Here’s How To Spot It – This Penny In Circulation is Worth $85,000

Can you identify this rare penny? Coins are often hidden in plain sight and can sometimes be worth much more than their face value. Recently, there’s been a lot of buzz about one coin that could bring in a big payout!

Coin Trackers, the New York Post, KHOU, and Daily Mail UK report that a 1943 copper wheat penny in perfect condition could fetch over $85,000. KHOU spoke with Royal Coin and Jewelry, a Houston dealer that focuses on rare coins, and learned that pennies from 1943 were usually made of steel, coated in zinc to prevent rust. Coin Week explains, “Because copper was needed for World War II efforts, all 1943 cents were planned to be made with zinc-coated steel.”

However, during that year, a few copper blanks accidentally went into the minting process. These “mistake” coins are now valued in the five- and six-figure range. To reach the $85,000 mark, these copper wheat pennies must be in perfect shape. Even if they’re not flawless, these rare coins still sell for around $60,000, as Coin Trackers notes. Saul Teichman, a U.S. Mint error expert, says that collectors are willing to pay a high price for this coin, explaining:

“1943 copper cents hold a special appeal for collectors. Their market value is far higher than other error coins from the same period.” He adds, “Many other World War II error coins are rarer than 1943 copper or 1944 steel cents but don’t sell for as much since they lack that unique appeal.”

Due to recent interest in these pennies, counterfeit versions have flooded the market. Coin Trackers warns that scammers often alter 1948 copper pennies by filing down the left side of the number 8 to resemble a 1943 penny. Others take a standard steel penny and add a copper coating to fake the appearance. To spot a fake, Coin Trackers suggests using a magnet.

As Daily Mail UK explains, “A real copper penny won’t stick to a magnet, but a steel penny with copper plating will.” So, check your collection—you might have one of these valuable pennies! Share this with friends and family—they might have one too!