The 1943 copper penny is a coin that collectors are eager to add to their collections because of its scarcity and fascinating history. During World War II, copper was a valuable resource used for the war effort, so the U.S. Mint decided to produce pennies made of zinc-coated steel instead of copper. However, some 1943 copper pennies were erroneously made, resulting in a small number of them being incredibly rare and valuable.
In 2018, a 16-year-old boy from Pittsfield, Massachusetts named Don Lutes Jr. found the last known 1943 copper penny. He received the coin in change from a local convenience store in 1947, but it wasn’t until many years later that he learned about its value when he read about the scarcity of the 1943 copper penny.
Lutes had the coin authenticated and graded by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), where it was awarded a grade of MS63BN (mint state 63, brown). It is one of the best-known examples of the 1943 copper penny. The coin was then sold at auction for $204,000 to an anonymous buyer.
Lutes’ discovery of the 1943 copper penny is evidence that ordinary people can still find rare coins in unexpected locations. It also highlights the importance of educating oneself about the worth of coins and other collectibles, as well as the possibility of discovering hidden treasures during routine transactions.
The 1943 copper penny is among the most famous and valuable coins in American numismatics. Although over a billion pennies were minted in 1943, the majority of them were made of zinc-coated steel due to the copper shortage during the war. However, a small number of copper pennies were mistakenly minted that year, making them extremely rare and valuable.
There are only 18 verified examples of the 1943 copper penny according to the PCGS. Out of these 18, only six are in mint state condition. Out of these six, only three have grades higher than MS63BN.
Lutes’ discovery of the 1943 copper penny in 2018 was a significant event in the numismatic world. The last known 1943 copper penny to be discovered was in 2016, when a Texas man discovered one in a roll of coins he had purchased from a bank.
The 1943 copper penny is not only valuable but also enigmatic and contentious. Some specialists believe that the copper pennies were mistakenly made because of leftover copper blanks from the previous year’s production. Others argue that Mint employees deliberately made copper pennies, keeping a few for themselves as mementos or to sell on the black market.
Despite the mystery surrounding the coin’s origin, the rarity and value of the 1943 copper penny have made it a desirable target for counterfeiters. There have been numerous instances of fake 1943 copper pennies being passed off as genuine, so it is essential for collectors to be cautious when buying or selling these coins.
In conclusion, Don Lutes Jr. discovered the last known 1943 copper penny in 2018 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. This valuable and rare coin illustrates the importance of educating oneself about the worth of coins and other collectibles, as well as the possibility of discovering hidden treasures during ordinary transactions. Although the origins of the 1943 copper penny are still a mystery, its scarcity and value are undeniable.
