The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a coin many people have seen. But one version of it has a big surprise. A 1943 penny, which looks normal, was found in someone’s pocket change and later valued at $854,000.
This surprising find has made collectors and regular people excited again. Something so valuable hiding in plain sight feels like a real-life treasure hunt.
Why 1943 Pennies Are Different: The Wartime Metal Switch
In 1943, the U.S. was in the middle of World War II. The government needed copper for war supplies like bullets and wires.
To save copper, the U.S. Mint made pennies from steel coated with zinc instead. These pennies look silver and are magnetic. That’s why 1943 pennies are different from other years.
| Year | Metal Used | Color | Magnetic |
| 1942 | Copper | Brown/Red | No |
| 1943 | Steel with Zinc | Silver/Gray | Yes |
The Rare Mistake: How a Copper Penny Slipped Through in 1943
Even though the Mint switched to steel, a few copper blanks from 1942 were still in the machines.
These old copper blanks were used by mistake in 1943. Only a few pennies were made this way, and they were never meant to exist.
Now, these copper 1943 pennies are some of the rarest coins in the world.
A Chance Discovery: The $854,000 Penny Found in Circulation
One of these rare copper 1943 pennies was found recently in regular pocket change.
Experts tested it and proved it was real. It was not fake or changed. Because of its good condition and rare history, the coin was valued at $854,000.
What Makes It Valuable: Rarity and Historical Error
This penny is worth so much because it is both rare and made by mistake.
There are fewer than 20 of these copper 1943 pennies known today. Collectors love rare coins, especially ones with stories from wartime.
These two things—rarity and error—make it very valuable.
Looks Can Be Deceiving: A Common Appearance With Rare Value
The coin looks like any other Wheat Penny. It has Lincoln on the front and two wheat stalks on the back.
Most people wouldn’t notice anything special about it. But it is not magnetic like regular 1943 steel pennies.
That small difference can mean the coin is worth thousands.
The Collector Frenzy: Why This Find Matters Today
This story has made more people start checking their old coins.
Many are now looking through jars, drawers, and wallets to see if they have a copper 1943 penny.
This shows that rare and valuable coins can still be found in everyday places—not just in collections or museums.
FAQs
What is a 1943 copper penny?
A rare penny made by mistake using copper in 1943.
How many 1943 copper pennies exist?
Less than 20 are known.
Is a regular 1943 penny valuable?
No, steel ones are common and not worth much.
How do I know if I have a copper 1943 penny?
Use a magnet. If it doesn’t stick, it might be copper.
Can I still find rare pennies today?
Yes, sometimes in old change or coin jars.
