How much does a 1943 copper penny weigh?

It weighs less than 3 grams. 1943 copper pennies weigh about 3.11 grams, while the 1943 steel penny weighs 2.7 grams. If your 1943 copper penny doesn’t weigh at least 3 grams, it’s most likely a steel cent. It has a date that doesn’t look right.

Why are 1943 copper pennies so rare?

The 1943 Copper Penny is extremely valuable due to its rarity. In 1943, to conserve copper for World War II efforts, the U.S. Mint produced pennies made of steel coated with zinc. However, a very small number of pennies were mistakenly struck on leftover copper planchets from the previous year, making them a rare collector's item.

What kind of pennies were minted in 1943?

The steel penny minted in 1943 is part of the series known as Lincoln cents or pennies. They get their name from the image on their obverse, a portrait of President Abraham Lincoln. Most Lincoln pennies are made of copper, giving them a red or brown color. But 1943 pennies are silver-toned, and are known as “steel pennies”.