The 1943 copper cent hunt has gotten complicated with all the counterfeits, authentication fees, and hype flying around. As someone who has examined countless claimed 1943 coppers over the years, I learned everything there is to know about these famous errors. Today, I will share it all with you.
The Pennsylvania Discovery
A worn 1943 copper cent discovered in a Pennsylvania estate collection has been authenticated as genuine, adding another example to the famous wartime error. The cent surfaced during routine estate evaluation, and initial skepticism gave way to excitement after the coin passed preliminary tests.
Probably should have led with the rarity context, honestly. Only about 20 genuine 1943 copper cents are believed to exist. Most were struck on leftover bronze planchets from 1942 production when the Mint was transitioning to zinc-coated steel.
What It Could Be Worth
That’s what makes these discoveries endearing to us error coin enthusiasts—the possibility exists in any old accumulation. Similar examples have sold for over $200,000 in recent years. The newly discovered specimen shows honest circulation wear, which some collectors actually prefer for its authenticity.
If you think you have one, the magnet test comes first. Steel cents stick to magnets; genuine copper examples do not. From there, professional authentication is essential.
