Imagine if you will almost a million dollars from one penny? At auction, the 1943-D Bronze Cent—one of the rarest and most valuable coins in American history—earths as much as $840,000. Dream find for collectors this rare cent came from a minting error during World War II. The history of this uncommon coin will be discussed in this post together with reasons for its value and how to find out whether you have one stashed in your pocket change.
The Particular History Behind the 1943-D Bronze Cent
Why was the 1944 Penny Made of Steel?
The U.S. needed more copper during World War II to make military hardware and munitions. For pennies in 1943 the U.S. Mint changed from copper to zinc-coated steel in order to save resources. These steel pennies were lighter than standard copper cents and appeared silver in hue.
How did 1943’s bronze pennies get minted?
Though the switch, a few bronze planchets—the blank discs used for coins—were unintentionally left in the coin machines from 1942. A handful of these planchets mixed in when the 1943 pennies were made produced quite uncommon bronze 1943 pennies.
Why is the 1943-D Bronze Cent so valuable?
Only one real sample has ever been discovered, hence the 1943-D Bronze Cent is unique since it was produced in Denver (D mint mark). Because of its great rarity, this coin is much sought for among collectors.
The value of the 1943-D Bronze Cent is:
Historic Sales
Auctioned for $840,000 in 2010, the only known 1943-D Bronze Cent Should another one come to light, it would fetch an even better price now!
Additional 1943 Bronze Pennies
- Among the rarest coins, with just a handful known specimens, 1943-S Bronze Cent
- 1943 No Mint Mark Bronze — Made in Philadelphia, some of these have sold for more than $1 million.
Methods of Identification for a 1943-D Bronze Cent
Would like to find out whether you possess this uncommon penny? This is how one should check:
1. Does it follow a magnetic field?
- A magnet will stick steel 1943 coins.
- A magnet will NOT be able to hold bronze 1943 pennies.
- Your 1943 pennies may be a rare bronze variant if it does not stick!
2. Verify the Weight.
- Steel pennies weigh 2.7 grams.
- Three.11 grammes make one bronze penny.
- See if your coin matches the bronze weight using a digital scale.
3.Search for a “D” Mint Mark.
- Only the Denver Mint (D mint mark) struck the known 1943-D Bronze Cent.
- On front of the coin, the mint mark is found beneath the year.
4. Look at the Colour.
- Gray/silver steel coins are used.
- Pennies made of bronze are reddish-brown.
Other Unique and Valuable Pennies to Search For
You should not panic if you do not have the 1943-D Bronze Cent Other rare pennies worth thousands abound.
1. 1944 Steel Penny – Possibly worth $500,000.
The reverse of the 1943 Bronze Cent: these were unintentionally struck in steel rather than bronze.
2. 1955 Doubled Die Penny – Possibly worth $100,000.
The date and lettering on this pennie clearly double.
3.Lincoln Penny, 1909-S VDB: Over $50,000
With an uncommon San Francisco (S) mint mark, this was the first year the Lincoln penny was issued.
Conclusion
Among the rarest and most precious U.S. coins ever found is the 1943-D Bronze Cent. Having only one known copy, it stays a dream find for collectors. If you believe you might have this coin, look for non-magnetic qualities, a reddish-brown hue, and the Denver (D) mint mark. Whose idea is this? Perhaps you are carrying a fortune right now.