According to reports from Coin Trackers, the New York Post, KHOU, and Daily Mail UK, a 1943 copper wheat penny in mint condition could be valued at over $85,000. Initially, pennies in 1943 were minted from steel and zinc-plated to prevent corrosion. However, due to a mistake, a small number of copper blanks were used instead.
These “error” coins from 1943 have become highly sought-after by collectors, fetching prices ranging from five to six figures. Even in less pristine conditions, they can still sell for around $60,000 on average, according to Coin Tracker. Experts like Saul Teichman attribute this high value to collectors’ fascination with these unique coins, particularly due to their historical context during World War II.