Join on WhatsApp
Get the latest updates directly on WhatsApp – motivation, news & more!
Join On WhatsApp
The 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most valuable and mysterious coins in American numismatic history. It was never meant to exist, yet a few of these rare coins made it into circulation during the chaos of World War II. Today, one could be sitting unnoticed in someone’s coin jar or old change drawer worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
A Coin Born From a Wartime Error
In 1943, the United States Mint made a major change to conserve copper for the war effort. Instead of using the usual bronze alloy for pennies, the Mint produced coins using zinc-coated steel. This move allowed copper to be redirected toward making ammunition and other military necessities.
However, in the midst of this transition, a few bronze planchets from 1942 were accidentally left in the minting machines. These leftover blanks were struck with the 1943 design, creating one of the most well-known error coins in U.S. history.
What Makes the 1943-S Bronze Penny So Special
The “S” in the coin’s name stands for the San Francisco Mint, where this rare mistake happened. While over a billion steel pennies were produced in 1943, it’s believed that fewer than five 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Pennies were ever struck.
What makes this coin truly unique is its combination of historical context, extreme rarity, and the mystery behind how it slipped through the system. It’s a perfect storm of conditions that collectors dream about.
How Rare Is It Really
The 1943-S Bronze Penny is one of the rarest coins in the United States. Fewer than five verified examples are known to exist today. One of them, graded MS-62 by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), sold for an eye-popping $282,000 in 2023. If another in better condition were to appear, it could fetch an even higher price.
Here’s a snapshot of what makes this coin so remarkable:
Year: 1943
Metal: Bronze (instead of steel)
Mint Mark: S (San Francisco)
Known Examples: Fewer than 5
Auction Record: $282,000 (in 2023, MS-62 grade)
How to Know If You Have a Real One
Most 1943 pennies are silver-gray in color because they’re made of steel. If you come across a 1943 penny that appears copper or bronze-colored, it’s worth taking a closer look. A real 1943 bronze penny should not be magnetic, since bronze doesn’t stick to magnets, unlike steel.
To verify it, you can:
- Compare it with a regular 1943 steel penny
- Use a magnet to check its composition
- Look for the “S” mint mark below the date
- Get it authenticated by a professional grading service
Why Collectors Are Obsessed With This Coin
This coin is more than a rare error it’s a symbol of a unique moment in American history. The accidental nature of its creation during a time of global conflict gives it a narrative that collectors love. For many, owning a 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Penny is the ultimate goal. It’s the coin that represents both scarcity and a great story.
Even seasoned collectors often go their entire lives without seeing one in person. That’s part of what makes this coin legendary.
Final Thoughts
The 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny stands as a reminder that even tiny errors can turn into priceless treasures. Minted by mistake during wartime, this penny has become one of the most iconic coins in American history.
If you ever find one, don’t clean it, don’t spend it, and don’t assume it’s just another old penny. You could be holding a six-figure piece of history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many 1943-S bronze pennies exist?
Fewer than five confirmed examples are known today.
Why were most 1943 pennies made of steel?
Copper was needed for World War II supplies, so the U.S. Mint switched to steel to conserve resources.
How can I check if my 1943 penny is bronze?
Look for a copper color, the “S” mint mark, and test it with a magnet real bronze pennies won’t stick.
What’s the highest price paid for one?
In 2023, a 1943-S Bronze Lincoln Penny graded MS-62 sold for $282,000 at auction.
Where can I get mine verified?
Use trusted services like PCGS or NGC, or visit a certified numismatic dealer.