The 1943 Copper Penny is the inverse of the 1944 steel cent. In 1943 the Mint switched to steel planchets to save copper for World War II, but a small number of leftover copper planchets were accidentally struck with 1943 dies. Fewer than 40 authenticated examples exist. One sold for $1.7 million.
A 1943 copper cent looks brown or red like any normal Lincoln cent, and a magnet will NOT stick to it. A normal 1943 cent is silver-gray steel and is magnetic. The magnet test is the first and most important check.
When the Mint converted from copper to steel planchet production in 1943, a small number of copper planchets remained in the hoppers. These were struck with 1943 dies and entered circulation alongside the steel cents.
Authenticated 1943 copper cents have sold for $80,000 to $1.7 million. The 1943-D copper cent is the single rarest, with only one confirmed specimen.
The 1943 copper cent is one of the most counterfeited coins in U.S. history. Common fakes include copper-plated 1943 steel cents and altered 1948 cents with the 8 reshaped to a 3. Always use a magnet first, then send to PCGS or NGC for authentication.
Hold a magnet near it. If the coin does NOT stick, it might be copper. If it sticks, it is the common steel version.
Authenticated examples have sold for $80,000 to $1.7 million depending on condition and mint mark.
Use a magnet first. Then check the date carefully under magnification — many fakes are altered from 1948. Always send candidates to PCGS or NGC for authentication.
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