How to Find a 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent

The 1943 bronze Lincoln cent is one of the most famous error coins in American numismatics—a cent that should have been struck on zinc-coated steel but instead ended up on a leftover bronze planchet. Only a handful are known from each mint that struck them. A search returning no results for this coin is the expected outcome, and genuine examples require extremely careful verification.

GetCoinHunt helps you search inventory from multiple coin dealers in one place, and lets you save a wishlist alert for coins that, realistically, rarely appear in routine dealer inventory.

What makes the 1943 bronze Lincoln cent important to collectors?

Copper was a critical wartime material in 1943, so the U.S. Mint switched the Lincoln cent’s composition that year to zinc-coated steel, producing the coin popularly known as the “steel cent” or “steelie.” The changeover wasn’t perfect: a small number of leftover bronze planchets from 1942 production apparently remained in the coining presses or hoppers when 1943-dated dies went into use, and a limited number of cents were struck on those bronze planchets instead of the intended steel ones.

The result is a genuine, unintentional Mint error rather than anything produced deliberately. PCGS estimates only around 10 to 15 examples survive from the Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark). The error is even rarer at the branch mints: only a single 1943-D bronze cent (Denver) is known, and about seven 1943-S bronze cents (San Francisco) have been documented.

Given the rarity and the coin’s status as one of the most recognizable errors among the general public—not just specialist collectors—prices are substantial. A PCGS MS63 Red example reportedly sold for over $1 million in a private transaction around January 2011, the highest recorded price for the error.

How to identify a 1943 bronze Lincoln cent

Because ordinary 1943 steel cents are common, and because magnetized steel cents can sometimes be confused with copper-colored coins due to wear, tarnish, or plating, careful verification is essential before assuming you have a genuine bronze error.

Try a magnet first

This is the fastest screening test: a genuine 1943 steel cent is magnetic. A genuine bronze error is not. If a coin dated 1943 sticks to a magnet, it is a normal steel cent, not the rare error—regardless of its color.

Check the weight and diameter

Per U.S. Mint records, a genuine bronze cent weighs approximately 3.11 grams and a steel cent weighs approximately 2.7 grams; both share the same 19mm diameter and plain edge. A calibrated digital scale accurate to hundredths of a gram is the next essential check after the magnet test.

Be alert to altered coins

Because genuine examples are worth so much, altered coins are common: some are ordinary 1948 cents with the last digit of the date reshaped to look like a 3, and others are steel cents that have been copper-plated to mimic the bronze color. Date-alteration and plating can often be detected by a specialist or grading service even when they fool the eye.

Recognize that every genuine example is closely tracked

With only about 10 to 15 known Philadelphia examples, a single known Denver example, and about seven known San Francisco examples, a coin claimed to be an undocumented new discovery deserves serious scrutiny and independent authentication before being taken seriously.

Buying considerations

Certification is essential, not optional

Given how frequently this error is faked through date alteration or plating, and how much a genuine example is worth, only consider a PCGS- or NGC-certified example. Both services have extensive experience authenticating this specific error and are the standard the market relies on.

Understand mint mark drives value dramatically

A Philadelphia 1943 bronze cent, while extremely rare and valuable, is meaningfully more available than the essentially unique 1943-D or the handful of known 1943-S examples. Confirm the mint mark (or its absence, for Philadelphia) carefully, as it significantly affects both rarity and price.

If you’re screening your own coins

Running a magnet over any 1943 cents you come across is quick, free, and the right first step. Nearly every “1943 copper penny” story that turns out to be genuine started with someone noticing a coin that didn’t behave the way a steel cent should.

Suggested search terms and filters

Begin with a broad search: “1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent” or “1943 Copper Penny.”

Then narrow by:

• By mint: “1943 bronze cent” (Philadelphia), “1943-D bronze cent” (Denver, extremely rare), “1943-S bronze cent” (San Francisco, extremely rare)
• By certification: PCGS, NGC, or “certified 1943 bronze cent”

Save “1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent” to your wishlist if a genuine example isn’t currently available.

Availability and pricing notes

With only about 10 to 15 known Philadelphia examples, a single known Denver example, and about seven known San Francisco examples, genuine 1943 bronze cents rarely reach the open market. Recorded sales have reached over $1 million for a PCGS MS63 Red example. Regular 1943 steel cents, by contrast, are common and inexpensive.

GetCoinHunt does not guarantee that any listing represents a genuine example of a rare Mint error. Given how often this error is faked, independent verification through a major grading service is essential before treating any offer as credible.

How the GetCoinHunt wishlist alert works

1. Search for the coin. Enter “1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent” to check current dealer inventory.
2. Expect limited or no matches. With only a small number of known genuine examples across all three mints, this coin rarely appears in routine dealer inventory.
3. Add it to your wishlist anyway. You’ll be notified if participating dealer inventory ever includes a matching, certified listing.
4. Always verify certification before buying. Given how commonly this error is faked, only consider PCGS- or NGC-certified examples.

Frequently asked questions

How many 1943 bronze Lincoln cents exist?

Roughly 10 to 15 from Philadelphia, a single known example from Denver (“D” mint mark), and about seven known from San Francisco (“S” mint mark).

How did this error happen?

A small number of leftover bronze planchets from 1942 production apparently remained in the coining equipment when the Mint switched to steel planchets for 1943, and were struck with 1943 dies by mistake.

How can I quickly check if my 1943 penny might be the rare error?

Try a magnet. A genuine steel cent is magnetic; a genuine bronze error is not. Follow up with a weight check—about 3.11 grams for bronze versus about 2.7 grams for steel.

Are fake 1943 bronze cents common?

Yes. Common fakes include copper-plated steel cents and altered 1948 cents with the date reshaped to look like 1943. Certification from PCGS or NGC is the reliable way to rule these out.

What has a genuine 1943 bronze cent sold for?

A PCGS MS63 Red example reportedly sold for over $1 million in a private transaction around 2011.

Should I expect to find this coin through a normal coin search?

Genuine examples are extremely scarce and heavily faked, so treat any listing with serious caution and insist on PCGS or NGC certification before considering a purchase.

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