Check Your Change — A Lincoln Penny Worth
The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent is one of
the most famous error coins in American history.
During World War II, the United States Mint switched
from bronze to zinc-coated steel cents to conserve copper for the war.
By mistake, a few leftover 1942 bronze planchets were struck with 1943 dies,
creating coins that were never meant to exist.
When examples surfaced in 1947,
collectors were stunned that such an error occurred during strict wartime production.
The coin soon became legendary,
sparking treasure hunts and speculation about how many remained in circulation.
With Abraham Lincoln’s familiar portrait and a
warm bronze color—unlike the gray steel cents—it stood out immediately.
Only a few genuine pieces are known today, and they command remarkable prices at auction.
More than eighty years later, the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent remains prized for its rarity,
history, and the fact that a simple minting mistake became a celebrated treasure.
