How many 1943 copperhead pennies are in circulation and how much is one worth?

Question

I have heard just by word of mouth that there might be only 11 and that just one could be worth over a half a million dollars. I wonder if there is any truth to that, I am Pennyless

Answer 1

According to the American Numismatic Association, the 1943 copper-alloy cent is one of the most idealized and potentially one of the most sought-after items in American numismatics. Nearly all circulating pennies at that time were struck in zinc-coated steel because copper and nickel were needed for the Allied war effort.

40 1943 copper-alloy cents are known to remain in existence. Coin experts speculate that they were struck by accident when copper-alloy 1-cent blanks remained in the press hopper when production began on the new steel pennies.

A 1943 copper cent was first offered for sale in 1958, bringing more than $40,000. A subsequent piece sold for $10,000 at an ANA convention in 1981. The highest amount paid for a 1943 copper cent was $82,500 in 1996.

Because of its collector value, the 1943 copper cent has been counterfeited by coating steel cents with copper or by altering the dates of 1945, 1948, and 1949 pennies.

The easiest way to determine if a 1943 cent is made of steel, and not copper, is to use a magnet. If it sticks to the magnet, it is not copper. If it does not stick, the coin might be of copper and should be authenticated by an expert.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How many 1943 copperhead pennies are in circulation and how much is one worth?
I have heard just by word of mouth that there might be only 11 and that just one could be worth over a half a million dollars. I wonder if there is any truth to that, I am Pennyless

Answer 3

1943 Copper Penny For Sale

Answer 4

1943 Pennies

Answer 5

1943 copperhead pennies circulation worth

Answer 6

The estimated number is about 40 are in circulation.

They are estimated at around $200,000.

To validate:
1 – The coin will not stick to a magnet.
2 – The weight of the coin is 48 grains or 3.11 grams.
3 – The “3” in 1943 has the same long tail as the “steelies.”
4 – The quality of the strike is exceptionally sharp especially around the rim because the bronze coin was struck with the same higher pressure as the steel pennies.

Answer 7

thats the truth 1943 pennys were steel ,while about 10-20 were struck on the copper plachet.big bucks if you have one but there are a lot of fakers. there was talk a few years back that a person had one and it was accidently swept up with some change and put into currculation , everyone was checking their change

Answer 8

http://www.usmint.gov/about_the_mint/fun_facts/index.cfm?flash=yes&action=fun_facts2a