11 grams
- Diameter
- 19 mm
- Edge
- plain
- Series
- Lincoln Wheat Error (1909-1958)
Historical Notes
One of the most famous US coins. In 1943, pennies were struck on zinc-coated steel to conserve copper for WWII. A few bronze planchets left in the hopper produced these legendary errors. Only about 20-40 are known to exist.
Varieties
Bronze Planchet Error
Struck on a leftover 1942 bronze planchet instead of the zinc-coated steel planchets used in 1943 due to wartime copper conservation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 1943 Copper Penny worth? +
A 1943 Copper Penny is worth between $100,000 and $1,500,000 depending on condition. Coins in higher grades (MS-65 and above) command significant premiums.
How many 1943 Lincoln Wheat Error coins were made? +
The Philadelphia Mint produced Unknown 1943 Lincoln Wheat Error coins. Lower mintage numbers generally correlate with higher collector value.
Is the 1943 Copper Penny a key date? +
Yes, the 1943 Copper Penny is considered a key date in the Lincoln Wheat Error series. Key dates are coins with low mintage, high collector demand, or both, making them among the most valuable in the series.
How much is a 1943 copper penny worth? +
Genuine 1943 bronze error pennies sell for over $100,000 at auction. High-grade specimens can reach prices well above $250,000.
Is my 1943 copper penny real? +
Most 1943 pennies that appear copper are actually steel pennies that someone plated or coated. A real 1943 bronze penny weighs 3.11 grams, whereas the standard steel version weighs 2.70 grams.
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