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The Global Insight

How do I know if my 1943 steel penny is worth money?

Author

Michael Gray

Updated on April 08, 2026

The easiest way to determine whether or not your 1943 Cent has collectible value—to see if it is possibly bronze rather than steel—is simply to test it with a magnet. If the coin is magnetic, then it is, unfortunately, the common steel version and is not valuable in most cases.

Are 1943 pennies rare?

The 1943 copper cents are extremely rare and valuable. Only a couple dozen pieces were made, and each is worth about $100,000. While 1943 copper cents weigh about 3.11 grams and don’t stick to a magnet, the more common steel cents (which weigh 2.8 grams) adhere to a magnet.

Will a magnet stick to a 1943 steel penny?

Even a small magnet will easily stick to any 1943 penny made of steel. Before you read a dozen articles, go to five coin shops, and watch a bunch of youtube videos, just do the magnet test. It is as easy as this. If your 1943 penny sticks to a magnet then it is made of steel.

How much is a 1943 D steel penny worth?

The 1943 D steel penny is worth around $0.35 in fine condition. In very fine condition the value is around $0.40. In extremely fine condition the value is around $0.50. In uncirculated condition the price is around $10 for coins with an MS 63 grade. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 65 can sell for around $1,500.

What’s the value of a 1943 Wheat cent?

1943 penny value reflects its unique status within the Wheat cent series. A standard method is used to located how much its worth on the chart. Collectors are interested in a few main factors to any coin: Date | Mint Mark | Condition

What kind of rust does a 1943 copper penny have?

When exposed to moisture the penny would start to rust. To “revive” some of the original beauty, some unscrupulous coin dealer’s started to re-plate the steel pennies with a fresh coating of zinc. Although these pennies show a brilliant shine, they are considered damage coins and carry little to no value. Rare 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent.

Are there any coins that were made in 1943?

There are a few very valuable error coins produced in 1943. Since the mint produces billions of coins in an average year, they use huge totes to move them around the mint facility. As the totes moved from machine to machine, sometimes a blank from the last batch would get stuck in a crevice.