I was shocked when I found a 1943 Penny in an old box of coins. My first thought? Could it be the rare one? One version of this penny sold for $1,750,000 back in 2010! Ever since, I look at people dumping change into coin machines and think, “Did they even check those coins first?”
Let’s talk about this amazing penny—and how it could make you rich.
What’s So Special About the 1943 Wheat Penny?
In 1943, the U.S. was in the middle of World War II. Copper was needed for bullets and other supplies, so the U.S. Mint started making pennies out of steel instead of copper. But a few copper blanks from 1942 accidentally got used. That mistake led to only about 20 to 40 copper pennies being made in 1943.
These rare pennies are now worth $100,000 to $500,000, and if the condition is perfect, even $2 million!
How Can You Tell If You Have the Rare 1943 Copper Penny?
This test is easy. Just grab a magnet.
- If your 1943 penny sticks to the magnet, it’s steel—not rare.
- If your penny does NOT stick, you might have a copper one. That’s the rare version!
If it doesn’t stick, don’t go to work tomorrow—go get that coin appraised!
Me? Mine stuck to the magnet… sadly.
Pennsylvania Residents: Check Your Quarters—They Could Be Worth $1,500!
If you’re from Pennsylvania, your state quarters might be worth a lot more than 25 cents. Some are selling for $1 to $55, and a full silver-proof set could go for over $1,500!
How to Check Your Quarters
Look at the mint mark on the coin. You’ll see a tiny letter:
- D = Denver Mint
- P = Philadelphia Mint
- S = San Francisco Mint
If your quarter has an “S”, especially if it’s silver-proof, it could be very valuable.
State Quarter Value Guide:
| State | P Mint | D Mint | S Mint | S (Silver) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $3.50 | $3.50 | $8 | $50 |
| Georgia | $3.50 | $3.50 | $8 | $48 |
| Colorado | $1.10 | $1.10 | $6 | $15 |
| Nevada | $1.10 | $1.10 | $6 | $15 |
| Vermont | $1.75 | $1.75 | $6 | $15 |
| Rhode Island | $1.75 | $1.75 | $6 | $15 |
| Delaware | $3.50 | $3.50 | $8.50 | $8.50 |
| New Jersey | $3.50 | $3.50 | $8 | $50 |
| Pennsylvania | $3.50 | $3.50 | $8 | $55 |
Final Thoughts
You might have a small fortune sitting in your coin jar right now. Whether it’s a rare 1943 copper penny or a high-value state quarter, it’s worth checking your change. Just grab a magnet, look for mint marks, and do a little research.
It only takes a minute, and it could make you a whole lot richer.
FAQs
1.How do I know if my 1943 penny is copper or steel?</h3>
Use a magnet. If it sticks, it’s steel. If it doesn’t, it might be rare copper—get it appraised!
2. What are silver-proof quarters and why are they valuable?</h3>
Silver-proof quarters have an “S” mint mark and are made of real silver. They’re limited and more valuable than regular coins.
3. Where is the mint mark located on my coin?</h3>
On most U.S. coins, the mint mark (P, D, or S) is found under the year on the front (obverse) side of the coin.
