Did you know that some of the old pennies lying around could be worth more than you think? Coins often sit in jars or drawers, and we hardly give them a second look. But one particular coin has caught attention recently for its surprising value.
According to Coin Trackers, the New York Post, KHOU, and Daily Mail UK, a 1943 copper wheat penny in mint condition could sell for over $85,000. That’s right — this coin, if well-kept, is worth checking your collection for.
Here’s what makes this penny so special. Back in 1943, pennies were made from steel and coated with zinc to stop them from rusting. KHOU reported, after speaking with Royal Coin and Jewelry in Houston, that copper was needed during World War II for military use.
Coin Week explains it clearly: “Because copper was needed for purposes relating to World War II, all 1943 cents were planned to be struck on zinc-coated steel planchets.” But during production, a few copper blanks mistakenly got used. These error coins are now selling in the range of five to six figures.
Even if the coin isn’t in perfect shape, it can still fetch an average of around $60,000, according to Coin Tracker. Saul Teichman, an expert on U.S. Mint errors, explains via Coin Week that collectors are especially interested in these coins. They’re considered more valuable than many other errors from the same time.
But there’s a catch. With all the attention these pennies are getting, the market has seen many counterfeits. Some people shave the left side of the number 8 on a 1948 penny to fake a 1943 version. Others plate a steel penny with copper to make it look real.
Coin Trackers suggests a simple test: use a magnet. A genuine copper penny won’t stick, but a steel one with copper plating will.
So, take a look at your coin collection. You might just discover a valuable piece hiding in plain sight.