1943 Penny Value
A worn 1943 penny with no mint mark sells for about 10–50¢.
Uncirculated, that coin brings $2–6, and a certified MS65 brings $12–25. The 1943-S is worth the most: about 20–75¢ even when worn.
It's worth more than face value even when worn. Compare it with the table and check for the varieties below before selling.
Value by mint mark
| Coin | Made | Worn | Uncirculated | MS65 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1943-D | 217,660,000 | 15–60¢ | $2–8 | $15–30 |
| 1943 (no mint mark) | 684,628,670 | 10–50¢ | $2–6 | $12–25 |
| 1943-S | 191,550,000 | 20–75¢ | $4–15 | $25–50 |
Worn means a coin with normal wear from circulation. Uncirculated means no wear at all (MS60 to MS63). MS65 is a certified, near-flawless coin. Cent values in MS65 are for coins with full original red color. Prices tied to silver update with the live silver price.
Find the mint mark
Front of the coin, just below the date. Philadelphia cents have no letter, and neither do the 1964 cents struck in San Francisco or the cents struck at West Point from 1974.
What it's made of
- Zinc-coated steel, 2.7 grams
Melting cents and nickels is not allowed under U.S. Mint rules, so copper and nickel value is a guide only.
Varieties and errors to check
1943 copper (bronze) cent
Look for: A 1943 cent that is copper colored and does NOT stick to a magnet, weighing about 3.1 grams.
One of the most famous U.S. errors; only about two dozen are known from all three mints. Most copper-looking 1943 cents are plated steel or altered dates, so a magnet test comes first.
Typical value: $200,000–350,000
1943-D, D over D
Look for: A second D visible beside the D mint mark.
A recognized repunched mint mark with a premium.
Typical value: $75–200
Mintage
| Coin | Type | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| 1943-D | For circulation | 217,660,000 |
| 1943 (no mint mark) | For circulation | 684,628,670 |
| 1943-S | For circulation | 191,550,000 |
Questions
Is a 1943 penny silver?
No. 1943 pennies are made of zinc-coated steel.
Which 1943 penny is worth the most?
Among regular coins, the 1943-S is worth the most, about $25–50 in MS65. The 1943 copper (bronze) cent is the one to look for: typical examples sell for $200,000–350,000.
Where is the mint mark on a 1943 penny?
Front of the coin, just below the date. Philadelphia cents have no letter, and neither do the 1964 cents struck in San Francisco or the cents struck at West Point from 1974.
Check real sales
Recent sold listings show what coins in your condition actually bring: see sold 1943 pennies on eBay.
Other coins from 1943: 1943 half dollar, 1943 nickel, 1943 quarter, 1943 dime.
More Lincoln cents: all years and mintages.
Values checked October 7, 2026 against several public price guides and auction results. How values work.