In a remarkable twist of fate, a homeowner renovating an early 1900s house uncovered a 1943 bronze Lincoln penny beneath an old wooden floorboard.
At first glance, it looked like an ordinary penny, but upon closer inspection, the reddish-brown color and mint date caught attention.
After professional evaluation, it was confirmed to be one of the rarest coins in U.S. history — and it sold for a staggering $375,000 at auction.
Why the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny Is So Rare
During World War II, copper was in high demand for ammunition and military equipment. To conserve resources, the U.S. Mint produced pennies from zinc-coated steel in 1943 instead of the usual bronze (copper and tin alloy).
However, a small number of bronze planchets were mistakenly left in the coin presses, leading to a limited batch of 1943 bronze Lincoln pennies. Experts estimate that only 20 to 40 authentic examples exist today, making this coin one of the most coveted in the collecting world.
Record-Breaking Auction Sale
Here’s a quick snapshot of how much these rare coins have sold for over the years:
| Year of Sale | Coin Grade | Auction Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | MS64BN | $1.7 million |
| 2019 | AU58BN | $252,000 |
| 2021 | MS62BN | $372,000 |
| 2025 | AU50 | $375,000 |
Note: Grades like AU (About Uncirculated) and MS (Mint State) are used to assess a coin’s condition, with higher numbers indicating better preservation.
How to Identify a 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny
If you suspect you may own one of these rare coins, here are some key characteristics to look out for:
- Color: Bronze pennies appear reddish-brown compared to the silvery-steel of common 1943 cents.
- Magnet Test: Steel pennies are magnetic; bronze pennies are not.
- Weight: Bronze pennies weigh around 3.11 grams, while steel versions weigh closer to 2.7 grams.
- Mint Mark: Look for a 1943 date with or without mint marks like D (Denver) or S (San Francisco).
How It Was Found: A Collector’s Dream
The coin was discovered during a routine flooring replacement in a century-old home. It was lying beneath layers of wood and dust, completely forgotten for decades. After noticing the unusual color and date, the homeowner decided to have the coin professionally examined.
This event has reignited excitement among collectors and everyday people alike, inspiring many to revisit their own coin jars, attic boxes, and storage containers in hopes of finding hidden treasure.
What This Means for Collectors
For numismatists and casual hobbyists, this sale underscores the importance of knowing what to look for:
- Rare coins can turn up anywhere — in drawers, change jars, old books, or even beneath your feet.
- Proper evaluation and grading are essential before considering a sale.
- Coins with historical significance, minting errors, or low surviving populations tend to attract high bids at auctions.
The discovery of a 1943 bronze Lincoln penny under a floorboard and its $375,000 auction price is a captivating reminder that treasures can be hiding in plain sight.
With only a handful of these coins known to exist, each new find captures the imagination of collectors and history buffs alike.
Whether you’re a dedicated numismatist or just someone cleaning out an attic, it’s worth taking a second look at your old coins. You could be sitting on a piece of American history — and a small fortune.
FAQs
How can I confirm if my 1943 penny is made of bronze?
Use a magnet first — if it’s non-magnetic and reddish in color, it’s a candidate. Have it weighed and then evaluated by a coin grading expert.
Are all 1943 pennies valuable?
No. Most are steel and only worth a few cents. Only those mistakenly minted in bronze are extremely rare and valuable.
Can I sell a coin like this on my own?
It’s best to go through a reputable auction house or coin dealer to ensure authentication, grading, and the highest possible return.