Imagine finding a penny worth nearly half a million dollars! The 1943-S bronze Lincoln cent is one of the rarest and most valuable American coins. Due to a rare error, this penny—intended to be made of steel—is made of bronze. This mistake makes the coin highly valuable to collectors. Let’s dive into the history of this special coin and why it’s worth so much today.
The Story Behind the 1943-S Bronze Penny
Why Was It Made of Bronze?
During World War II, copper was needed for military supplies, so the U.S. Mint decided to make pennies from steel instead of bronze. However, a few leftover bronze blanks (called “planchets”) accidentally got used in 1943, resulting in some pennies being struck in bronze.
How Rare Is It?
The 1943-S bronze penny is incredibly rare. Only six of these coins from the San Francisco Mint are known to exist. This extreme rarity is what makes them so valuable—each one is a unique piece of history.
High-Profile Discoveries
The first known discovery of a 1943-S bronze penny was by Kenneth Wing Jr., a teenage collector in 1944. Since then, this coin has passed through many hands, with collectors eager to own this remarkable piece. It was once part of the famous Simpson Collection, known for containing some of the finest coins in the world.
What Makes It Worth $504,000?
The highest-quality example of the 1943-S bronze penny, graded as MS63 Brown, holds the record for this coin, valued at $504,000. Its rarity, condition, and the history behind it make it incredibly desirable among collectors. This coin even sold for $1 million in a private sale!
Famous Auction Sales
Here are some notable sales of the 1943-S bronze penny:
- MS63 Brown PCGS: This is the highest-graded known example, valued at $504,000.
- AU58 PCGS: Another impressive specimen, previously sold for $1 million in 2012.
- VF35 PCGS: This coin sold for $207,000, even though it’s in a lower grade compared to the MS63 example.
Table of 1943-S Bronze Penny Sales
| Grade | Description | Recent Sale Price | Notable Owners |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS63 | Finest example, Simpson Collection | $504,000 | Bob Simpson |
| AU58 | High-quality piece | $1 million | Dave Berg, Simpson |
| VF35 | Lower grade, still valuable | $207,000 | Known collectors |
Tips for Spotting a Rare Penny
- Check the Year: Look for the date 1943. Only a few 1943 pennies are bronze.
- Look at the Material: Bronze coins have a reddish tint, unlike the silver color of steel coins.
- Get It Authenticated: If you think you have a bronze penny from 1943, have a professional check it.
Why This Coin Is So Popular
The story of the 1943-S bronze penny includes a mix of history, rarity, and excitement. During WWII, people were eager to find these rare coins. Some even believed that companies like Ford would give a free car to anyone who found one! Although that wasn’t true, the myth boosted the popularity of these coins and made them an exciting find.
Conclusion
Finding a 1943-S bronze penny is like discovering a treasure from the past. This penny holds a piece of American history and is one of the most coveted coins for collectors worldwide. Because only six exist, the value of these coins will likely stay high. If you ever come across a 1943 bronze penny, you could be looking at a small fortune!
FAQ’s
Why is the 1943 bronze penny so valuable?
The 1943 bronze penny is valuable because it’s a rare mistake—most 1943 pennies were made from steel. Only a few were accidentally struck in bronze.
How can I tell if I have a 1943 bronze penny?
Look for a reddish color instead of silver. If it says 1943 and is bronze-colored, you might have a rare penny!
What should I do if I think I have a 1943 bronze penny?
Get it authenticated by a professional. An expert can confirm if it’s the valuable bronze version.