
The 1943 copper penny is a rare coin that's making headlines with its $1.7 million price tag. This coin was accidentally produced during World War II.
The error occurred because the US Mint was producing steel pennies to conserve copper for the war effort. The 1943 copper penny was not intended to be made.
In 2010, a 1943 copper penny was sold at an auction for $1.7 million, setting a record price for this rare coin.
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What is a 1943 Copper Penny?
The 1943 Copper Penny is a rare and valuable error coin. It was minted during a time when the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel to save resources during World War II.
Only a few copper pennies were mistakenly minted that year, making them extremely rare. These coins are worth a fortune due to their rarity.
To spot a 1943 Copper Penny, look for a penny from 1943 with a reddish color, indicating copper. Most copper pennies were destroyed, so surviving specimens are incredibly rare.
If you think you have a 1943 Copper Penny, examine it carefully. Check for the reddish color, as this is a key indicator of its value.
Rare Penny Discoveries
The 1943 copper penny is considered one of the most famous error coins in American numismatics.
In the 1940s, copper was used for war materials, and pennies made of zinc-coated steel were produced instead.
Rumors emerged that Henry Ford would give a new car to anyone who could give him one of these copper pennies, but this rumor was later falsified.
The specific 1943 Lincoln copper penny being sold is one of only 10-15 in existence today, making it extremely rare.
It was found in 1947 by a 16-year-old student named Don Lutes, Jr. in his high school lunch change.
Lutes chose to keep the coin safe within his own collection, knowing its potential value.
In later years, he discovered that other 1943 copper pennies were selling at coin conventions for around $40,000, which led him to consider selling his discovery.
The coin currently stands at around $100,000, but its price is expected to rise.
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Penny Variations
The 1943 copper penny is an extremely rare and valuable coin, but did you know that there are other variations of pennies that are worth a pretty penny too?
Some pennies are worth more than others due to errors in the minting process. For example, the 2004 Wisconsin state quarter features an image of an ear of corn, but some of these coins were mistakenly struck with an extra leaf on the stalk of the corn.
These coins are particularly rare and highly sought after by collectors, with values ranging from $200 to $2,000.
If you're lucky enough to spot one of these error coins, be sure to examine the ear of corn carefully. If you see a second, tiny leaf near the top of the stalk that shouldn’t be there, it could be a valuable error coin.
Here's a quick guide to help you spot some of these rare variations:
The $1.7 Million Penny
The 1943 copper Lincoln penny is considered "the most famous error coin in American numismatics" due to its rarity and unique history.
Only a small fraction of 1943 pennies made it into circulation, with PCGS CoinFacts estimating that there are no more than 10-15 in all grades in existence today.
A 16-year-old student named Don Lutes, Jr. found one of these rare pennies in his high school lunch change in 1947.
This specific penny is expected to sell for up to $1.7 million at Heritage Auctions the week of January 9th-14th, 2019.
The coin's value is largely due to its extreme rarity, as most copper pennies were destroyed during World War II.
Here are some key facts about the 1943 copper penny:
The 1943 copper penny is a highly sought-after prize amongst error coin collectors, and its value is expected to continue rising in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a 1943 copper penny worth a million dollars?
A 1943 copper penny can be worth up to $1.7 million, making it a highly valuable and sought-after coin among collectors.
How many 1943 copper pennies are left?
Only 13 confirmed 1943 copper pennies are known to exist, out of an estimated 40 struck. Their rarity makes them highly sought after by collectors.
Sources
- https://xaviercoin.com/true-1-7-million-dollar-penny/
- https://nppithampur.com/a-hidden-treasure-in-your-pocket/
- https://www.gainesvillecoins.com/blog/1943-copper-penny-value
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rare-penny-found-in-cafeteria-change-could-sell-for-over-1-million-at-auction/
- https://www.numiis.com/collections/valuable-pennies/
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