We often tag for granted the value of a penny. In fact, the United States Government has though about eliminating the penny from circulation. However, there are many Lincoln pennies worth lots of money. Many are error coins, or Lincoln cents struck on the wrong planchet. This list will help you find out which are the most valuable Lincoln pennies to ever sell at public auction.
#1 1943-D Lincoln Cent
SOLD FOR: $840,000
Struck on a Bronze Planchet
Graded: PCGS MS64BN
The 1943-D 1C Struck on a Bronze Planchet MS64 Brown PCGS, also known as a 1943-D bronze Lincoln cent, is a highly significant numismatic rarity, as it is the only known example from the Denver Mint. This coin's rarity and value are enhanced due to its unique composition, as Lincoln cents in 1943 were typically made from zinc-coated steel to conserve copper for the war effort. This particular coin, however, was mistakenly struck on a bronze planchet.
During World War II, the U.S. Treasury Department switched to zinc-coated steel planchets for Lincoln cents to preserve copper for military use. The 1943 bronze cents were produced accidentally when a few bronze planchets from 1942 remained in the bins and were struck with the 1943 designs. This error occurred at the Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Denver Mints, making these coins extremely rare and sought-after, especially the Denver Mint version.
The coin's origin is somewhat mysterious, with two competing accounts. One theory suggests that it was deliberately created by John R. Sinnock, the chief engraver at the U.S. Mint at the time, as a gift to a woman he was dating. Another theory posits that it was struck by a Denver Mint employee who hand-fed a bronze planchet into the press. Despite these theories, the exact circumstances of its creation remain uncertain.
This particular coin has an intriguing history, having been in private collections and auctioned several times. It was unknown to the numismatic community until 1979 and has changed hands multiple times, fetching record prices. The coin is noted for its excellent condition, sharp strike, and outstanding eye appeal. Its last public sale was in a Goldberg auction in 2003, after which it was privately sold in 2010 for $1.7 million, with the proceeds going to charity. Since then, it has been part of Bob Simpson's collection.
Physically, the coin is described as having well-preserved olive-brown surfaces with hints of crimson and original mint luster. The high-pressure settings of the coin presses in 1943 resulted in a sharply struck coin with fine details visible on Lincoln's hair and the wheat stalks. Small flecks of zinc are embedded in its surfaces, likely remnants from striking the steel cents. The coin's unique status and exceptional quality make it one of the most important and valuable Lincoln cents.
#2 1943-D Lincoln Cent
SOLD FOR: $504,000
Struck on a Bronze Planchet
Graded: PCGS MS643N / CAC Certified
The 1943-S 1C Struck on a Bronze Planchet MS63 Brown PCGS, from the Simpson Collection, is a renowned rarity in American coinage. The 1943 bronze Lincoln cents are famous due to their scarcity and the myths surrounding them, such as the rumored promise by Henry Ford to exchange any 1943 "copper" cent for a new car. This myth, despite being debunked, contributed to the coin's allure and inspired many to search for these rare pieces.
In 1943, during World War II, the U.S. Treasury Department directed the Mint to use zinc-coated steel planchets for cents instead of bronze, to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a few bronze planchets from 1942 got stuck in the bins and were accidentally used in 1943. This error led to the creation of the rare 1943 bronze cents at all three Mints (Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Denver), with only six known examples from the San Francisco Mint.
The rarity of these coins was initially unacknowledged by the U.S. Mint, which denied producing any bronze cents in 1943. It wasn't until the 1960s, when numerous genuine coins had been found and authenticated, that the Mint's denials became implausible. These coins are highly valued, often fetching six-figure sums at auctions.
The history of the 1943-S bronze cent is notable. One of the first discovered examples, this coin was found in a bag of 1943-S cents at the San Diego Bank of America. It has passed through various collectors and dealers, and was previously auctioned before being acquired by Bob Simpson in 2012 for $1 million. This coin was a key piece in Simpson's collection of Lincoln Cents Off-Metal Strikes.
Physically, the coin is the finest-certified example of the 1943-S bronze cents. It showcases sharp design details, a mix of light brown and crimson patina, and a tiny fleck of zinc on the obverse. The coin's quality and appeal are enhanced by its CAC certification. It has been over 20 years since this coin was publicly offered, and it may not be available again for a long time, making it a coveted item for collectors.
#3 1944-S Lincoln Cent
SOLD FOR: $408,000
Struck on a Steel Planchet
Graded: PCGS MS66 / CAC Certified
The 1944-S 1C Struck on a Zinc-Coated Steel Planchet, graded MS66 by PCGS and part of the Simpson Collection, is a unique and highly prized numismatic error. It's the finest certified example of the 1944 "steelie" cents, made at the San Francisco Mint, and the only one in Mint State condition.
During World War II, copper and nickel were crucial for the war effort, leading to changes in U.S. coinage. The 1943 Lincoln cents were notably made from a problematic combination of steel coated with zinc. These steel cents had issues: they rusted, developed a powdery zinc oxide appearance, and didn't work in vending machines that used magnets.
The steel cents of 1944, like the one in question, were off-metal errors probably caused by leftover steel planchets from 1943 being mistakenly used in 1944. While the 1943 copper cents are more famous, the 1944 steel cents are equally rare but less known.
Interestingly, in 1944, the Philadelphia Mint was also making Belgian two franc coins on similar zinc-coated steel planchets, leading to a mix-up of planchets. This may explain why more 1944 steel cents from Philadelphia exist compared to those from Denver or San Francisco.
The 1944-S steel cent in question is remarkable for its preservation and luster. It has a large and well-formed mintmark, with some extra metal at parts of the date. Its excellent condition, rarity, and error nature make it a sought-after piece among collectors. Another known example, graded XF and cleaned, sold for $49,200 in 2018, highlighting the rarity and value of these coins. David W. Lange even suggested that the rarity of this issue makes it practically non-collectible.
#4 1943-P Lincoln Cent
SOLD FOR: $372,000
Struck on a Bronze Planchet
Graded: PCGS MS62 BN / CAC Certified
The 1943 CENT Struck on a Bronze Planchet MS62 Brown PCGS, formerly owned by Marvin Beyer Jr., is a rare numismatic piece. Approximately 20 of these bronze cents from the Philadelphia Mint, one from the Denver Mint, and five from the San Francisco Mint are believed to exist. These coins were mistakenly struck on leftover bronze blanks from 1942 that were mixed in with new zinc-coated steel blanks in 1943.
Marvin Wallace Beyer Jr. discovered this particular coin in circulation around 1957 when he was about 17 years old. The coin gained public attention when Beyer's father spent around $700 on metallurgical testing to verify its authenticity. However, controversy arose when the coin was withdrawn from a 1958 auction last minute, leading to a lawsuit against the Beyers by the auctioneer, Abe Kosoff.
The coin, valued at a reported $40,000 at the time, was later sold to the Greer Company of Los Angeles in 1959. This price was notably high for the era. The coin resurfaced in the public eye during the October 2000 Superior Pre-Long Beach sale and was last auctioned in the Goldberg Coins' Benson Collection sale of February 2003.
This 1943 copper cent is notable for its vibrant blue toning over olive-brown surfaces, with slight weakness in Lincoln's beard but sharp wheat ears and exceptional surfaces for its grade. It is highly valued for both its rarity and eye appeal, making it a significant item among numismatic collectors.
#5 1943-P Lincoln Cent
SOLD FOR: $348,000
Struck on a Bronze Planchet
Graded: PCGS MS62 BN / CAC Certified
The 1943 CENT Struck on a Bronze Planchet MS62 Brown PCGS, formerly owned by Albert Michael Platt, is a highly renowned and sought-after error coin. The 1943 bronze Lincoln cent gained legendary status due to a widespread but false rumor in the late 1940s that Henry Ford would give a new car for a 1943 "copper" cent. Despite the rumor's inaccuracy, it greatly popularized the coin, inspiring numerous ads and stories, and maintaining the public's fascination over time.
These error coins were produced due to a few bronze planchets from 1942 getting stuck in the Mint's tote bins and accidentally being used in 1943. This resulted in a small number of 1943 cents being struck on bronze planchets instead of the intended zinc-coated steel, used to conserve copper for the war effort. This error occurred across all three active U.S. Mints in 1943. While the Philadelphia Mint coins are more common, with an estimated 10-15 examples existing, only a single 1943-D and five or six 1943-S specimens are known.
The coin in question is notable for its sharp design details, particularly in most areas except for some softness on Lincoln's beard. It features glossy walnut-brown surfaces with hints of olive and minor signs of contact. A distinguishing mark above the 4 in the date acts as a pedigree marker. Due to its rarity and appeal, it is expected to attract intense competition from collectors and specialists in error coins.
#6 1943-P Lincoln Cent
SOLD FOR: $336,000
Struck on a Bronze Planchet
Graded: PCGS AU50
The 1943 CENT Struck on a Bronze Planchet, graded AU50 by PCGS, is one of the most famous and coveted error coins in numismatics. This particular coin is a rare example of the 1943 bronze Lincoln cent, an error that occurred during World War II. During the war, copper was diverted from coin production for use in munitions, leading to the production of Lincoln cents on zinc-coated steel planchets. However, some bronze planchets from 1942 accidentally remained in the tote bins at the Mint and were mistakenly used in 1943, resulting in this rare error.
The 1943 bronze cents became legendary due to a false rumor in the late 1940s claiming that Henry Ford would reward anyone who found a 1943 "copper" cent with a new car. Although the rumor was unfounded, it contributed significantly to the coin's fame. When a few of these bronze cents surfaced in circulation in 1947, they sparked widespread interest, inspiring numerous advertisements and stories throughout the 1950s and 60s. This publicity captured the public's imagination, making these coins highly desirable and valuable.
The coin in question is a remarkable AU50 example, showing minimal wear and well-detailed design elements. It has light abrasions and a few scattered ticks, but remains in impressive condition with a pleasing reddish-brown patina, adding to its eye appeal. As a classic American rarity, it is a highly attractive piece for collectors of Lincoln cents or error coins, and its auction appearance is anticipated to draw significant interest.
#7 1943-P Lincoln Cent
SOLD FOR: $240,000
Struck on a Bronze Planchet
Graded: PCGS AU50
The 1943 CENT Struck on a Bronze Planchet, graded AU50 by PCGS, is one of the most famous and coveted error coins in numismatics. This particular coin is a rare example of the 1943 bronze Lincoln cent, an error that occurred during World War II. During the war, copper was diverted from coin production for use in munitions, leading to the production of Lincoln cents on zinc-coated steel planchets. However, some bronze planchets from 1942 accidentally remained in the tote bins at the Mint and were mistakenly used in 1943, resulting in this rare error.
The 1943 Bronze Planchet AU55 NGC, CAC cent is a notable numismatic anomaly. During World War II, the usual copper for coining bronze cents was diverted to munitions manufacturing. Consequently, zinc-coated steel was chosen as a substitute after various experiments with materials including plastic, rubber, bakelite, fiber, and glass, which were deemed unsuitable for circulation. Among the alternatives tested for the 1943 cent alloy were zinc, manganese, white metal, aluminum, and lead, with zinc-coated steel emerging as the best option, exemplified by the pattern cent Judd-2054.
All three operational mints at the time—Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco—produced approximately one billion magnetic "steelie" cents in 1943. These coins, however, were unpopular due to their silver color and similarity in size to dimes, leading to confusion and rapid discoloration. The subsequent accumulation of spent copper ammunition cases by the U.S. military reduced the need for the new alloy, and copper was reintroduced in cent coinage post-1943, rendering the steel cent a one-year experiment.
The vast production of 1943 cents made it inevitable that some would be erroneously struck on bronze planchets meant for 1942 cents. This was likely due to leftover planchets in transport bins or feeders, or incomplete emptying of bins before switching to zinc-plated steel. A few bronze cents were thus minted at each facility in 1943. In 1944, with the return to bronze alloy, there were again some errors, with coins struck in zinc-plated steel, notably less rare than the 1943 bronze cents, partly because the U.S. Mint used zinc-plated steel cent planchets for striking 1944 two franc pieces for Belgium.
The discovery of the 1943 bronze cents didn't occur until March 1947, when 16-year-old Don Lutes, Jr. received one in change. The first public report came from Cleveland physician Conrad Ottelin, whose letter about his son's discovery appeared in The Numismatist in 1947. Additional finds have been made over the years, fueled in part by the unfounded rumor of the Ford Motor Company offering a new car for a 1943 bronze cent.
Currently, PCGS estimates there are only 10 to 15 known 1943 Philadelphia bronze cents, with a single known 1943-D bronze cent and only five 1943-S examples. Any auction appearance of a 1943 bronze cent is significant for advanced Wheat Cent collectors.
#8 1944-P Lincoln Cent
SOLD FOR: $240,000
Struck on a Zinc-Coated Steel
Graded: PCGS MS64
The 1944 1C Struck on a Zinc-Coated Steel Planchet, graded MS64 by PCGS, is a significant piece in the world of numismatics, known for being one of the rarest transitional alloy mint errors. While the 1943 bronze cent is the most famous of these errors, the 1944 steel cent is also well-recognized and exceedingly scarce, with only about 25 to 30 known examples. In 1944, the Philadelphia Mint officially used the zinc-coated steel alloy to mint two franc pieces for Belgium, which may contribute to the higher collectibility of the 1944 steel cent compared to the estimated 10 to 15 surviving 1943 bronze cents.
The creation of the 1944 steel cents is typically attributed to a few steel planchets, originally intended for either 1943 Lincoln cents or 1944 Belgian two francs, being mistakenly struck with 1944 cent dies. These planchets likely got stuck in a tote bin trap door and were only released when the bin was refilled with bronze cent planchets.
Regarding grading, NGC has certified only four 1944 steel cents, all in AU grades, while PCGS has graded ten examples, with eight in Mint State and two in AU, but none exceeding MS64 grade. A notable sale of a PCGS CAC example at MS64 fetched $158,625 in an August 2013 Stack's Bowers auction.
The coin discussed here is distinct from other known examples, including the PCGS MS64 Bob Simpson specimen. It features untoned surfaces with minimal marks and a slightly blended impression on Lincoln's jaw and cheekbone. Identifying marks include a small gray freckle near the second 4 in the date and another between the EN in CENT.
In 1983, the U.S. Mint produced a few more transitional alloy errors as the bronze alloy transitioned to copper-plated zinc, but these later errors are less renowned and sought after than their World War II-era counterparts. The owner of this lot will have a premier example of the rare 1944 zinc-coated steel cent. As of May 2021, its population stands at 4 in the MS64 grade, with none finer.
