Why is the 1943 wheat penny worth so much money?
A 1943 Lincoln penny that soared in value because it was made from the “wrong” material reportedly has sold for $1 million. Mint switched from bronze planchets to zinc-coated steel for cents in 1943 because copper was needed during World War II.
What was the value of a 1943 Steel Penny?
Please try again later. 1943 Steel Penny Made in 1943 during WW2 where there was a shortage of Copper, the US Mint Made the 1943 Steel Penny out of Steel and Zinc. If you were to find a 1944 Steel Penny the value and worth could be over 1 Million DOLLARS.
How much does a 1943 Wheat cent weigh?
Weight: At its purest form, 3.11 grams, though circulation tends to make a coin lighter through wear and tear. Design: Front is Lincoln. Rear is wheat stalks typical of Wheat cent or Wheatback penny. History of the 1943 penny:
What makes a 1943 US cent coin rust?
Zinc, the protective coating, when worn, exposed underlying steel. Additionally, zinc develops an oxide forming a white powder coating to the metal. Normal humidity in the air presented a challenge to preserve a 1943 cent. Evidence of both rust and oxidation are visible on the example coins.
Which is lighter a copper penny or a Steel Penny?
Steel 1943 pennies weigh just 2.7 grams each, lighter than the copper penny of 3.11 grams. It is also the only US coin to not contain any copper whatsoever. How much is a 1943 Steel Penny worth? Steel pennies are sometimes referred to as a silver penny. However, steel pennies are not actually silver, but steel.
Is the 1943 Steel Penny a rare coin?
One of the points of confusion is behind “which” 1943 penny is rare. Many people hear that there is a rare 1943 penny out there and therefore assume all 1943 pennies are valuable. Others still confuse the 1943 steel penny ( pictured below) as the rare coin because of its unusual appearance as a silvery-colored Lincoln cent.
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 was the purpose of the 1943 Lincoln penny?
The 1943 bronze Lincoln cent first came to light in the mid-1940s and quickly took the numismatic world by storm. During this time, the United States Mint was striking pennies from zinc-coated steel planchets. This was to help save copper for World War II ammunition shells.
What are the odds of finding a 1943 Lincoln cent?
Today, the 1943 bronze Lincoln cent is described as “the most famous error coin in American numismatics” — and the odds of finding one are astronomically against. Stone estimates that 15 to 20 are known to collectors today, although it’s possible that there are a few that have not yet been accounted for.