1943 Copper Penny Sold for $1.7 Million – Do You Have One?

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In 2010, a seemingly ordinary 1943 Lincoln penny fetched an astonishing $1.7 million at auction, capturing the attention of collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. This wasn’t just any penny; it was a rare 1943-D bronze cent, the only known example struck at the Denver Mint on a bronze planchet—a significant deviation from the standard zinc-coated steel composition used that year due to wartime copper shortages .All That’s Interesting+1Rarest.org+1CoinValueChecker.com+11PCGS+11The US Sun+11

The Wartime Shift in Penny Composition

During World War II, copper was a critical material needed for military equipment. To conserve this resource, the U.S. Mint altered the composition of pennies in 1943, producing them from zinc-coated steel instead of the traditional copper. However, a few bronze planchets from 1942 inadvertently remained in the minting presses, leading to the accidental creation of a limited number of 1943 bronze pennies .Great American Coin Company®Greysheet+1Great American Coin Company®+1

The Rarity and Value of the 1943-D Bronze Cent

The 1943-D bronze cent’s uniqueness stems from its singular status; it’s the only known specimen from the Denver Mint. Certified as MS64BN (Mint State 64 Brown) by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), this coin’s exceptional condition and rarity contributed to its record-breaking sale. The coin was sold by Legend Numismatics to an anonymous collector, marking a significant event in numismatic history .Greysheet+12PCGS+12Great American Coin Company®+12CoinValueChecker.com+3Great American Coin Company®+3CoinWeek+3

Identifying a Genuine 1943 Bronze Penny

Given the high value of these rare coins, numerous counterfeits have surfaced. To determine the authenticity of a 1943 bronze penny, consider the following:Time

  • Magnet Test: Genuine 1943 bronze pennies are not magnetic. If a 1943 penny sticks to a magnet, it’s made of steel and not bronze.
  • Weight Check: A true bronze penny weighs approximately 3.11 grams, whereas a steel penny is lighter, around 2.7 grams.
  • Professional Authentication: For a definitive assessment, submit the coin to reputable grading services like PCGS or NGC.Greysheet+2Coin Talk+2Great American Coin Company®+2

Other Notable 1943 Bronze Pennies

While the 1943-D bronze cent is unique, other 1943 bronze pennies from the Philadelphia and San Francisco Mints have also garnered significant attention. For instance, a 1943-S bronze cent graded AU-58 (About Uncirculated) by PCGS sold for $138,000 . These coins are equally rare and highly sought after by collectors.Wikipedia+5PCGS+5Great American Coin Company®+5The US Sun+3Great American Coin Company®+3Stacks Bowers+3

Conclusion

The discovery and sale of the 1943-D bronze cent underscore the profound impact of historical events on coinage and the enduring allure of rare collectibles. If you come across a 1943 penny, it’s worth examining closely; you might just hold a piece of history valued at over a million dollars.

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