Have you ever thought that a Lincoln small coin can change your luck? An old coin of America is doing the same-namely the Copper Penny of 1943. This coin is not only a unique mistake in history, but has been sold for crores today. If you have a collection of old coins or there is an old coin lying in your grandfather’s cupboard, then this information can be very important for you.
Let us now tell you in easy Hindi and in detail why the Copper Penny of 1943 is so special, how to identify it, and how much it can be sold for.
How was the Copper Penny of 1943 made? A historical mistake
In the year 1943, when the Second World War was going on, America needed a large amount of copper to make weapons and war materials. At that time copper had become a very important metal, so the US government decided that one-cent coins i.e. pennies would now be made from steel instead of copper, and a zinc layer would be applied on top.
Under this decision, millions of steel pennies were made. They were grey or silver in colour. But by mistake, some old copper blanks (which were left in 1942) were left in the machine. Some copper pennies were mistakenly made from these leftover blanks in 1943.
This mistake later became the most valuable coin in history.
There are so few that collectors are restless Today, only less than 20 1943 copper pennies have been confirmed to exist. Due to such a small number and being made by mistake, these coins have become extremely rare and valuable.
Their rarity can be gauged from the fact that coin collectors and investors from all over the world are ready to pay millions of dollars for these coins.
How to identify if you have a real 1943 copper penny?
If you have an old penny with the year 1943 written on it, here are some easy tests you can do at home:
1. Date Check:
First, look closely at the coin to see if it has the year 1943 written on it. If yes, proceed to the next step.
2. Color Check:
- A real copper penny will look brownish-red or coppery.
- Steel pennies are shiny gray or silvery.
3. Magnet Test:
- Take a small magnet and place it on the coin.
- If the coin sticks, it’s steel and common.
- If it doesn’t, it’s likely copper.
4. Weight Test:
- Get a digital scale that measures in grams.
- A real copper penny weighs about 3.11 grams.
- A steel penny weighs about 2.7 grams.
- If your coin is close to 3.11 grams, it is a big sign that it may be rare.
5. Listen to the sound (Sound Test)
- Drop the coin lightly on a hard surface.
- Copper coins make a soft “clink” sound.
- While the sound of a steel coin is loud and tinkling.
What could be the price of a 1943 copper penny?
If you have done the above tests and feel that your coin could be a real copper penny, then be happy. You will be surprised to know its price:
In the year 2019, a 1943 copper penny was sold for $204,000 (about Rs 1.7 crore).
At the same time, a 1943-D copper penny (made at the Denver Mint) was sold for $840,000 (about Rs 7 crore).
Some coins have fetched even higher prices at auction, especially if the coin is in good condition.
What to do if you have such a coin?
Don’t wash or clean the coin:
Many people think it’s a good idea to polish an old coin, but collectors prefer coins in their original ‘natural’ state. Cleaning can reduce the value.
Do the test yourself:
- Do a preliminary test using the magnet, color, and weight tests mentioned above.
- Have a professional inspection:
If you think the coin might be real, send it to a professional coin grading service (such as PCGS or NGC). They will tell you whether or not the coin is real, and will also provide an official grading.
Plan an auction or sale:
If the coin turns out to be real, you can sell it at auction or contact a major collector. There are many websites on the Internet that facilitate such sales.
Can such a coin be found in India?
Yes, some Indians may have coins that their ancestors brought back from their trips to the US or kept in an old collection. Such a treasure may be hidden in a cupboard, chest of old coins or among grandfather’s books.
An important advice in the end
The 1943 copper penny is not just a coin, but a unique mistake of history that is now seen as a treasure all over the world. If you or someone in your family has old US coins, take a close look at them. Maybe your luck is hidden in your own home.
So the next time you open a box of old coins, do look for the 1943 coin—who knows you may find a treasure worth crores!
FAQs
1. What is the Lincoln Wheat Penny?
The Lincoln Wheat Penny is a U.S. one-cent coin that was minted from 1909 to 1958. It features Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse.
2. Why is this particular Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $250K?
Certain Lincoln Wheat Pennies are worth up to $250,000 due to their rarity, minting errors, or specific years and mint marks. Collectors value them for historical significance and scarcity.
3. How can I identify a valuable Lincoln Wheat Penny?
Check the year, mint mark (under the date), and look for errors like double dies or off-center strikes. Coins from 1909-S VDB, 1943 copper, and 1955 double die are especially valuable.
4. Are there still rare Lincoln Wheat Pennies in circulation?
Yes, it’s rare but possible. Some valuable Wheat Pennies remain in circulation or hidden in old coin jars, piggy banks, and inherited collections.
5. What should I do if I think I have a rare Wheat Penny?
Avoid cleaning the coin and consult a professional coin appraiser or a reputable numismatics dealer to assess its authenticity and value.
