Spotting a Valuable Penny
Do you know how to spot this penny? Coins can be worth much more than their face value, and recently, one particular coin has gained attention for its high value.
The Valuable 1943 Copper Wheat Penny
A mint condition 1943 copper wheat penny can be worth over $85,000! Typically, 1943 pennies were made of steel and coated with zinc to prevent rust, as copper was needed for World War II efforts. However, a few copper blanks were mistakenly used that year, making these rare “mistake” coins extremely valuable.
Value and Market Demand
Even in lesser conditions, these pennies can sell for around $60,000. Collectors highly value these 1943 copper cents, which sell for much more than other errors from the same era due to their unique history.
Beware of Counterfeits
The rise in value has led to many counterfeit copies. Fraudsters may file down the number 8 on a 1948 penny or coat a steel penny with copper to mimic the original. To check for authenticity, use a magnet: a genuine copper penny won’t stick, while a steel penny with copper plating will.