In 2024, 10-year-old Timmy R. from Ohio was helping his mom clean out his late grandfather’s house when he spotted an old coffee can full of wheat pennies. One shiny 1943 penny looked different – it was copper, not the usual steel. That single rare Lincoln penny turned out to be one of the holy grails of coin collecting.
The Crazy History of the 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to zinc-coated steel pennies to save copper for the war. Only a handful of 1943 pennies were accidentally struck on copper planchets left over from 1942. Experts believe fewer than 20 genuine examples exist today.
Why This Rare Coin Is Worth $200,000 Today
Condition is everything. Timmy’s coin graded MS-63 by PCGS – nearly flawless for its age. Recent auction records show similar 1943 copper pennies selling between $150,000 and $372,000!
| Year | Error/Type | Recent Sale Price | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Bronze | Copper planchet | $372,000 | MS-62 |
| 1943-S Bronze | Copper planchet | $282,000 | AU-55 |
| 1944 Steel | Wrong planchet | $180,000 | MS-63 |
| 1955 Double Die | Obverse doubling | $125,000 | MS-65 |
| Timmy’s 1943 | Copper (2024 discovery) | Est. $180–220K | MS-63 |
How the Discovery Changed the Family’s Life
The family paid off medical bills, fixed their home, and set up college funds for Timmy and his sister. Mom quit her second job. They even donated part of the money to a children’s hospital in Grandpa’s memory. One penny truly changed everything.
Top 5 Most Valuable Lincoln Pennies (Comparison Table)
| Rank | Year & Variety | Record Price | Why It’s Rare |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse | $126,500 | Extreme doubling on date & lettering |
| 2 | 1955 Doubled Die Obverse | $125,000 | Famous dramatic doubling |
| 3 | 1943 Bronze (any mint) | $372,000 | Wartime copper error |
| 4 | 1972 Doubled Die Obverse | $49,000 | Strong doubling visible to naked eye |
| 5 | 1992 Close AM | $25,000 | Tiny design change |
Could YOU Own a Million-Dollar Penny?
Absolutely! Check every 1943 penny with a magnet – real steel ones stick, rare copper ones don’t. Also look closely at 1955, 1969-S, 1972, and 1992 pennies for doubling or unusual spacing.
Expert Tips to Start Your Rare Coin Hunt
- Never clean coins – it destroys value
- Use a 10x loupe to spot errors
- Search rolls from the bank (it’s free!)
- Focus on wheat pennies (1909–1958)
- Get suspicious coins authenticated by PCGS or NGC
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are all 1943 pennies valuable?
A: No – only the copper ones. Steel 1943 pennies are worth 10–50 cents.
Q: Where can I sell a rare Lincoln penny?
A: Reputable auction houses like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections.
Q: How many 1943 copper pennies are known?
A: About 15–20 confirmed examples across all mints.
Final Thoughts
Timmy’s story proves that life-changing rare coins can hide in the most ordinary places – an old jar, your couch cushions, or that coffee can in the attic. Grab your jar of old change tonight and start looking. You never know – the next $200,000 Lincoln penny could be waiting for YOU. Happy hunting, and feel free to share your own finds in the comments below!