I get a lot of queries for the following: 1943 wheat penny, 1943 steel penny, 1943 silver penny, 1943 Lincoln penny, 1943 copper penny, and 1943 penny value. Geesh… I guess you all have a bunch of 1943 pennies in your possession!
I did a little research… What follows are a number of rare pennies you should hold onto if you ever come across them in loose change or coin collections.
Let’s start with the 1943 penny:
1943 Penny
In recent years a “1943 S” (San Francisco Mint) copper coin has gone for about $60,000 dollars at auction. I remember the prices from the P (Philadelphia) mint ranging from around $10,000 many years ago to $73,000 in recent times. There are many counterfeits of this coin. Source
The easiest way to determine if a 1943 one cent is made of steel, and not copper, is to use a magnet. If it sticks to the magnet, it is not copper and is worth about 50 cents. If it does not stick, the coin might be of copper and should be authenticated by an expert. Source
Is your penny a copper or zinc cent?
Only forty 1943 copper-alloy cents are known to remain in existence. Coin experts speculate that they were struck by accident when copper-alloy 1-cent blanks remained in the press hopper when production began on the new steel pennies. Source
1974 Penny
In 1974, as a test, there were 1,579,324 Pennies made of pure Aluminum struck (produced) by the U.S. Mint. These were never circulated and most were later destroyed. Source
1955 Penny
Sometimes a penny is worth more than a penny. If you think you’re seeing double, save that coin. A 1955 penny has a “double-die date.” In uncirculated condition — not a blemish on it — it’s worth about $27,000. Even in less than perfect condition it’ll fatten your bank account to the tune of $570. Source
1936 Penny
In uncirculated condition, it would be priced at $6-$10 retail, but even the slightest wear is going to drop the value down to about 25 cents. Source
1924-S Penny
If the coin is circulated, it is worth between 25c and $10. If it is in mint condition, it could be worth $100 or more. Source
1909 Penny
Lincoln pennies made from 1909 to 1958 were designed by Victor D. Brenner. His initials V.D.B. were on a limited quantity of the 1909 pennies making it one of the most sought after pennies for collecting. Source
1877 Penny
The 1877 is considered the most crucial key date of the Indian Head cent series. The coin has demonstrated moderate to strong gains in just about every condition over time frames short and long. Source
1856 Penny
The inaugural small cent, the 1856 Flying Eagle cent had a mintage of only 1000. The addition of an 1856 cent in any acceptable condition is a prudent buy. Source
1844 Penny
A “Braided Hair Large Cent” was just an everyday penny back in 1844. If it is circulated, it is probably worth between $7 and $80. Source
1793 Penny
The most “expensive” penny is a rare one minted in 1793. Only four are known to exist today and their worth is estimated at more than $275,000. Source
1792 Penny
The chocolate-colored penny, the ninth known example of its type, bears the date 1792, an inscription “Parent of Science & Industry: Liberty” and the likeness of a woman’s head representing Miss Liberty. Source
About Silver Pennies…
How To Find The True Value Of YOUR Penny:
2. Check a coin pricing guide:
RELATED:
Rare U.S. Coins: Which Nickels, Pennies, Dimes & Quarters To Keep
I like to help people find unique ways to do things in order to save time & money -- so I write about "outside the box" ideas that most wouldn't think of. As a lifelong dog owner, I often share my best tips for living with and training dogs. I worked in Higher Ed over 10 years before switching gears to pursue activities that I'm truly passionate about. I've worked at a vet, in a photo lab, and at a zoo -- to name a few. I enjoy the outdoors via bicycle, motorcycle, Jeep, or RV. You can always find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites).
