What is the rarest Lincoln cent?

The 1943 Lincoln Cent, a historic American penny, holds a unique place in numismatics due to its rarity and unusual composition. Specifically, the 1943-S version minted at the San Francisco Mint stands out as the most elusive variant of this coin.

The scarcity of the 1943-S Lincoln Cent stems from an unusual production error. During World War II, the United States government ordered that copper, a vital resource for ammunition, be diverted away from coinage production. As a result, the majority of 1943 pennies were struck on steel planchets coated with zinc to conserve copper.

However, amidst this transition, a small number of 1943 pennies were accidentally minted on bronze alloy, which was typically used for previous years' pennies. The exact reason for this anomaly remains unclear, but it resulted in a highly sought-after rarity among collectors.

The 1943-S Lincoln Cent struck on bronze alloy is particularly noteworthy due to its limited availability. Only six authentic examples of this coin are known to exist, making it a true gem for those passionate about rare coin collecting.

The value of these exceptional coins has soared over time, reflecting their rarity and historical significance. In 1996, one of these bronze 1943 pennies fetched a staggering $82,000 at auction, highlighting the intense demand and appreciation for this unique piece of American history.