1943 Copper Penny Coin Value

Kevin Green

About the Author

Kevin’s interest in coins was instilled by his grandfather, a World War II veteran, who, after returning home, began collecting coins left over from his service. Kevin remembers how his grandfather spent hours telling him stories about each coin, and the 1943 copper coin has always been a subject of special interest.

He had seen several of these coins in his life, and had studied all the known forgeries and ways to recognize them. Kevin is proud to have helped many novice collectors avoid mistakes when buying rare coins and thus save their money.

What Is the Value?

  • The year 1943 became famous among collectors not because of the mass production of coins, but rather in spite of it. 
  • At the height of World War II, it became a strategically important resource necessary for the military industry. 
  • Therefore, the U.S. Mint, in order to avoid a shortage of it, decided to replace copper with steel in the production of one-cent coins (Lincoln cents).
  • These zinc-coated steel coins were minted in large quantities.

However, a small number of copper blanks left over from the previous year accidentally ended up in the 1943 coinage machines.

Thus, an extremely limited number of 1943 copper cents were born. This mistake made them extremely rare and, as a result, incredibly valuable.

  • If you are wondering about the 1943 copper penny value, then the answer directly depends on the condition of the coin. The better its preservation, the higher its value will be.

Is it worth hoping to find a 1943 copper penny for sale for a small amount?

The probability of this is extremely low.

A small hall. A man walks through an exhibition of coins. He carefully examines the rack and chooses a coin

Genuine cents from 1943 are auctioned, in specialty stores and with collectors, and their price can reach tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

How to tell if a 1943 copper penny is real corresponds to various verification methods, from weighing the coin to chemical analysis of the metal.

The most reliable way is to contact a professional numismatist for an expert examination. He will be able to accurately determine the authenticity of the coin and estimate its value.

Top 5: 1943 Pennies Copper List

Name  Rarity  Type Features
Copper Penny (No Mint Mark) Very rare Investment A coin without a mint mark
D Copper Penny Rare Regular Standard Coinage from Denver
S Copper Penny Very rare Investment Standard Coinage from San Francisco
Copper Lincoln Penny Mid Memorable Incorrect image during minting
Copper Wheat Penny Rare Regular An ordinary coin with a mint mark

How Much Is a 1943 Copper Penny Worth

The value of this coin is dynamic, subject to market fluctuations and dependent on many factors.

A homely atmosphere. A man is sitting on the couch and looking at an old album with coins. There's a picture of his grandfather on the table next to it

Current market prices for 1943 copper cents vary greatly

There are cases in history when a 1943 copper penny of $1.7 million was paid for a copy in exceptional safety.

And although the information about the 1943 copper penny $51 million is most likely the result of a mistake or a lie, it highlights the hype surrounding this rare coin.

Average value of 1943 copper penny

  • This is a difficult question. The 1943 copper penny price can be deceptive, since the price is strongly influenced by the condition of the coin, its provenance (ownership history) and, of course, luck at the time of sale. 
  • It is important to understand that a coin in the “circulation” state will cost significantly less than a coin in the “uncirculated” state.

Therefore, if you find yourself with a 1943 Lincoln head copper penny, do not rush to rejoice and sell it to the first person you meet. Contact a professional numismatist for an estimate.

1943 Penny Value Copper Chart

the picture of 1943 Copper Penny with an error no mint mark

This is not just a 1943 coin, but a copy of the 1943 copper penny no mint mark. This means that the coin was minted in Philadelphia, where at that time the mint mark was not placed on cents.

By itself, the presence of a cent from 1943 is a rarity, and the absence of a mint mark makes this coin even more attractive to collectors.

Specifications

  • Type of minting

Standard, that is, the coin was minted in the usual way, intended for mass production (within the few cents that were issued).

  • Patina

Red. This indicates that the coin has retained its original copper luster, although over time a natural patina has formed on it. Red patina is usually valued higher than brown or black patina.

What is a 1943 copper penny worth?

In the case of an instance in the MS65 state without a mint mark, we are talking about a significant amount.

The cost of such a coin can reach several tens of thousands of dollars, and in some cases even higher, depending on current demand and trading results.

Copper penny 1943 value

  • It depends on a number of factors. 
  • Nevertheless, the availability of NGC or PCGS certification, the high MS65 rating and the absence of a mint mark significantly increase its attractiveness and, as a result, its price.

Owning a 1943 copper Lincoln penny can be a real pride for any numismatist. It’s not just a coin, but a piece of history.

the picture of 1943 Copper Penny from Denver

This is another instance of the famous “erroneous” series. The letter “D” on the coin indicates that it was minted at the Denver, Colorado Mint.

Unlike coins without a mint mark (from Philadelphia), the copies minted in Denver represent a separate category of collector’s interest.

Specifications

  • Certification

Untested. It is important to note that the lack of certification requires special care. The authenticity of the coin must be confirmed by a professional numismatist or a grading agency.

  • Rarity

Rare. Although 1943 cents are generally rare, Denver specimens are somewhat more common than Philadelphia ones, but they are still a valuable collector’s item.

1943 D copper penny value and how much is a 1943-D copper penny worth

The answer depends on several factors, including the condition, authenticity, and availability of certification. A coin in the MS63 state, but without certification, will cost less than a similar coin certified by NGC or PCGS.

  • Before buying or selling such a coin, it is strongly recommended to contact a professional numismatist. 
  • It will be able to conduct an expert examination, determine the authenticity and objectively assess the condition of the coin. 
  • This is especially important considering that there are many counterfeits. If you’re being offered a suspiciously low price for a real 1943 copper penny that should alert you.

What is the value of a 1943 copper penny?

The answer to this question in the case of a Denver MS63 instance without certification can range from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.

The exact value is determined by market demand, auction results, and the degree of confidence in its authenticity.

the picture of 1943 Copper Penny from San Francisco

This copy, minted in San Francisco (as evidenced by the letter “S”), is one of the most coveted and valuable Lincoln cents ever created.

Specifications

  • Type

Investment. Due to its exceptional rarity and historical significance, the coin is an excellent object for long-term investments.

  • Grade

MS66. The Mint State 66 rating indicates the excellent condition of the coin with minor defects that are almost invisible to the naked eye.

1943’s copper penny value and how much is a copper 1943 penny worth?

  • Given its rarity, NGC or PCGS certification, and the high MS66 rating, the cost of the 1943-S Copper Penny can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars. 
  • Of course, the exact 1943 copper penny price depends on current market demand and auction results.

Understanding that the 1943 penny copper value is so high is due to many factors.

  • Incredibly rare
  • Condition
  • Availability of certification
the picture of 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny

This is not just a 1943 Lincoln Penny, but an instance that differs from others in its unique defect – “incorrect image during minting.” Such mistakes make each coin unique and increase its value in the eyes of collectors looking for something special.

Specifications

  • Error

Incorrect image during coinage.

This error can manifest itself as a double stroke, image displacement, missing part of the pattern, or other anomalies that occurred during the coinage process.

The specific nature of the error requires a detailed study.

  • Type of coinage

Standard. The minting method does not differ from the standard one, but the presence of an error makes this coin special.

  • Patina

Dark. The dark patina may be the result of the natural oxidation of copper, but it can also be a sign of chemical exposure.

The assessment of patina is an important factor in determining the cost.

How much is a 1943 copper penny and a 1943 copper penny value?

  • In the case of the 1943 Lincoln Penny with a minting error in the MS68 condition, the price may significantly exceed the cost of a standard copy of the same grade. The specific cost depends on many factors.
  • The more rare and noticeable the error is, the higher the price of the coin will be. Despite the dark color, the patina can be attractive and add charm to the coin. The collectible coin market is subject to fluctuations in demand, which affects prices.
  • Although the Lincoln wheat penny 1943 copper is already a coveted object, the presence of a minting error turns it into a unique specimen.
the picture of 1943 Copper Wheat Penny

Specifications

  • Type of coinage

Standard. The coin was minted in the usual way, designed for mass production, but from the “wrong” material – copper.

  • Patina

Red. The presence of a red patina indicates the good condition of the coin and the preservation of the original copper luster, which is appreciated by collectors.

  • Rarity

Rare. It highlights the coin’s value due to the limited edition of cents in 1943.

  • Grade

MS64. The “Mint State 64” rating indicates a good condition of the coin with minor defects visible under magnification.

1943 copper wheat penny value and how much is a 1943 copper wheat penny worth?

The cost of a 1943 Copper Wheat Penny in MS64 condition and without certification can vary widely. To get an accurate estimate, you need to consider many factors.

  • Authenticity
  • Condition
  • Market demand

When you see ads like “1943 wheat penny copper” or “1943 copper penny Lincoln wheat penny”, remember that the price can vary greatly. It is important to do a thorough check before buying.

  • As for information about the 1943 copper Lincoln wheat penny and its value, it is worth referring to the auction sales data to roughly estimate the value, but remember that without certification, it is impossible to accurately evaluate the coin.