In an fantastic twist that sounds straight out of a treasure hunt, a 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny has been unearthed below a floorboard in a Pennsylvania home and it just shattered facts via selling for an high-quality $375,000 at public sale.
This reputedly everyday coin is one of the rarest and maximum coveted mistakes in U.S. Numismatic records, and its rediscovery is sparking new pleasure amongst creditors and coin hunters alike.
A Penny Worth a Fortune
During World War II, the U.S. Mint shifted penny production from copper to zinc-covered metal to conserve copper for wartime production. However, a few bronze planchets (coin blanks) mistakenly remained inside the minting machines at some point of this transition. These error coins struck in bronze instead of steel were not meant to exist and were never released intentionally.
It’s estimated that fewer than 20 proper 1943 bronze pennies exist nowadays. The rarity of the coin, mixed with its brilliant condition, led to the remarkable $375,000 sale rate placing a brand new report for this form of coin in 2025.
Hidden Treasure: Found Under Floorboards
The coin was discovered during the renovation of a 1940s home in Philadelphia. While removing old wooden floorboards, the homeowner noticed a strange-looking penny lodged between the floorboards and joists. Its reddish-brown hue instantly stood out among more modern coins.
Curious, the homeowner had the coin authenticated by a professional grading service, which confirmed it as a genuine 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent, in Mint State (MS-62) condition. The auction house described it as “one of the most well-preserved examples ever discovered outside of a collection.”
Why the 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny Is So Rare
During World War II, copper was in high call for for ammunition and navy system. To preserve assets, the U.S. Mint produced pennies from zinc-lined metal in 1943 in place of the standard bronze (copper and tin alloy).
However, a small quantity of bronze planchets were mistakenly left within the coin presses, leading to a restrained batch of 1943 bronze Lincoln pennies. Experts estimate that best 20 to 40 real examples exist these days, making this coin one of the most coveted inside the collecting world.
Record-Breaking Auction Sale
Here’s a quick image of ways a lot those rare coins have sold for through the years:
| Year of Sale | Coin Grade | Auction Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | MS64BN | $1.7 million |
| 2019 | AU58BN | $252,000 |
| 2021 | MS62BN | $372,000 |
| 2025 | AU50 | $375,000 |
How to Identify a 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny
If you believe you studied you can very own this kind of uncommon cash, here are some key characteristics to appearance out for:
- Color: Bronze pennies appear reddish-brown in comparison to the silvery-metallic of not unusual 1943 cents.
- Magnet Test: Steel pennies are magnetic; bronze pennies aren’t.
- Weight: Bronze pennies weigh round 3.11 grams, while steel versions weigh towards 2.7 grams.
- Mint Mark: Look for a 1943 date with or without mint marks like D (Denver) or S (San Francisco).
How It Was Found: A Collector’s Dream
The coin became determined at some point of a routine floors replacement in a century-vintage home. It turned into mendacity beneath layers of timber and dirt, completely forgotten for decades. After noticing the unusual shade and date, the home owner determined to have the coin professionally examined.
This occasion has reignited excitement among collectors and ordinary humans alike, inspiring many to revisit their own coin jars, attic containers, and garage boxes in hopes of locating hidden treasure.
What This Means for Collectors
For numismatists and casual hobbyists, this sale underscores the significance of knowing what to look for:
- Rare coins can turn up anywhere in drawers, change jars, old books, or maybe beneath your toes.
- Proper assessment and grading are important before considering a sale.
- Coins with ancient importance, minting errors, or low surviving populations tend to attract excessive bids at auctions.
Conclusion
The discovery of a 1943 bronze Lincoln penny under a floorboard and its $375,000 auction fee is a fascinating reminder that treasures can be hiding in undeniable sight. With simplest a handful of those coin recognized to exist, each new locate captures the creativeness of creditors and records buffs alike. Whether you’re a committed numismatist or simply a person cleaning out an attic, it’s really worth taking a second examine your vintage coin. You will be sitting on a piece of American records and a small fortune.
FAQ’s
How can I verify if my 1943 penny is product of bronze?
Use a magnet first if it’s non-magnetic and reddish in colour, it’s a candidate. Have it weighed after which evaluated through a coin grading professional.
Can I sell a coin like this by myself?
It’s quality to undergo a reputable public sale residence or coin dealer to make certain authentication, grading, and the highest possible return.
Are all 1943 pennies valuable?
No
