Do you know how to identify this valuable penny? Coins are often found in unexpected places, and some can be worth significantly more than their face value. Recently, various news outlets have reported that this particular coin could fetch a handsome price!
According to sources like Coin Trackers, the New York Post, KHOU, and Daily Mail UK, a pristine 1943 copper wheat penny could be worth over $85,000! KHOU, which consulted with Royal Coin and Jewelry, a Houston dealer specializing in rare coins, notes that in 1943, pennies were primarily made of steel and zinc-plated to prevent rust. Coin Week explains, “Due to the demand for copper during World War II, all 1943 cents were intended to be minted on zinc-coated steel planchets.” However, a few copper blanks accidentally made their way into the minting process that year, and it is these “error” coins that are now selling for five- and six-figure sums.
To achieve values around $85,000, these 1943 copper wheat pennies must be in mint condition. Even those in less-than-perfect condition are still averaging around $60,000, according to Coin Tracker. Saul Teichman, a U.S. Mint error expert, explains (via Coin Week) that the coin’s value is driven by collector interest:
“1943 copper cents hold a special allure for collectors. In terms of market value, the 1943 cents command much higher prices than other errors from the same era. Many other World War II errors may be rarer than the 1943 copper or 1944 steel cents, but they sell for a fraction of the price because they lack that unique appeal.”
With the increased attention on these pennies, collectors need to be wary of counterfeit versions. Coin Trackers warns that many scammers will alter a 1948 copper penny by filing down the left side of the number 8 to make it resemble a genuine 1943 penny. Others may take a standard steel penny and coat it with copper to create a convincing imitation. If you suspect a coin might be counterfeit, Coin Trackers recommends using a magnet for testing.
As Daily Mail UK points out, “A solid copper penny will not stick to a magnet, while a steel penny with copper plating will.” So, why not check your collection? You might just discover one of the luckiest pennies out there! Please SHARE this information with your friends and family.