Imagine cleaning out your grandmother’s attic and stumbling on an old picture frame only to find a coin tucked behind it worth a small fortune.
That’s exactly what happened to a woman in Pennsylvania who discovered a rare 1943 steel penny hidden behind a dusty photo. At first, it looked like just another old coin. But when she had it checked, experts revealed it could be worth up to $800,000.
Here’s everything you need to know about this surprising coin, and how you might have one too.
What is the 1943 Steel Penny and Why It Matters
The 1943 steel penny is a unique piece of American history. During World War II, copper was needed for the war effort especially for making ammunition. So in 1943, the U.S. Mint switched to steel coated with zinc for penny production.
Over 1 billion steel pennies were made, but a few copper ones accidentally slipped through. These rare 1943 copper pennies are the real treasure and the ones that can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Even the steel versions have value, depending on their condition and mint mark.
How a Forgotten Penny Turned Into a $800,000 Surprise
In the story making rounds online, the woman had inherited an old box of family heirlooms. Tucked behind a picture frame was a dull-looking coin. Something told her not to toss it.
After some research and a quick trip to a local coin dealer, she found out the penny might be one of the rare 1943 copper versions, which could sell for $250,000 to $800,000 depending on condition and verification.
Professional grading and authentication are key even the tiniest detail can affect the value.
How to Tell If Your 1943 Penny Is Worth Big Money – Explained Simply
Think you might have one of these rare coins? Here’s how to check:
| Feature | Common 1943 Steel Penny | Rare 1943 Copper Penny |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Gray or silver | Reddish brown or copper |
| Magnet test | Sticks to magnet | Does not stick |
| Weight | About 2.7 grams | About 3.1 grams |
| Value | $0.10–$20 (most) | $100,000+ (if real) |
Quick test: Grab a magnet. If your 1943 penny sticks, it’s steel and likely worth a few bucks. If it doesn’t, get it professionally appraised ASAP.
Best Tips to Make the Most of a Rare Coin Find
If you think you’ve found a rare 1943 penny, here’s what to do next:
- Don’t clean the coin. This can lower its value.
- Do a magnet test to see if it’s steel or copper.
- Check for mint marks. Look for a tiny letter under the year (D for Denver, S for San Francisco).
- Weigh the coin. Copper pennies weigh slightly more.
- Contact a reputable coin appraiser or submit it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Even if it’s not copper, a steel penny in pristine condition or with a rare error could still be worth hundreds.
Common Mistakes With 1943 Pennies and How to Avoid Them
Many people throw out valuable coins without realizing it. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
Assuming all 1943 pennies are valuable. Only the copper ones are extremely rare.
Using household cleaners. These can scratch or damage the coin.
Trusting online value estimators without appraisal. Values vary a lot based on condition.
Selling to the first buyer. Always get multiple offers or use auction services.
When in doubt, treat your coin like a potential lottery ticket carefully and cautiously.
Conclusion: A Penny Worth a Fortune
It’s not every day someone finds a life-changing coin behind a photo frame. But the story of the $800,000 penny shows it can happen to anyone.
If you’ve got an old jar of coins or inherited a box of keepsakes, now is the time to take a closer look. The rare 1943 copper penny is out there and maybe, just maybe, it’s in your house too.
FAQ: Rare 1943 Pennies
When was the 1943 copper penny made by mistake?
A few copper blanks were accidentally left in the coin presses when the Mint switched to steel in 1943.
What makes a 1943 penny worth so much?
The copper version is incredibly rare, with only about 20 known to exist. Their rarity and demand drive the high price.
How can I test if my 1943 penny is steel or copper?
Use a small magnet. Steel sticks to magnets, copper does not.
Why shouldn’t I clean an old coin?
Cleaning can scratch the surface and reduce the coin’s collectible value significantly.
Can I sell a rare penny on eBay or should I use a dealer?
You can list it online, but it’s safer to go through a professional appraiser or coin auction house for high-value finds.
